We are proud to announce the full program for Vancouver Piano Sessions 2026, running July 31 through August 12 in downtown Vancouver.

This year's edition brings together an extraordinary roster of international artist-faculty — from Yale, the New England Conservatory, Indiana University, the Peabody Conservatory, and beyond — for eight days of masterclasses open to the public at UBC Robson Square. Eric Lu, Gold Medalist of the 2025 International Chopin Piano Competition, opens the festival on August 1 with a public masterclass and Meet & Greet. Sergei Babayan, returning to VPS for his third year, performs a solo recital at Christ Church Cathedral on August 8. The festival closes with the VPS Gala Concert on August 12, as the six winners of the VPS Concerto Competition perform with the Vancouver Metropolitan Orchestra under Maestro Kenneth Hsieh.

Community is at the heart of VPS 2026. On BC Day, August 3, Spakwus Slolem — the Eagle Song Dancers of the Squamish Nation — lead a free outdoor Reconciliation Session at Robson Square. On August 12, Anjeanette Dawson (Spelex̱ílh) leads a hands-on Squamish wool weaving workshop, reviving a tradition rooted in over 10,000 years of cultural practice. Performing Artist recitals take place on August 2, 4, 5, 6, and 9 at UBC Robson Square.

Select events, including the Eric Lu masterclass and Opening Ceremony, are free and open to the public. Individual concert tickets start at $15. For the full festival experience, the Sessions Pass is available at $99.

The complete program is now available here.

The Vancouver Piano Sessions Team