Festival Reveal & Friends Launch
Description
Join us for a relaxed evening of music and conversation at Bonners Piano Centre Newcastle, where we'll officially unveil our 2027 festival programme, tell you all about our brand new Friends of Newcastle Piano Festival scheme, and some of our wonderful artists will give a glimpse of what's to come in next year's programme!
You'll be welcomed by our festival team, invited to enjoy some refreshments and will see taster performances of:
-8 Hands Extravaganza! - four electrifying musicians around two pianos
-Caroline Page and Annie Ball performing Für Elise as you've never heard it before... What if Beethoven was born in Havana?
-Steve Luck, festival patron and composer, performing moving original compositions
-Paul Taylor giving a taste of his incredible piano improvisation
Each Festival Friend ticket includes entry to the Reveal Event for you + one guest. Under-18s attend free.
Just off the A1, Bonners Piano Centre is easily accessible and has parking available just outside.
We look forward to seeing you!
FAQs
- What can I expect at the Reveal Event?
A special evening celebrating the launch of Newcastle Piano Festival 2027. We’ll reveal some of our plans for the year ahead, with live musical tasters, refreshments and the chance to meet members of the festival team, artists and fellow piano lovers.
- How do tickets for the Reveal Event work?
Your ticket is also your Festival Friends 2027 contribution. Simply choose the level at which you’d like to support the festival — £25, £50, £100, £150 or £200 — and your booking includes your place and bringing an additional guest at our Reveal Event as well as becoming a Festival Friend for 2027. (Children under 18 are welcome to attend the reveal event for free)
- Why are there different ticket prices?
We want people to be able to support Newcastle Piano Festival at a level that feels right for them. Every Festival Friend is valued, whichever level you choose, and your contribution directly supports our work and helps us make the 2027 festival possible. One ticket is for you a one additional guest. Under 18s attend for free.
- What does being a Festival Friend include?
As a Festival Friend, you’ll be part of the community helping Newcastle Piano Festival grow. Friends will enjoy special benefits throughout the year, including exclusive invitations and ticket offers, as well as being among the first to hear festival news and announcements. You can also bring an additional guest with you to the reveal event.
- What if I want to become a Festival Friend but can’t attend the Reveal Event?
Simply choose our Festival Friends donation option instead. You’ll become a Festival Friend for 2027 and receive the same Friends benefits without booking a place at the Reveal Event.
- Do I need to know lots about classical music or the piano?
Not at all. Newcastle Piano Festival is for everyone — from dedicated pianists and music lovers to people who are simply curious. We want the festival, and our Friends community, to feel friendly, informal and welcoming.
- Will there be refreshments?
Yes. Our hosts at Bonners Newcastle will be providing refreshments for the evening, so you can enjoy a drink while discovering what’s coming in 2027 and enjoying the live music.
Lineup
Annie Ball – Festival Director & Pianist
Annie Ball is a pianist, educator and founder and director of Newcastle Piano Festival. A graduate of Trinity College of Music, Annie has over 20 years’ experience as a performer and teacher. She founded Newcastle Piano Festival in 2023 with a vision to celebrate the piano in all its forms, bringing together professional artists, emerging musicians, students and audiences through inspiring performances, creative collaborations and opportunities to take part.
Steve Luck - Festival Patron & Pianist
Steve Luck is an award-winning Newcastle-based composer, pianist and educator, and Patron of Newcastle Piano Festival. His music has been performed and broadcast widely, and he is a passionate advocate for creativity, collaboration and new music. As Festival Patron, Steve plays an active role in supporting the festival, mentoring emerging musicians and championing opportunities for composers and performers across the North East.
Venera Bojvova - Pianist
Venera Bojkova is an internationally experienced pianist and educator. A graduate of the Bulgarian National Academy of Music, she has performed and recorded internationally and has taught piano and harp at Newcastle and Durham Universities for over 20 years. She is also a highly respected teacher and adjudicator, and a passionate advocate for collaborative music-making. Venera is a valued member of the Newcastle Piano Festival artistic team, bringing warmth, experience and a spirit of musical adventure to the festival.
Alison Gill - Pianist
Alison Gill is a pianist, teacher and collaborative musician based in the North East. A graduate of the Royal Academy of Music, she specialises in accompaniment and collaborative piano and has extensive experience as both a performer and educator. Alison performs with Newcastle Piano Festival as part of our Eight Hands Extravaganza, joining fellow professional pianists for one of the festival’s most energetic and joyful events.
Yoshie Kawamura - Pianist
Yoshie Kawamura is an internationally experienced pianist and educator based in Newcastle. She studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama before continuing her studies at the Musikhochschule Freiburg in Germany. She is also co-founder of Brundibár Arts Festival and teaches at The Glasshouse and Durham University. Yoshie is a regular performer at Newcastle Piano Festival, including as one of the professional pianists in our Eight Hands Extravaganza and a coach on our participatory duet project.
Caroline Page - Pianist
Caroline Page is a Cambridge-educated professional musician, pianist and founder and Artistic Director of Harmony’s Music Club. A former University Instrumental Award holder and Choral Scholar, Caroline combines a strong classical background with a passion for making exceptional music engaging and accessible to new audiences. She joins Newcastle Piano Festival for Beethoven 200, collaborating with Annie Ball in a playful celebration of Beethoven’s music and extraordinary musical legacy marking 200 years since the composer’s death in 1827.
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