After a successful launch last year, the second annual Wits Standard Bank Piano Festival takes place from 8 to 10 May at the Chris Seabrooke Music Hall at Wits University. This three-day music festival brings together eight leading pianists across four double-bill concerts, celebrating classical piano traditions.
South Africa’s jazz piano legacy is deeply rooted in a distinctive musical heritage, making a dedicated platform like this especially fitting. Alongside this, a lineup of local talent and a programme of both classical and contemporary works pays tribute to the piano’s European origins, offering a balanced and thoughtful showcase of the instrument’s range.
The Chris Seabrooke Music Hall is an intimate 180-seater venue that is purpose-built for acoustic chamber music events such as the Wits Standard Bank Piano Festival. A key feature is the world-class Shigeru Kawai concert grand piano, known for its exceptional tone and clarity.
See the Wits Standard Bank Piano Festival 2026 programme below
Day 1: Friday, 8 May 2026, at 7pm
Special Guests: Thembi Dunjana and Thandi Ntuli
Day 2: Saturday, 9 May 2026, at 3pm
Special Guests: Yonela Mnana and Bokani Dyer
Day 2: Saturday, 9 May 2026, at 7pm
Special Guests: Hilton Schilder and Andile Yenana
Day 3: Sunday, 10 May 2026, at 3pm
Special Guests: Megan Geoffrey Prins and Taissa Poliakova
How to book tickets
Cost: R300pp, book via Quicket
When: Running from 8 to 10 May, at 7pm and 3pm
Where: The Chris Seabrooke Music Concert Hall, Wits Theatre, Braamfontein, Johannesburg
Website: wits.ac.za
Facebook: @witsuniversity
Instagram: @wits_university
