Meet Our Esteemed Faculty

Masterclasses and concerts with Joanna MacGregor CBE, Pier Francesco Forlenza, Geoffrey Simon and Ignas Maknickas

Joanna MacGregor CBE

Internationally acclaimed pianist, she has performed in over 80 countries worldwide with leading orchestras and conductors, and is widely recognised for her dedication to both classical and contemporary music.

She is Head of Piano at the Royal Academy of Music, has made more than 40 recordings, and was appointed CBE for services to music.
As a teacher, she brings exceptional artistic experience, deep musical insight, and inspiring mentorship to musicians at every stage of their professional development.

Pier Francesco Forlenza

An accomplished Italian pianist and composer, Pier Francesco has built a rich international concert career, performing repertoire from classical masterpieces to contemporary works, bringing music to life with depth, sensitivity, and artistic refinement.

His recordings and interpretations—ranging from Brahms to Debussy—are available on major streaming platforms and showcase his distinctive artistic voice and refined pianistic style.

As an educator, he has led piano masterclasses across Europe, inspiring students with his passion for expressive performance, musical insight, and artistic excellence.

Ignas Maknickas is a prize-winning pianist, widely recognised for his expressive playing and poetic musicianship.

He is a Young Classical Artists Trust (YCAT) artist and winner of the Royal Overseas League Keyboard Award, and has performed at leading international venues including Wigmore Hall, Berlin Konzerthaus, and the Auditorium du Louvre. As a performer, he brings fresh artistic insight, a strong commitment to musical depth and individuality, and a passion for nurturing the next generation of concert pianists.

Ignas Maknickas

We are delighted to welcome Geoffrey Simon as our guest conductor. An internationally respected conductor, he has led leading orchestras across Europe, the USA, and Asia, including the London Symphony Orchestra and the London Philharmonic Orchestra. A prizewinner of the John Player International Conductors’ Award and founder of the Cala Records label, Geoffrey Simon is renowned for his deep musical insight, clarity of interpretation, and commitment to both the core orchestral repertoire and rediscovered works.

His presence brings exceptional conducting experience, artistic authority, and international prestige to the festival.