Your ultimate guide to the Flagstaff Piano Festival

The fourth annual Flagstaff Piano Festival brings world-class pianists to NAU June 21-28 with 21 events, including starry concerts at Lowell Observatory.

Classical music enthusiasts and piano aficionados are in for a treat this summer as Flagstaff prepares to host its fourth annual Piano Festival. The weeklong celebration of musical excellence, scheduled for June 21-28 at Northern Arizona University‘s Kitt School of Music, promises an extraordinary lineup of performances, masterclasses, and competitions featuring both acclaimed artists and emerging talents.

A diverse program of musical excellence

The festival features 21 distinct piano events, bringing together nine distinguished faculty and guest artists, including renowned pianists John O’Conor, Steven Spooner, Angela Cheng, Alvin Chow, and Sofya Gulyak. These accomplished musicians will perform a varied repertoire spanning multiple centuries and styles, from baroque pieces to contemporary compositions.

Festival founder and artistic director Silvan Negruțiu told the NAU Review that he anticipates over 1,500 attendees throughout the week-long celebration. “Those attending the events, regardless of musical background and expertise, can expect to experience the transformative power of immersion in the most elevated form of pianistic artistry and pedagogy,” Negruțiu said. “It often happens that someone would decide to attend one concert or masterclass, only to be inspired to return to Kitt Recital Hall every day throughout the week.”

Unique venue experiences

The festival breaks traditional boundaries by venturing into Flagstaff’s most iconic locations. Young performers will take the stage under actual stars at Lowell Observatory’s “Starry Night” concert on June 22, creating an atmospheric blend of celestial wonder and musical artistry. The week concludes with an ambitious outdoor finale at Arizona Snowbowl on June 28, where “Mountaintop” will showcase emerging talent against the backdrop of Northern Arizona’s peaks.

These unconventional venues reflect the festival’s mission to bring classical music into the community’s everyday spaces. According to Negruțiu, the programming deliberately weaves together musical traditions from different centuries, creating performances that resonate with both seasoned classical music lovers and curious newcomers.

Festival accessibility

The festival maintains its commitment to making classical music accessible to all, with most concerts offering free admission. For the guest artist concerts, inexpensive tickets can be purchased at www.nau.edu/cto/music, with complimentary tickets available for youth and students. The event includes both public concerts and masterclasses, along with the festival’s Piano Academy and Competition featuring 24 young artists. For complete festival details and schedule, visit the Flagstaff Piano Festival website.

This story was generated in part by AI and edited by the Copper Courier staff. This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

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