The spotlight of the program is on undiscovered talents from all over Germany who have one thing in common: their very special story about Germany’s most popular instrument: The piano. In a total of six episodes, the pianists demonstrate their skills in public spaces in four major German cities. What the talents don’t realize is that two very special experts are watching and listening to them attentively in a hidden location. Two musical heavyweights: one of the most successful German-speaking musicians Mark Forster and the internationally renowned pianist Igor Levit. Behind the scenes, they comment on all of the pianists’ performances. From classical to pop, from four-handed to vocal accompaniment – the range is huge.

But that’s not all: Mark Forster and Igor Levit are planning an exclusive premiere. The two stars are organizing a big final concert in which a pianist from each city will join them on stage. The new highlight show on VOX will be hosted by Annika Lau.

The new show THE PIANO, produced by UFA Show & Factual, not only gives a stage to previously undiscovered piano artists, but above all shows the extraordinary stories surrounding their lives and their connection to this special instrument. The English original THE PIANO celebrated its successful premiere on Channel 4 at the beginning of 2023. The second season of the successful format has been broadcast in the UK since the end of April 2024.