Wales International
Piano Festival
15 – 18 October 2021
About the Festival
Organised by Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias and under the artistic leadership of international pianist Iwan Llewelyn-Jones, the 2020 Wales International Piano Festival (now held in 2021) will explore three key areas, namely performance, competition, and education.
The Festival will pay homage to Ludwig van Beethoven and his considerable pianistic legacy as we celebrated the 250th anniversary of his birth in 2020. Other festival themes include the centenary of Saint-Saëns’ death in 2021 and the promotion of new music from Wales.
The Festival will be a combination of virtual evening concerts streamed online and daytime live events at Galeri Caernarfon.
Honorary Patron: John Lill CBE
Honorary President: John Metcalf MBE
Our Competitions
Junior Solo Piano Competition
Senior Solo Piano Competition
Piano Accompaniment Competition
No age restriction
Opening Concert: Llŷr Williams Piano Recital
Available from 15 October, 7:30pm to 18 October, 10:00pm
Virtual Concert
Schubert: Impromptu D.935 No.2
Beethoven: Sonata no.18 in E flat Major, op.31 no.3 ‘The Hunt’
Chopin: Nocturne in D flat major Op.27 No.2
Chopin: Sonata no.2 in B-flat minor, op.35
Commissions Concert & Beethoven Archduke Trio
Saturday, 16 October, 7:30pm – Virtual Concert
Part 1: Festival Commissions
Joseph Davies – ap Huw Sampler
Bethan Morgan-Williams – Cusan Aderyn
Pwyll ap Sion – Die verrückten mädchen von
Sarah Lianne Lewis – Clychau
Rhan 2: Beethoven – Archduke Trio
Artistiaid / Artists: Sara Trickey (violin), Sebastian Van Kuijk (cello), Iwan Llewelyn-Jones (piano), Alys Roberts (soprano).
Saint-Saëns’ Carnival of the Animals Concert
Sunday, 17 October, 6:30pm – Virtual Concert
Glian Llwyd and Teleri-Sian (piano), Elin Taylor (cello), Catrin Toffoc and Mair Tomos Ifans (storytellers) with children from Ysgol Edmwnd Prys, Gellilydan and Ysgol Cybi, Holyhead.
On the Horizon: Gwenno Morgan
Saturday, 16 October, 3:30 – 4:15pm, Sgwâr Galeri.
A series of dreamy and minimalistic compositions – including arrangements of Welsh folk melodies, along with original cinematic pieces from her debut EP, CYFNOS.
Sonant
Sunday, 17 October, 1:00pm-1:45pm, Sgwâr Galeri.
Sian James & Sioned Webb
Competition Finals
Final Stage Senior Solo Piano Competition
18 October 2021
11:15am, Theatr Galeri
Come to listen to the 4 pianists selected for the final performing a programme of solo piano music not exceeding 25 minutes.
Price: £6 a session
or £10 for the day
Final Stage Piano Accompaniment Competition
18 October 2021
2:30pm, Theatr Galeri
The four accompanists selected for the final will perform with soprano Alys Mererid Roberts and violinist Sara Trickey.
Price: £6 a session
or £10 for the day
The public are warmly invited to watch the first and final rounds of the competition live at Galeri Caernarfon. See the timetable.
If attending Festival events at Galeri remember to:
Wear a face covering unless exempt
Follow the one way system within the building
Register your attendance at the Festival desk
Take a Lateral Flow test at home before attending if possible
Sponsor a Note
If you wish to make a financial contribution towards the Wales International Piano Festival 2021, why not Sponsor a Note!
You can select your own piano key, and with 88 in all, you’ll be spoilt for choice! Might you be an A♭ or D♯!?
The Latest News
World’s biggest Beethoven bust is a massive hit
A giant bust of Beethoven is wowing visitors to an arts centre – and heading for the record books. The huge pȃpier-maché and timber sculpture at Galeri in Caernarfon is believed to be the world’s biggest version of the stellar composer’s head. The massive model, 5ft...
Piano virtuoso Llŷr Williams headlines at festival
World renowned pianist Llyr Williams will headline a virtual concert at a top festival. The Wrexham-born maestro will perform works by Beethoven, Chopin and Schubert on a stunning new Steinway piano for the Wales International Piano Festival. It will be the first time...
Piano Day Concert
Here is a link to a concert showing some of the highlights of our Piano Day held recently.
Due to the ongoing situation in relation to Covid-19, we have decided to reschedule the festival to the 15 – 18 October 2021. Learn More
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Our Sponsors
The Wales International Piano Festival is organised by Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias (William Mathias Music Centre).
Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias provides valuable opportunities for students of music at its centres in Caernarfon, Denbigh and Ruthin and through its community events throughout Wales.