Classical Preview: Chapel plays host to a superlative young pianist

"I heard him play Rachmaninov's Second Sonata a few months back, it was absolutely mind-blowing." Two others nodded their heads with the reverential respect that had descended on this gathering of young pianists.
By The Newsroom
Published 15th Oct 2010, 12:13 BST
Updated 15th Oct 2010, 12:13 BST

The celebrated Russian-born Yevgeny Sudbin has left critics searching for superlatives, so just snap up an unexpected opportunity of seeing this international celebrity when he appears in the Wesley Chapel in the centre of Harrogate tomorrow evening.

He plays a programme sprinkled with virtuoso showpieces by Liszt, Ravel and Rachmaninov.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

His presence speaks volumes of the persuasive powers of the chapel's concert administrator, Andrew Hitchin, who each year tempts some of the world's top names to journey north. Next year he has arranged a return visit from Stephen Hough, generally regarded as among the top three pianists in the UK, performing works by Beethoven and Scriabin, and ending with the huge sonata by Franz Liszt (January 22).

Next May the sensational French pianist, Jean-Efflam Bavouzet, makes a rare visit. In the midst of a critically acclaimed complete recording of Debussy's works for solo piano, it is hoped that he will include his music in this recital (May 7).

Two more outstanding pianists, Evelina Puzaite – winner of the Landor Piano competition – and Kathryn Stott will give lunchtime recitals (December 6 and March 7), the next event in this series allowing a preview of tomorrow's opera stars in a programme organised by London's National Opera Studio (November 1).

Yevgeny Sudbin, Wesley Chapel, Harrogate, October 16, 7.30pm. 01423 504035.

Related topics:Harrogate