Founded in 2024 by pianist and composer Massimiliano Greco. Celebrated each year on 9 October.
Founded in 2024 by pianist and composer Massimiliano Greco, World Ballet Pianists Day is an international cultural initiative dedicated to recognising, celebrating and promoting the artistic and professional identity of pianists working in the world of dance.
Celebrated each year on 9 October, the initiative grew out of its founder’s more than thirty years of experience as a musician in the world of dance. Its aim is to bring greater visibility to a profession that is both essential and often little known.
The date reflects the founder’s historical and musical research and marks the anniversary of the birth of Alexander Siloti (1863–1945), the Russian pianist who studied with Franz Liszt and collaborated with Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.
In 1889, at Tchaikovsky’s request, Siloti prepared a piano transcription of The Sleeping Beauty, one of the great scores in the history of ballet.
For Massimiliano Greco, this collaboration symbolises a significant encounter between the great European piano tradition and the world of dance.
Since its first edition in 2024, World Ballet Pianists Day has progressively brought together pianists, dancers, teachers, artistic directors and dance institutions from many countries.
The third edition, celebrated on 9 October 2026, marked an important stage in the initiative’s development, with musical contributions, personal testimonies, messages and activities shared by artists and institutions internationally.
Beyond the annual celebration, it seeks to provide a year-round space for connection, dialogue and exchange.
World Ballet Pianists Day extends beyond 9 October through initiatives that support knowledge, documentation and the transmission of the musical heritage associated with dance.
An international mapping project documenting the presence, geographical distribution and professional experiences of pianists working in dance. It also helps build a network of knowledge and connections.
A specialist educational programme conceived and directed by Massimiliano Greco. Its initial aim is to offer courses and educational activities for ballet pianists and dance teachers.
World Ballet Pianists Day is more than an annual celebration. It is a cultural initiative committed to the present and future of the dialogue between music and dance.
