Dublin International Piano Festival & Summer Academy

Founded in 2012 by pianists Dr. Archie Chen and Rhona Gouldson, the Dublin International Piano Festival & Summer Academy showcases mastery in piano performance and provides a series of workshops and masterclasses for advanced students of the piano to improve their own performance skills and technique. The masterclasses are open to Ireland’s public and will provide a special insight into music making.The DIPF was created to fulfil the need in Dublin for a quality holistic program of piano and was indeed a natural progression from both Rhona's work as Founder and Director of the Piano Academy of Ireland and National Piano Festival; and Archie's vast international experience over years of teaching and performing concerts in venues such as Carnegie Hall, The Lincoln Center, National Concert Hall and the Vatican. Together they have seen a distinct need in Dublin for a combined festival and academy in the realm of piano performance that opens up spaces for international pianists to visit Dublin and perform and excel at their craft.

The 2017 Artist/Faculty boasts members of the international concert pianist pool, including Evelyne Brancart, Dr. Orla McDonagh, Dr. Gabriele Baldocci, Francesco Tristano, Boris Berezovsky as well as Artistic Director Dr. Archie Chen.

Over nine days from 22 - 30 July 2017, DIPF will bring concerts to the National Concert Hall (NCH) and the Hugh Lane Gallery from top class international pianists, as well as public masterclasses for piano lovers and a full academy of international pianists who will engage with a rigorous yet festive musical schedule. DIPF also offers students a unique chance to network within their own peer group on an international level, fostering relationships for a long time to come. Recreational outings include trips to see the culture and history of Dublin and to experience the city’s exciting summer nightlife. Festival participants will be mingling with visitors from around the country and from all over the world.

DIPF is aimed at all piano lovers who appreciate excellence in piano performance. Archie and Rhona are dedicated to continuing their work in striving for excellence in piano in Dublin, Ireland and to promote Dublin as a central hub for mastery in piano and enhance its reputation in the international music community. 

We look forward to welcoming you to Dublin's 5th International Piano Festival & Summer Academy!