Piano recital of Beethoven sonatas from the Royal Mile International Piano Series, performed by Matthew McLachlan.
Matthew McLachlan takes the stage at St Giles' Cathedral on Monday 5 October, as part of the Royal Mile International Piano Series. He'll be playing from Beethoven's 32 piano sonatas, one of the most demanding cycles in the classical repertoire.
This isn't a one-off. The Royal Mile International Piano Series is returning to the cathedral after its 2024 debut, and this time it's tackling the complete cycle of Beethoven's 32 sonatas across the 2026-27 season. The whole thing is being shared between leading UK and international pianists, so McLachlan is one of several who'll be stepping up to the keys over the coming months. The timing is no accident: the season marks the 200th anniversary of Beethoven's death, and the cycle is a fitting way to mark it.
The setting is a big part of the draw. The concerts are held in the cathedral illuminated by candlelight, with a newly installed Steinway grand piano at the centre. It's right in the heart of the Royal Mile, surrounded by the city's bars and restaurants, so it's the kind of thing you can easily build an evening around—a drink or a meal nearby before and after.
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McLachlan's recital runs from 18:30 to 19:30, an hour of Beethoven in a space that's usually more about choral music and quiet contemplation than a solo piano. If you've been following the series since it first launched in 2024, this is one of the nights that brings the full 2026-27 cycle to life. Tickets are available through the cathedral and Koobit.
