Piano Specific Information for BSMA Gala Concert Events March 27th/28th 2027

In preparation for the BSMA Gala Concert weekend 2027, there are a few piano teachers "on team" helping out with the piano specific details. Below is some of this information.

Some key fact for pianists hoping to apply are as follows:

  • We will be playing in groups on weighted key, electric keyboards. 
  • We are aiming to have 20 keyboards available and so there will be a maximum of 20 performers for each item we play.
  • The group performances will have an orchestral accompaniment played live & there will be a conductor for the keyboards to help lead them as a group.
  • Because of the limited number of performers for each item, we will be asking for an audition movie from applicants playing a piece that shows their ability development, from the repertoire list. (see below)
  • We may not necessarily allocate the piece that children play in their audition as their Gala Concert piece. We often do, but sometimes it is not possible because of the limited group size. Where we can, we offer a place playing an alternative piece from the repertoire list.
  • The period for submitting registrations and recordings will be from early September 2026-30 September 2026. With that in mind, we advise students to begin their preparations before the summer break. 
  • Performances should be at the same tempo as Azuma recordings and demonstrate appropriate use of ability development up to the level of the repertoire. 
  • In preparation for the performances at the Gala Concert, there will be rehearsal backing tracks available nearer the time so performers can get used to the sound of the orchestral parts that accompany their playing.
  • Playtogethers will happen on Saturday 27th March at the Midlands Arts Centre. For these, audition recordings are not required and students at any level will be able to apply for these events. 

    Gala Concert Repertoire:

    • Sonata in A major K.331 3rd mvt, Alla Turca (Bk 7 - Mozart)
    • Venetian Gondola Song Op.30 No.6 (Bk 6 - Mendelssohn)
    • Sonatina in F major Anh 5 No.2, 2nd mvt, Rondo: Allegro (Bk 6 - Beethoven)
    • Gigue (from Partita in Bb) BWV 825, Vivace (Bk 4 - Bach)
    • Sonatina in C Op.55 No.1, 2nd mvt, Vivace (Bk 3 - Kuhlau)
    • Sonatina in C Op.36 No.1, 3rd mvt, Vivace (Bk 3 - Clementi)
    • Arietta (Bk 2 - Mozart)

    In addition to these piano group items, there will be other Medley items as part of the finale including Allegro, Little Playmates and Twinkles.

    The movie clip links below show excerpts from previous Royal Albert Hall Gala Concerts - these will give you an idea of what it's all about. 

    Piano Item: https://youtu.be/rDavpQAh6O8?si=vlDKaqYdgOQ96SUz
    Tutti Item End Medley Twinkles: https://youtu.be/XWdtAhO0-SI?si=KqIoMvnQErZFXCto

    From these movies you can see that it's quite an occasion and the togetherness through music is striking and inspiring. We hope you will be enthused and really encourage your pupils to take part and come and support the event yourselves. 

    Finally, please note that the National Workshop follows the Gala Concert weekend, so pupils will be able to enrol for that too if they wish.

    Recording your Gala Concert audition movie

    1. Please create a movie / video recording (not just audio) of the piece you have chosen from the list of Gala Concert pieces. At the start of your recording please have the child state their name, age and what piece from the list they will play.
    2. When making your movie, important considerations are that you play fluently at the tempo(s) of the Azuma performances. Good posture, dynamics, phrasing, tone and consistency are among the positive qualities we are looking for in your performances.
    3. Recordings must be made on an acoustic piano.
    4. Post your movie as “unlisted” on YouTube. When registration opens, there will be a place on the registration form to include a link to your recording.
    5. Registration will open in early September. All recordings submitted before the closing deadline at the end of September will be considered.

    The Gala Concert is on 28/03/27 and there will be compulsory rehearsals on 27/03/27.