Art of the Piano: Beethoven Sessions in Sitka

This August, Sitka hosts an intimate and intensive gathering of exceptional young pianists for the Art of the Piano Festival’s Beethoven Sessions. Presented by Art of the Piano and hosted by the Sitka Music Festival, the program runs August 2–14 at Miner Music Center at Stevenson Hall and other local venues.

Founded by pianist Awadagin Pratt and inspired by Franz Liszt’s open masterclasses, Art of the Piano brings a select group of high-caliber pianists (ages 15 and older) together with world-class faculty for deep study of Beethoven’s sonatas and concertos. Faculty include Pratt, Paul Schenly, and Alexander Korsantia, with Oxford University Beethoven biographer Laura Tunbridge joining for discussions of the composer’s life and work. Participants also explore two-piano and four-hand repertoire.

Public events include free masterclasses (advance reservation required) and ticketed young-artist recitals paired with talks. The setting—intimate halls framed by Sitka Sound—offers both artistic focus and the distinctive beauty of Southeast Alaska.

More information, schedules, and tickets are available at artofthepiano.org.