MK Piano Celebration is founded on a vision of providing local amateur players a positive opportunity to perform to a supportive audience, without competition or public adjudication.
The full-day event is sponsored by Pianodao and organised by Andrew Eales in conjunction with local piano teachers, with sessions for players of all ages, culminating in an inspiring evening recital.
This year, the MK Piano Celebration will be held:
- on Saturday 21st November 2026
- at The Chrysalis Theatre, Willen
- children’s events from 10.00am (see below)
- adult piano club event at 5.00pm (see below)
For information about how you or your child can take part in event, and for Performer Booking links, please scroll down.
Evening Recital
Time: 7.00-9.00pm
An inspiring professional concert suitable for the whole family
• Introduced by and featuring Andrew Eales
• Performance by composer Garreth Brooke (below, left)
• Performance by concert pianist Tim Horton (below, right).
• Tickets will cost £16.00 (adults) and are free for children
Everyone who performs earlier in the day can come FREE.
Tim Horton is one of the UK’s leading pianists, equally at home in solo and chamber repertoire, and is regularly invited to perform at major festivals and series across the country.
Tim gave his debut solo recital at Wigmore Hall in 2016, since which time he has appeared there regularly as both soloist and collaborative artist, and where he recently completed his Chopin Cycle. find out more
Tim’s programme is as follows:
Ludwig van Beethoven: Piano Sonata in F minor, op. 2, no. 1
Frédéric François Chopin: Ballade no. 1 in G minor, op. 23
Ludwig van Beethoven: Piano Sonata in F minor, op. 57, “Appassionata”
Garreth Brooke is a British/German musician whose original music has been released on several labels, and has received millions of streams.
Garreth has performed live all over Europe, and his compositions have been published by Breitkopf & Härtel, Faber Music, and Editions Musica Ferrum. find our more
It’s all about the music!
The following four events are available for local players:
- The daytime children’s concerts are private, informal performances
- Players taking part are invited to bring up to six family members or friends to freely enjoy the performance.
- Please note that each performer can only play in one event.
To perform in the Celebration, you will need to book a Performer Pass. These are purchased from the TryBooking website, using the booking links shown below.
Please note: all children must be accompanied by an identified Responsible Adult throughout their time at the event. The responsible adult (and all others) will need to purchase their own ticket for the Evening Recital if attending.
When booking you will need to give your contact details, and provisionally state the music you wish to play, although you will be able to change this up until one week before the event.
The Performer Pass costs £16.00, which includes:
• The opportunity to perform at this unique and supportive event
• FREE daytime audience attendance for up to six people
• FREE admission of the performer to the rest of the event, including the Evening Recital
CHILDREN’S PIANO PARTY • 10.30-11.30
• For Pre-School and Primary School age
• Level: beginners, to around Grade 2
• Players may perform up to three pieces/duets
• Total performance time: up to 3 minutes
• Purchase a Performer Pass • Children’s Piano Party
YOUNG PERFORMERS PLATFORM • 12.00-13.00
• For all players up to the age of 18
• Any level up to around Grade 4
• Players may perform one or two pieces/duets
• Total performance time: up to 3 minutes.
• Purchase a Performer Pass • Young Performers
ADVANCED RECITAL • 15.00-16.00
• For any player up to the age of 18
• Level: Grade 5 and above
• Players may perform one longer piece/duet
• Total performance time: up to 5 minutes.
• Purchase a Performer Pass • Advanced Recital
PIANO CLUB: ADULT PIANISTS • 17.00-18.00
• For adults who attend the MK Adult Piano Club
• Players may perform one piece/duet
• Total performance time: up to 5 minutes.
• Purchase a Performer Pass • Adult Pianists
Any questions?
Do audience members need tickets?
• Tickets are not required for the daytime events.
• While the Theatre seats up to 200, daytime performers should avoid bringing more than 6 people to prevent overcrowding.
• Admission is FREE at all events except the Evening Recital, for which valid tickets must be presented on arrival (or a daytime Performer Pass)
Why ask performers to “pay to play”?
• The MK Piano Celebration is a community project, not a profit-making exercise. We need to break even to keep going, but want to encourage performers to bring their whole family along to support them, without cost being an issue.
• We also want to encourage as many players as possible to come to our inspiring Evening Recital, which we’ve made free to all who perform earlier in the day, and we very much hope to see you there!
Do all children/teens need to be accompanied by adults?
• Yes, absolutely. This is a part of our safeguarding policy, and we expect a responsible adult to accompany every child on site at all times.
• Applications for children to perform must include a nominated Responsible Adult and their contact number.
• Accompanying adults can come free to daytime events, but must purchase a standard adult ticket for the Evening Recital.
What is the dress code for performers?
• Performers should please dress in comfortable, smart-casual clothes.
Will there be refreshments?
• The Theatre bar will hopefully again be open to purchase drinks.
• Availability will be confirmed nearer the date.
Is there plenty of car parking?
• The Chrysalis Theatre offers free parking on site, but this cannot be guaranteed for all coming to this event.
• Additional parking is available at the nearby Peace Pagoda, but charges may apply.
We are excited to see you at the MK Piano Celebration 2026.
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