Walled City Music Festival

Walled City Music Festival Walled City Music is the leading promoter of classical, contemporary and choral music in the North West of Northern Ireland
🌐 https://walledcitymusic.com

The Walled City Music Festival takes place annually in the distinct and historical city of Derry, Northern Ireland. The city, being one of the few walled cities left in the world, is a truly unique and exciting experience for the musicians and audience attending the music festival. The Walled City Music Festival returns in 2021 in a new virtual format with a stunning line-up of world-class musicia

ns and ensembles from across the world. Audiences will be treated to recitals and concerts from guest artists including world-renowned Irish pianist Barry Douglas, contemporary jazz p(f)unk band Miyamoto is Black Enough, Canadian soprano Measha Brueggergosman, revered cellist Li-Wei Qin and virtuosic sibling duo Kirill and Alexandra Troussov (violin, piano). Co-Artistic Directors Cathal Breslin (Derry) and Sabrina Hu (Texas) will feature in a stunning collaboration of music and dance with the Arizona State University Dance Faculty. This performance will feature an eclectic mix of modern, hip hop and salsa dancing set to music by local traditional Irish musicians and five Irish composers; Linda Buckley, Greg Caffrey, Donnacha Dennehy, Jonathan Nangle and Christopher Norby. Additionally, the festival will present a series of podcasts featuring interviews with guest speakers, zoom workshops for aspiring composers, and a short highlights series from the hugely successful 2020 Walled City Music International Online Piano Competition. The Festival was founded in 2008 by Derry-born pianist Dr. Cathal Breslin and American flautist Dr. Sabrina Hu, in order to create access and opportunities to great Artistry, something that was not available when Cathal was growing up in Northern Ireland during the "Troubles". The Festival will feature world renowned classical musicians who are willing to contribute to the long-term cultural development both in the city and in Northern Ireland. It is our goal to have a dramatic impact on the youth and all communities; through hearing inspirational concerts and provide classes they can participate in; and to place Derry on the international map for classical music. Please show your support by becoming a Friend of the Festival, or donate via our website (our registered Charity no. is XT20573):
Kindly supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and KPMG.

We are delighted to welcome one of Ireland’s most celebrated musicians to this year’s Walled City Music International Ac...
19/06/2026

We are delighted to welcome one of Ireland’s most celebrated musicians to this year’s Walled City Music International Academy.

Since winning Gold Medal at the Tchaikovsky International Piano Competition in Moscow, Barry has enjoyed an extraordinary international career, performing on many of the world's most prestigious stages and collaborating with leading orchestras across the globe.

As part of this year's Academy, Barry will work directly with our students through two exclusive masterclasses, sharing the insight, experience, and musical wisdom gained from a lifetime at the highest level of performance.

It is a privilege to have an artist of Barry's calibre join us in Derry this summer, and we know his sessions will be a highlight of the Academy experience for our participants.

We are delighted to welcome internationally renowned pianist Kathryn Stott to this year's Walled City Music Internationa...
17/06/2026

We are delighted to welcome internationally renowned pianist Kathryn Stott to this year's Walled City Music International Academy.

A celebrated performer, chamber musician, educator, and artistic curator, Kathryn has enjoyed a remarkable career spanning the world's leading concert halls, festivals, and music institutions. Her long-standing collaboration with cellist Yo-Yo Ma has taken her across the globe, while her passion for chamber music and musical discovery has inspired audiences and musicians alike

As part of this year's Academy, Kathryn will work directly with our students through two exclusive masterclasses, sharing the insight, artistry, and experience gained from a lifetime at the forefront of international music-making.

It is a privilege to welcome an artist of Kathryn's stature to Derry this summer, and we know her sessions will be a memorable highlight for our participants.

Continuing our faculty series 🎹From major international stages to the teaching studio, our faculty bring a depth of expe...
06/05/2026

Continuing our faculty series 🎹

From major international stages to the teaching studio, our faculty bring a depth of experience, artistry, and passion to the Academy.

With a global performing career, an impressive catalogue of recordings, and a strong reputation as an educator, this is an artist who continues to inspire and influence pianists at every level.

A small number of places remain for this summer - if you’ve been thinking about it, now’s the time to take a closer look.

Continuing our faculty series 🎹From international concert stages to the classroom, our faculty bring a wealth of experie...
28/04/2026

Continuing our faculty series 🎹

From international concert stages to the classroom, our faculty bring a wealth of experience, insight, and artistry to the Academy.

With a career performing across the globe and a legacy shaped through major competitions and international appearances, this is an artist who continues to inspire the next generation of pianists.

A small number of places remain for this summer - if you’ve been thinking about it, now’s the time to take a closer look.

Continuing our faculty series 🎹From international concert stages to the teaching studio, our faculty bring a depth of ex...
24/04/2026

Continuing our faculty series 🎹

From international concert stages to the teaching studio, our faculty bring a depth of experience, artistry, and passion that shapes every part of the Academy experience.

With a career spanning performances across Europe and the U.S., alongside a powerful presence in both broadcast and education, this is an artist who brings both authority and inspiration to the next generation of pianists.

A small number of places remain for this summer - if you’ve been thinking about it, now’s the time to take a closer look.

Continuing our faculty series 🎹Each artist we’re introducing brings their own distinctive voice - shaped by internationa...
20/04/2026

Continuing our faculty series 🎹

Each artist we’re introducing brings their own distinctive voice - shaped by international performance, creative exploration, and a deep commitment to music-making.

From major concert stages to innovative, cross-disciplinary projects, this is a faculty that goes beyond tradition - offering fresh perspectives and inspiring new ways of thinking about performance.

A small number of places remain for this summer - if you’ve been considering it, now is the time to take a closer look.

Svetozar Ivanov

Meet the artists behind the experience 🎹Over the coming days, we’re introducing the world-class faculty of the Walled Ci...
18/04/2026

Meet the artists behind the experience 🎹

Over the coming days, we’re introducing the world-class faculty of the Walled City Music International Academy - performers, educators, and creative voices shaping the next generation of pianists across the globe. Read their full bio and find out more on our website!

From international stages to the teaching studio, each brings a unique perspective, a wealth of experience, and a real passion for music-making that goes far beyond the notes on the page.

A small number of places remain for this summer - if you’ve been thinking about it, now’s a great time to take a closer look.

Derry this July 🎹A city rich in history, creativity and sound.If you’ve been considering the Walled City Music Internati...
03/04/2026

Derry this July 🎹

A city rich in history, creativity and sound.

If you’ve been considering the Walled City Music International Academy… now’s the time to apply.

Final places remaining.

Apply now ⬇️
(link in comments)

Individual lessonsPerformance opportunitiesInternational competitionWorkshops + concertsAccommodation includedThis July ...
30/03/2026

Individual lessons
Performance opportunities
International competition
Workshops + concerts
Accommodation included

This July 🎹

Final call - final places remain

If you’ve been thinking about it… this is it.

Apply now ⬇️
(link in comments)

Address

Derry
BT487JL

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