Eight Hands Extravaganza! | Jesmond United Reformed Church
Concerts
Classical
The famous Eight Hands Extravaganza Returns for a third time with fantastic rarely played repertoire for 4, 6 and 8 hands!
Join us for an electrifying evening of ensemble piano music
, celebrating the sheer joy, power and colour of playing together. This special concert features rarely heard repertoire for two pianos, duos and eight hands, bringing multiple pianists together on stage in music that is bold, playful and richly textured.
The programme spans rhythmic drive and symphonic sweep, moving from the emotional depth of
Schubert’s Fantasia in F minor
to the dazzling, darkly glittering whirl of
Ravel’s La Valse
, and the infectious energy of
Gershwin’s Cuban Overture
– bursting with colour, syncopation and rhythmic vitality. Adding sparkle and wit to the evening is
Scott Joplin’s
much-loved rag in a brilliant two-piano arrangement by Kevin Olson
— full of charm, elegance and irresistible rhythmic lift.
The 8 Hands 🎹 extravaganza also features two-piano, eight-hand arrangements of
Oblivion and Libertango by Astor Piazzolla
, bringing the sultry intensity and driving pulse of nuevo tango to the keyboard. Sensuous melodies, sharp-edged rhythms and dramatic contrasts make these works irresistible in a multi-piano setting. From smoky Viennese decadence to Latin fire, this is piano playing on a grand scale – bold, percussive, lyrical and electrifying.
Performers are
Annie Ball, Venera Bojkova, Alison Gill and Yoshie Kawamura
, whose collaborative chemistry brings this exuberant programme to life. Expect music that sparkles, surges and surprises, all within the warm, welcoming atmosphere of the Newcastle Piano Festival.
About the Newcastle Piano Festival
Newcastle Piano Festival is the city’s only dedicated piano festival, returning in March 2026 for its third edition. Produced by Semibreve CIC, the festival brings together outstanding artists, inspiring programmes and a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere in the heart of Jesmond.
Founded in 2023 with no public funding, the festival has grown through community support, volunteer commitment and a belief that exceptional music should feel open, friendly and accessible to all. Alongside headline concerts, the programme includes family events, participatory workshops and opportunities to discover new and under-represented voices.
Festival Atmosphere & Piano Spaces
Throughout the March Festival weekend, audiences can also enjoy informal café-style piano performances, generously supported by
Bonners Piano Centre
, who are loaning the festival an acoustic upright piano. A digital piano with headphones will also be available in the box office / café area, inviting visitors of all ages and abilities to sit down and play in an informal, pressure-free setting. The relaxed cafe performances on Sunday will start at 16.30 - you're warmly invited to come along early to enjoy additional music before the concert.
Venue, Access & Parking
All events take place at Jesmond United Reformed Church, Burdon Terrace, Jesmond. The venue is step-free and accessible.
There is free on-street parking in nearby residential streets during evenings and on Sundays. At other times, parking is available locally at approximately 60p per hour. Jesmond Metro station is also within easy walking distance.
Layla’s Kitchen Café will be open at selected times during the festival, with drinks available from the bar for evening events.
Make a Weekend of It
Most events are included in our Weekend Pass, offering access to all public concerts and events across 20–22 March 2026. If you’re planning to attend more than one event, the Weekend Pass offers the best value and the chance to fully immerse yourself in the festival experience.
Our Partners & Year-Round Community
Newcastle Piano Festival is proudly supported by Bonners Newcastle Piano Centre, Layla’s Kitchen, The Maestro Online, and Let’s Play Piano — a friendly, monthly piano meetup that takes place at the festival venue and welcomes pianists of all backgrounds and abilities.
Stay Connected
Follow us on social media and join our mailing list for artist announcements, behind-the-scenes updates and early access to future events.
Free U18 Tickets
Thanks to the generosity of Belgian donor
Christophe Hemeryck
, the Newcastle Piano Festival is able to offer
100 free places for children and teenagers
, helping remove financial barriers and encouraging families to experience live piano music together.
Christophe Hemeryck said:
“Every kid deserves to have a sparkle of the passion for music you all share.”
Information Source: Semibreve CIC | eventbrite
