Andrey Gugnin Recital

Piano + is a new company carrying on the work of almost 50 years by the Sydney Piano Competition to promote a love of piano-playing through a range of education and performance activities. The Andrey Gugnin Recital is among the exciting activities they are organising to achieve their aims. Gugnin was the winner of the prestigious 2016 Sydney International Piano competition and this is just one of his many accolades. Gugnin’s Australian performances feature a wide range of composers and allow him to showcase his incredible mastery and versatility. Gugnin’s technique is flawless but it is also full of passion and vibrancy. His command of the instrument is impeccable as he draws out an intricate and vast range of tonalities.

His virtuoso performance opens with Edvard Grieg’s Ballade Op.24 starting off with soothing and gentle tones. His rendition of Pyotr Tchaikovsky/Mikhail Pletnev’s The Nutcracker Suite enables the audience to appreciate his talent with more familiar works while his execution of Carl Vine Piano Sonata No.2 enables him to display his energy and enthusiasm. Gugnin’s sublime and delicate performance of Valentin Silvestrov’s 3 Bagatelles Op.1 is truly moving as he highlights all the emotional impact of the music. The recital concludes with a magnificent and intense performance of three movements from Igor Stravinsky/Guido Agosti’s The Firebird. Here Gugnin’s fervour is particularly striking and gives the music incredible depth and ardour. Gugnin is a generous and lively performer who delights in pleasing and astonishing his audience.

This superb recital is an absolute must for lovers of the piano. 

Patricia Di Risio 

Photographer: Boris Scitar