A unique musical performance featuring three pianists playing one piano simultaneously, combining classical repertoire with experimental finger-gymnastics and circus-style flair.
If you are looking for something a bit different to do in Brighton this May, there is a concert coming up at St Paul's Church that caught my eye. It is called Cirque du Piano = 6 hands x 30 fingers / 1 piano, and the concept is exactly what it sounds like: three pianists sharing a single piano at the same time. It is part of the Brighton Fringe, and it is scheduled for May 5, 2026.
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The performance is led by Matthew Shiel, a British pianist who has been involved in various international festivals. The group, which operates under the Fringe Classics banner, describes their approach as "finger-gymnastics." It is not just a standard recital; they incorporate a toy piano into the set and have arranged specific pieces for six hands. The programme includes a mix of well-known works, such as Rossini’s Overture from the Barber of Seville, Mozart’s Rondo alla Turka, and Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D minor. They are also performing pieces like Sousa’s Stars and Stripes Forever, Gounod’s Marche funèbre d'une Marionette, Rachmaninoff’s Romance, Malézieux’s Carillon de St Pierre, and Czerny’s Fantasy after Scottish Folk Songs.
Regarding the logistics, the event is ticketed. Depending on where you book through the Brighton Fringe platforms, prices generally range between 14.50 GBP and 19.50 GBP, though some sources have noted prices starting from 11 GBP. It is worth checking the specific booking channels if you are planning to go, as the pricing can vary slightly depending on the source.
In terms of what to expect, the show has been noted in previous reviews for its technical approach and the way the three pianists coordinate their movements on the keyboard. It seems to be aimed at anyone interested in classical music with a bit of an experimental or theatrical twist. Given the venue is St Paul's Church, it should provide a fairly intimate setting for this kind of performance. If you enjoy seeing how musicians adapt traditional repertoire into new formats, this might be worth considering for your calendar.
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