Salon Piano Series

06/12/2026

We'll be taking the next couple weeks to introduce you to our 2026-2027 artists! First up, Ariel Lanyi, who we're thrilled to welcome back to Salon Piano Series.

Ariel captivated Madison audiences during his SPS debut in 2023.

Since his last appearance, Ariel has continued his remarkable rise on the international stage. In 2023, he received the prestigious Prix Serdang, awarded by legendary pianist Rudolf Buchbinder in recognition of outstanding artistic achievement and future promise. He is also a prizewinner of the Leeds International Piano Competition and has performed with leading orchestras across Europe and beyond.

Ariel Lanyi “lives the music […] with extraordinary intensity, sensibility, and expressive maturity,” (Rudolf Buchbinder).

• Haydn: Sonata in G major, Hob. XVI:39• George Benjamin: Fantasy on Iambic Rhythm• Beethoven: Diabelli Variations, Op. 120

📅 Saturday, September 26, 2026🕢 7:30 PM
www.salonpianoseries.org/tickets

06/09/2026

We are thrilled to announce the Salon Piano Series' 2026–27 Season!

Join us for another extraordinary season of world-class artistry and intimate musical experiences in Madison.

✨ Ariel Lanyi
Saturday, September 26, 2026 • 7:30 PM
Leeds International Piano Competition prizewinner and recipient of the prestigious Prix Serdang.

✨ Mackenzie Melemed
Sunday, October 25, 2026 • 4:00 PM
Avery Fisher Career Grant recipient and one of today's most compelling young pianists presents a uniquely American program featuring Amy Beach, Florence Price, Aaron Copland, and more.

✨ John Novacek
Sunday, November 15, 2026 • 4:00 PM
Grammy-nominated pianist, composer, and chamber musician performs works by Beethoven, Chopin, Messiaen, Liszt, and Rachmaninoff.

✨ Kate Liu
Saturday, January 23 & 24, 2027 • 7:30 PM
Internationally acclaimed Chopin Competition laureate returns to Madison with a program featuring Chopin, Schumann, and Brahms.

✨ Caroline Stinson, cello & Ieva Jokubaviciute, piano
Saturday, February 13, 2027 • 7:30 PM
An extraordinary duo explores the musical legacy of Paris through works by Debussy, Enescu, Boulanger, Piazzolla, and Andrew Waggoner.

✨ Clayton Stephenson
Saturday, May 1, 2027 • 7:30 PM
Returning by popular demand, Clayton Stephenson closes our season with the charisma, virtuosity, and artistry that captivated Madison audiences.

Season subscriptions and ticket information available at www.salonpianoseries.org

05/19/2026

A spectacular season finale with Bill Charlap!

Pianist, storyteller, and historian, Bill Charlap brought the Great American Songbook to life with warmth and wit - sharing insights on composers from Johnny Mercer to Jerome Kern while delivering a virtuosic performance that had our full-house audience on its feet.

Thank you to Bill and to everyone who joined us for an unforgettable weekend and a wonderful close to the Salon Piano Series season!

05/09/2026

We are SOLD OUT for both performances of Bill Charlap this weekend!

You can still attend the masterclass on May 9 at 1pm where Mr. Charlap will instruct The Samuel Caiola Trio and The UW Jazz Trio. Our masterclasses are always free and open to the public to observe!

04/27/2026

Pianist Owen Auby - one of our recent House Concert artists - brought his program to students at Monona Grove High School last week as part of our outreach initiative. Each House Concert artist shares their music not only in an intimate home setting, but also with local students, creating meaningful connections beyond the stage.

Thank you to Owen for inspiring the next generation of musicians, and to the students and staff at Monona Grove for such a warm welcome!

04/24/2026

We can hardly believe we’re nearing the close of our 2025–2026 season--but we’re going out with a bang 💥🎹

“One of jazz’s foremost interpreters of the American songbook” -- experience Bill Charlap live.

Saturday’s performance is SOLD OUT but a few seats remain for Sunday, May 10 at 2pm.

Join us for an unforgettable afternoon of music—and if you’re around Saturday, don’t miss the free 1pm masterclass featuring the Beloit Trio and Eastman Jazz Trio.

www.salonpianoseries.org/tickets

04/22/2026

Join our friends at Token Creek Chamber Music this weekend!

An uncommon opportunity to hear Thomas in the intimacy of chamber music. Superb colleagues, an engaging and compelling program.

https://tokencreekchambermusic/events

04/22/2026

Saturday's concert with Angie Zhang was a reminder of what live music can be at its best--something shared, something human, something that feels like all of us.

The program took on a life of its own at Farley’s House of Pianos. What began as a single-piano performance grew into something more, as Angie, feeling like a “kid in a candy store,”was inspired to add a second instrument. Each piano offered a different voice and color, opening new ways of hearing the music.

More than anything, it was a reminder that an artist doesn’t just play music-they shape the feeling in the room. And on Saturday, that felt like the music belonged to all of us. Thank you to everyone who shared in it, and a huge thank-you to Angie for her spectacular playing and kindness.

📸 by Kent Sweitzer