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Piano Day 2023 at the Barbican

Piano Day returns to the Barbican’s music programme on the 88th day of the year, celebrating the number of keys on a piano. In its fifth year at the Barbican ,this year’s line-up includes Neil Cowley, Alexandra Hamilton Ayres, Tawiah, Hughie Gavin, Vince Pope, AVAWAVES, Angus MacRae, Oliver Patrice Weder, Mara Simpson, Natalia Tsupryk and Frances Shelley. Performances will take place from 5pm on the Barbican FreeStage on Level G and admission is free.

Founded in 2015, Piano Day is an annual worldwide event brought to life by composer, producer and celebrated performer Nils Frahm and a group of likeminded people. The event aims to raise the profile of the piano globally, inspiring more piano players of all ages and abilities as well as promoting piano playing in public spaces.

Nils Frahm says: “Why does the world need a Piano Day? For many reasons. But mostly, because it doesn’t hurt to celebrate the piano and everything around it: performers, composers, piano builders, tuners, movers and most important, the listener.”

Produced by the Barbican in association with Manners McDade

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Kaushiki Chakraborty Masterclass 

The day after her performance in the Barbican Hall on 1 April, Hindustani classical vocalist Kaushiki Chakraborty will host a public masterclass and presentation on her astonishing khayal vocal technique and opulent, inventive style. The masterclass will provide tips on developing voice flexibility and how to design your ‘riaaz’ (practice) regime, along with insight into Patiala gharana, one of the vocal gharanas of Hindustani classical music. The presentation will feature her own personal archive recordings of her father and guru, Pandit Ajoy Chakraborty.

Kaushiki Chakraborty says: “One has to mentally align oneself to the form...My training has taught me two approaches to music – to do music and or to become it. The latter gives you the fluidity to transcend form and become one with it."

Produced by Darbar in association with the Barbican.

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