Iyad Sughayer (piano)

Iyad Sughayer is like a ray of Spring sunshine. Such a relaxed rapport with the audience and his cheerful demeanour spelled success before even the first note was struck. The gentle chiming of Helen Ottaway’s ‘Levantina’ composed especially for Iyad, made a delightful opening for his concert, something new and a very personal offering.

With the music desk taken from the piano, the concert continued entirely from memory yet it seemed so spontaneous. Haydn’s sprightly Sonata No.38 in F. This cheerful work made for easy listening while appreciating some phenomenally precise technique. The joyful Finale brought smiles all round!

Iyad first explained his choice of Sibelius piano pieces, the Six Impromptus, Op.5, then he took a deep breath and demonstrated why we should like them as much as he does. There was such a wide range of mood and colour, from funereal to festive, ending with the dreamy, nostalgic theme of Impromptu 6.

There was an even more variety in ‘Faschingsschwank aus Wien’, a flamboyant evocation of the Viennese Mardi Gras. Schumann’s many personalities, moods and emotions were revealed with bravura style and joie de vivre. It’s a triumphant work and it needed a short, soothing encore by Khachaturian to calm the applause.

Brighton folk are sure to look out for Iyad Sughayer’s next appearance and he might need a bigger venue!

All Saints Church,
13 May 2022

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