The 2026 Walled City Music International Academy came to a spectacular close following eight inspiring days of world-class music-making, international collaboration and exceptional artistic achievement in Derry.
From 10–17 July, talented young pianists from across the globe gathered at Ulster University, Magee Campus, to immerse themselves in an intensive programme of one-to-one tuition, masterclasses, workshops, performances and public concerts led by an internationally acclaimed faculty.
This year’s Academy welcomed distinguished faculty members Cathal Breslin, Thérèse Fahy, Svetozar Ivanov, Ksenia Nosikova and Chi Wu, alongside special guest artists Kathryn Stott and Barry Douglas, whose inspiring masterclasses and performances provided students with invaluable insight from two of the world’s most respected concert pianists.
Throughout the week, students refined their artistry through individual lessons, participated in engaging discussions on musicianship and performance, explored contemporary repertoire with composer Christopher Norby, and shared music with audiences during the Academy’s Young Artist Showcases.
The Academy also extended beyond the practice room, with students bringing music into the local community through performances at Foyleville Day Centre, Foyle Hospice, Foyleside Shopping Centre and the North West Transport Hub. Participants also enjoyed exploring the North West during a visit to the spectacular Causeway Coast, creating friendships and memories that will last long beyond the Academy itself.
Alongside the educational programme, audiences enjoyed three public concerts celebrating both established artists and emerging talent. The Academy opened with The Piano Illuminated, followed by the exhilarating four and six-hand programme The Piano Multiplied, before culminating in The Next Generation – International Piano Competition Final, where the Academy’s most outstanding young pianists competed before an international jury.
The final showcased an exceptionally high standard of musicianship, with finalists presenting demanding recital programmes alongside the compulsory performance of RAIN, a newly commissioned work by Derry composer Christopher Norby, specially written for the competition and printed in partnership with the Contemporary Music Centre, Ireland.
Following an evening of remarkable performances, the jury announced the 2026 prize winners:
🥇 First Prize: Gala Garrido Carralero
🥈 Second Prize: Tinatin Gudadze
🥉 Third Prize: Haohan Zhao
Congratulations also go to every pianist who took part in this year’s Academy. The dedication, musical curiosity and artistry demonstrated throughout the week created an atmosphere of inspiration that was felt by faculty, audiences and fellow participants alike.
Reflecting on the success of the Academy, Walled City Music General Manager Ryan Quinn said:
“The Walled City Music International Academy has become so much more than a summer school. It is a place where exceptional young musicians challenge themselves, learn from internationally renowned artists, build lifelong friendships and become part of a truly supportive musical community. Watching the performances develop throughout the week and witnessing the extraordinary standard of the final competition has been a privilege. We are incredibly proud of every participant who made this year’s Academy such a success.”
Walled City Music extends its sincere thanks to its outstanding faculty, guest artists, adjudicators, volunteers, staff, supporters and audiences, whose commitment helped make the 2026 Academy such a memorable celebration of music, learning and international collaboration.
Plans are already underway for the 2027 Walled City Music International Academy, and we look forward to welcoming the next generation of outstanding young pianists back to Derry next summer.