BBC Radio 3 invites amateur pianists from all over the country to come and play at Radio 3 Pianothons, taking place in Belfast, Cardiff, Glasgow, London and Manchester in October.

BBC Radio 3 is offering pianists of all ages and abilities a rare opportunity to play in an informal public concert.

Participants may even have their performances broadcast on BBC Radio 3 when highlights of the events are broadcast as part of Play To The Nation, which celebrates amateur music-making in the UK on BBC Radio 3 during October.

Each Pianothon will last about eight hours and consist of almost continuous playing by amateur pianists – solo, duo or for six hands – creating a light-hearted and fun atmosphere in which the good and not-so-good can perform in front of an audience.

The pianists can play any piece – as long as it doesn't last more than ten minutes.

Each event is hosted by a Radio 3 presenter, including Sarah Walker, Ian Burnside, Petroc Trelawny, Fiona Talkington and Sean Rafferty, and will include a masterclass for everyone with a top professional pianist.

Pianists are invited to register now until two weeks prior to the date of their chosen Pianothon.

Event Listings

Sunday 5 October – Manchester Bridgewater Hall

Saturday 11 October – Cardiff Millennium Centre (Tesco Stage)

Saturday 11 October – Glasgow Mitchell Library (Jeffrey Library)

Saturday 18 October – Belfast Victoria Square Shopping Centre

Saturday 18 October – London BBC Television Centre

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