Trinity refreshes Classical Performance diploma repertoire lists

The largest update is for piano, with 37 works added at ATCL, 42 at LTCL and 30 at FTCL. The additions range from established repertoire by composers including Chopin, Liszt, Poulenc, Bach, Rachmaninov, Handel, Clara Schumann and Robert Schumann to contemporary works by composers such as Louie, Liebermann, Auerbach, Knussen, Takemitsu, Shchedrin and Kapustin.

The piano lists also include arrangements of well-known works, including Stephen Hough’s arrangement of My Favourite Things at LTCL and Tenenbaum’s transcription of Bernstein’s West Side Story at FTCL. Trinity has also highlighted the inclusion of more jazz-inspired repertoire, alongside the recent TCL Press publication of Rob Colley’s Advanced Piano Collection: 10 jazz-inspired pieces for diploma-level performance, aimed at ATCL candidates.

The trumpet repertoire has been refreshed with a wider selection of music from the last 150 years, including works by Nyman, Maxwell Davies, Stockhausen and Gershwin. Trinity has also expanded repertoire from the brass band tradition, including Salvation Army repertoire, and introduced works specifically written for baroque or natural trumpet across all diploma levels.

Drum kit and percussion lists have also been updated. New drum kit repertoire includes works by Tool, Animals as Leaders and Periphery, as well as commercial tracks including Benny Benassi and Skrillex’s Cinema and Justin Bieber’s Sorry at LTCL. Trinity has also issued updated guidance on backing tracks, click tracks and own-choice repertoire.

For percussion, the updated lists include more works influenced by non-European musical traditions, including pieces for timpani, multi-percussion and djembe. Harp additions include works by composers from France and French-speaking Canada, including Connesson, Renié, Lizotte and Cras.

Trinity has reminded teachers and candidates to check the most up-to-date repertoire lists before entering for an exam. Works removed in the latest refresh will continue to be accepted as part of a diploma recital until 31 March 2027. After that date, candidates wishing to perform removed items will need to apply for programme approval and list the work as an own-choice item.