On Sunday, 24th May the Society welcomes a pianist of international renown for a very special event in Central Hall at 3pm. Jean-Efflam Bavouzet has become one of the most visible and important pianists in the world. A prolific performer, he is usually to be heard in the major concert halls of the world, his 2026 performances taking him across four continents. His recordings and performances of the complete solo piano works of Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Debussy and, more recently of Ravel, have received widespread acclaim including several Gramophone magazine awards. As well as his prolific concert and recording career, his recordings are often benchmark choices for programmes on BBC Radio 3 and Classic FM.
Jean-Efflam is a brilliant communicator and brings a programme by Beethoven and Hummel in the first half. The second half is one of works by Ravel alone – for which Bavouzet is particularly renowned – and includes Gaspard de la nuit (probably Ravel’s best known solo piano work) and the thrilling “La Valse” as the final piece.
Greg Johnson, the Society’s chairman says “opportunities to bring a pianist of such standing to Darlington are as rare as hen’s teeth and to have the chance of doing so during Jean-Effam’s hectic global activity in 2026 is one we are pleased to have achieved. This will be a wonderful way of spending a Sunday afternoon during the Bank Holiday weekend”.
Tickets are available at the door on the day, price £25 (cash and contact less payment available), with under 21’s free. Tickets are also available online at www.dpiano.co.uk. The recital takes place in Central Hall, the Dolphin Centre, at 3pm on 24th May.
