WORLD-RENOWNED pianists are to visit Taunton School next month for its first three-day Piano Festival.

Workshops, recitals and concerts will take place across the leading independent school from Friday to Sunday, June 13-15.

The prestigious event is open to the public, and is part of its music education partnership with Yamaha, the world’s largest music brand.

The festival gets under way on the Friday evening with a concert in the Chapel, entitled ‘Two Pianos and Friends’.

The following morning there will be a workshop for students from Taunton School and other local schools given by critically-acclaimed Harry ‘the Piano’ Harris.

Harry’s credits include his own show on Radio Two, five years as resident pianist on Channel 4’s Big Breakfast and being described by chat show host Jonathan Ross as “the best pianist in the civilised world.”

Saturday afternoon sees a masterclass by international concert pianist Martin Roscoe, who has performed or recorded more than 100 concertos, appeared at seven BBC Proms and is one of the most regularly played pianists on BBC Radio 3.

At 6.30pm he will give a recital in the Chapel – with a programme to include music by Beethoven, Chopin and Brahms – and, later that evening, Harry ‘the Piano’ will return to give a cabaret show in his distinctive style in the Old Library.

Sunday, the final day of the festival, will involve a selection of piano workshops and performances in association with the European Piano Teachers’ Association (EPTA) and Yamaha.

These will be led by Professor Michael Young.

The Saturday recital and cabaret show are both ticketed events and these are available to purchase (£15 each) via www.tauntonboxoffice.co.uk

Taunton School’s Director of Music, Mark Cracknell, said: “From top international recitalists to music for two pianos and workshops and master-classes with talented students, this weekend promises to be a wonderful celebration of the piano and high quality music making.

“We are proud to be in musical partnership with Yamaha, guaranteeing our pupils access to the highest quality instruments and musical experiences.

“The concerts and workshops are open to all who have an interest in the piano and I would strongly encourage people to come along to the events as performers or as audience members.”