| Biography | Riyad Nicolas Syrias leading young pianist (International Piano Magazine 2012) was born in Aleppo, Syria, in 1989, and has already established himself as a leading figure of his generation on the international performing circuit. Among his recent achievements he lists First Prize at the Francaix International Piano Competition in Paris and his débuts at Wigmore Hall and the Cadogan Hall in London.
In September 2013, Riyad began a Master of Performance course at the Royal College of Music with Dmitri Alexeev as a Steinway Scholar supported by a Frederick Johnston Award. There, he also acknowledges the guidance of Vanessa Latarche and Radu Blidar. Riyad first came to London in 2005 when he was awarded a two-year scholarship to study at the Purcell School of Music with Sulamita Aronovsky, continuing to work with her at the Royal Academy of Music, where he graduated in 2011. He has participated in masterclasses and was complimented by such musicians as Daniel Barenboim, Vladimir Ashkenazy and John Lill.
Riyad has given solo recitals in many prestigious venues in London, including Wigmore Hall, St. Martin-in-the-Fields, St. Jamess Piccadilly, and Leighton House.
Besides solo performances, Riyad is also a keen chamber music player, and has performed regularly in duos with violin and flute, collaborating with artists including the eminent flautist Wissam Boustany. (April 2015) |