Pianofest Is Back With 14 Concerts In 2019

Each summer, Pianofest in the Hamptons brings a festival full of classical music performances to the East End. The festival-school offers exceptionally concentrated study to a small group of pianists selected by audition. Weekly evening concerts featuring these emerging artists occur at different venues throughout the Hamptons. This summer is no exception and the 2019 festival runs June 24 to August 12 with 14 concerts by highly gifted pianists from around the world .In addition to the Southampton Cultural Center, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in East Hampton, and Avram Theater on the campus of Stony Brook Southampton, Pianofest expands this year to include two additional concerts at Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center. All concerts feature curated evenings of world-class music and an opportunity to meet the artists during post-concert receptions.

Founded by Paul Schenly, Pianofest began as a creative vision—a community of pianists and piano-lovers surrounded by nature's wonder of the East End. With the help of artist-in-residence Konstantin Soukhovetski, Pianofest live-streamed the Monday night concerts throughout the entire season last year and reached nearly 10,000 views in total. Pianofest looks forward to pursuing more live-streaming this coming summer

Nearly 500 pianists have passed through the festival-school in its 31-year history. The teaching at Pianofest stresses an ethic based on support rather than competition. In addition to emphasizing the solo repertoire, students accompany each other in concertos and explore the duo piano literature. Pianofest also offers pianists an opportunity to nurture their own friendships, performance opportunities, and contacts with the residents of the community. Practice sessions and master classes take place in a classic Hamptons’ manse where 11 grand pianos are actively used­, including one in the kitchen.

All tickets are $20 per person (students free) at the door only for Southampton and East Hampton concerts. Tickets are $23 at the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center. No reservations needed. A reception to meet the artists follows each concert. For information call 631-329-9115 or visit pianofest.com.

Southampton Concerts:

Levitas Center for the Arts at Southampton Cultural Center

25 Pond Lane

Monday, June 24, 5 p.m. (Season Opening)

Avram Theater, Southampton

239 Montauk Highway

All concerts begin at 5 p.m.

Monday, July 1

Monday, July 8

Monday, July 15

Monday, July 22

Monday, July 29

Monday, August 5

Monday, August 12

East Hampton Concerts:

St. Luke’s Episcopal Church

18 James Lane, East Hampton

All concerts begin at 6 p.m.

Wednesday, June 26

Wednesday, July 10

Wednesday, July 24

Wednesday, August 7

Westhampton Concerts:

Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center

76 Main Street, Westhampton Beach

All concerts begin at 7 p.m.

Thursday, June 27

Thursday, August 8