We did it! Hastings International Piano took part in this year’s Big Give Christmas Challenge, which saw donations made between 2 and 9 December doubled. We met our fundraising target thanks to the generosity of many donors and our partners.

40 young pianists have been selected from 356 applicants to be invited to the 2026 Hastings International Piano Competition.

The recent Gala Concert at the White Rock Theatre with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra was a huge success.

We’re looking to expand our pool of fantastic volunteers who play such a vital role all year round, but particularly during the competition. Volunteers help front of house running our events, but also host competitors, drive them from place to place or even allow them to practise on their own pianos.

Sounds of Creativity, a free workshop series combining live classical piano with guided creative art sessions, launched this year at the White Rock Theatre. The workshops were designed to harness the therapeutic benefits of music and art and aim to support members of the Hastings community experiencing mental health challenges, social isolation, and a lack of access to cultural activities

Our Alumni Coordinator, Sarah Searle, caught up with 2018 prizewinner Rixiang Huang, about what he’s up to, and what difference the Hastings Competition made to his career.

We are looking for a Social Media and Communications Coordinator to work with the Communications Director on the organisation’s ongoing Communications Strategy and individual campaigns for different projects. In particular, we are looking for someone with the skills and drive to create and source interesting content for our social media channels and our website. However you will also work on other aspects of our communications, including producing print materials, developing relationships with other arts organisations and local press,  and liaising with our PR consultants.  

Sounds of Creativity, a free workshop series combining live classical piano with guided creative art sessions, launched this year at the White Rock Theatre. The workshops were designed to harness the therapeutic benefits of music and art and aim to support members of the Hastings community experiencing mental health challenges, social isolation, and a lack of access to cultural activities

We are thrilled that our patron, the world-renowned pianist, Sir Stephen Hough, has agreed to write a test piece for the 2026 competition

At Hastings International Piano, we’re committed to making a real difference in our community and our Learning & Participation programme aims to find ways to give back to the local area through the piano.

We have some truly fabulous prizes on offer, many of which are money-can’t-buy experiences— access to exclusive places and events. A weekend with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and tickets to Plumpton races…

At Hastings International Piano, we’re committed to making a real difference in our community and our Learning & Participation programme aims to find ways to give back to the local area through the piano.