Event Overview
Join us for an inspiring evening celebrating the next generation of exceptional pianists at the Rising Stars Piano Recital, presented as part of the Piano Concerto Festival Paris 2026.
This special recital showcases outstanding young musicians from around the world, each bringing their unique artistry to a diverse program spanning the elegance of Debussy, the brilliance of Chopin, the rhythmic energy of Khachaturian, and the evocative soundscapes of Albéniz.
The evening will feature performances by:
Haruki Awoonor (United Kingdom, age 9) – Debussy: Arabesque
April Chiu (Canada, age 12) – Chopin: Waltz in B minor, Op. 69 No. 2
Angel Verdera (USA, age 14) – Chopin: Polonaise in A major, Op. 40 No. 1
Esin Akgunay (Turkey, age 25) – Khachaturian: Toccata
The recital concludes with a special guest performance by Professor Julian Jacobson, presenting Isaac Albéniz's Evocación from Iberia, offering audiences the opportunity to experience the artistry of one of today's distinguished concert pianists and educators.
Date: 16 July 2026
Time: 6:00 PM
Venue: Conservatoire de Courbevoie
Experience an evening where emerging talent meets artistic excellence, celebrating the universal language of music in the heart of Paris.
This special recital showcases outstanding young musicians from around the world, each bringing their unique artistry to a diverse program spanning the elegance of Debussy, the brilliance of Chopin, the rhythmic energy of Khachaturian, and the evocative soundscapes of Albéniz.
The evening will feature performances by:
Haruki Awoonor (United Kingdom, age 9) – Debussy: Arabesque
April Chiu (Canada, age 12) – Chopin: Waltz in B minor, Op. 69 No. 2
Angel Verdera (USA, age 14) – Chopin: Polonaise in A major, Op. 40 No. 1
Esin Akgunay (Turkey, age 25) – Khachaturian: Toccata
The recital concludes with a special guest performance by Professor Julian Jacobson, presenting Isaac Albéniz's Evocación from Iberia, offering audiences the opportunity to experience the artistry of one of today's distinguished concert pianists and educators.
Date: 16 July 2026
Time: 6:00 PM
Venue: Conservatoire de Courbevoie
Experience an evening where emerging talent meets artistic excellence, celebrating the universal language of music in the heart of Paris.
Program & Itinerary
Step 1
Haruki Awoonor (9, UK): Debussy – Arabesque
Step 3
April Chiu (12, Canada): Chopin – Waltz in B minor, Op. 69, no. 2
Step 5
Angel Verdera (14, USA): Chopin – Polonaise in A major, Op. 40, No. 1
Step 7
Esin Akgunay (25, Turkey): Khachaturian, toccata
Step 9
Professeur Julian Jacobson: Iberia, Albeniz - Evocacion
Additional Information
Address: 13 bis Bd Aristide Briand, 92400 Courbevoie, France
Duration: approx 1 hours