Following its acclaimed debut in 2024, the prestigious Edinburgh Royal Mile Royal International Piano Series returns with a complete cycle of Beethoven’s 32 Piano Sonatas, performed across the 2026–27 season. Showcasing exceptional talent from leading UK and international pianists, each recital offers a unique perspective on some of the most profound and beloved works in the piano repertoire.

This season marks the 200th anniversary of Beethoven's death  - these concerts pay a fitting tribute to his great genius, two centuries on.

Set against the magnificent backdrop of St Giles’ Cathedral — illuminated by candlelight and enhanced by a newly installed Steinway grand piano — these concerts promise an unforgettable musical experience at the heart of Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile.

Featuring

Maiko Mori

Programme

Ludwig van Beethoven Piano Sonata No. 17 in D minor, Op. 31, No. 2 'The Tempest'

I. Largo – Allegro

II. Adagio

III. Allegretto

Frédéric Chopin

Etude Op. 10, No. 3 in E major 'Tristesse'

Impromptu No. 1 in A-flat major, Op. 29

Hamish MacCunn Six Scottish Dances, Op. 28

No. 4: Dirk Dance

No. 5: Plaid Dance

Amy Beach Two Pieces, Op. 54 No. 1: Scottish Legend

Clara Schumann Scherzo No. 2 in C minor, Op. 14

Robert Schumann (arr. Clara Schumann) Widmung (Dedication), Op. 25, No. 1

Robert Schumann Toccata in C major, Op. 7

About Maiko Mori

First Prize winner of the Birmingham International Piano Competition, Maiko Mori is an international soloist and chamber musician distinguished by her “bracing technical command” and “captivating tonal sonority.” She has performed at prestigious venues worldwide, including London’s Purcell Room, Tokyo’s Suntory Hall, and the Kolarac in Belgrade. She has also been a featured artist at major international festivals, including the Cheltenham Festival (UK), the Malta Spring Festival (Malta), and the Lidköping Music Festival (Sweden). Her performances have frequently been broadcast on BBC Radio 3 and Radio France.

Since making her UK concerto debut under Vasily Petrenko, Maiko has made numerous international concerto appearances. Her notable performances include Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 3 at the Kyoto Concert Hall under Tetsuro Ban, and Brahms' Piano Concerto No. 2 at St Cyprian's, London, under Levon Parikian.

An artist of exceptional versatility, Maiko performs a wide range of concertos and solo works and is a keen chamber musician with a particular interest in modern and contemporary repertoire, especially jazz/classical fusion. Her latest album, Chasm (Orchid Classics), features a collection of modern Études and has been hailed by Pianist magazine as “bracing” and “thrilling," further showcasing her mastery of contemporary repertoire. Known for bringing both structural clarity and lyrical nuance to the stage, Maiko continues to establish herself as a commanding presence in the international piano scene.

Description supplied by the event organiser.