Rafael Kyrychenko solo piano
Messiaen Première Communion de la Vierge
Liszt Mephisto No.1
Schumann Arabesque Op.18
Schumann Études Symphoniques
Born in the Azores, Portuguese pianist Rafael Kyrychenko won First Prize in the keyboard section of the 2025 Royal Over-Seas League Music Competition. His virtuosic programme contrasts Olivier Messiaen’s poetic wartime meditation on the Virgin Mary at prayer with Franz Liszt’s nimble-fingered depiction of the Devil at play, followed by two masterpieces from Robert Schumann’s mid twenties – Arabesque and Études Symphoniques – which both explore the dual aspects of the troubled composer’s split personality that he himself personified in the imaginary figures of the melancholy Eusebius and the manic Florestan.
In Association with Royal Over-Seas League
'In an exceptionally technically difficult concert, R. Kyrychenko demonstrated not only technical freedom, but also remarkable musicality, the ability to create music together. A special advantage of his playing is a large palette of sound from the gentlest piano to large-scale forte.'Mikhail Jurowski
About Rafael Kyrychenko
Praised for his poise, precision, and compelling musical insight, Rafael Kyrychenko represents the new generation of pianists combining intellectual depth with a captivating stage presence.
Rafael Kyrychenko is an internationally acclaimed pianist, prizewinner of numerous prestigious competitions across Europe, the United States and Japan. He began his studies at the age of five with his mother, Cristina Pliousnina.
He has received international recognition in various countries such as Japan, Denmark, Portugal, Spain, Italy, France, Estonia, San Marino, Cyprus and also in the United States. He has also participated in masterclasses and private lessons with world renowned musicians such as Philippe Entremont, Dmitry Bashkirov, Vitaly Samoshko, Markus Groh, Michel Béroff, Stanislav Ioudenitch, Rena Shereshevskaya, Elizabeth Leonskaja, among others.
The Steinway concert piano chosen and hired by the Brighton Festival is supplied and maintained by Steinway & Sons, London.
*There is a £3.50 per order charge for all phone and online bookings (not applicable to Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival members)
**Stage timings are subject to change
