Nominated as a 2022 ‘Rising Star’ by Classic FM, Jordanian-Palestinian pianist Iyad Sughayer was a prize-winner at the Young Classical Artists Trust international auditions in 2021, and has developed an exciting career as both a soloist and chamber musician. Iyad’s debut album Khachaturian Piano Works for BIS Records was described by Gramophone as “exhilarating and delivered with perfect clarity” and “an outstanding debut” by BBC Music Magazine. His second recording for BIS with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, conducted by Andrew Litton, was released to critical acclaim in autumn 2022. In October 2025, Iyad recorded the third and final disc, completing the complete piano music of Khachaturian on BIS.
Iyad has also performed extensively in recitals throughout the UK and Europe, performing at important venues such as the Berlin Konzerthaus, Concertgebouw Amsterdam, Wigmore Hall in London and the Laeiszhalle in Hamburg. As a concerto soloist Iyad has appeared with leading orchestras including the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Manchester Camerata, London Mozart Players, the Cairo and Amman Symphony Orchestras.
In 2022 Iyad co-founded and launched a new specialist music school, the Mashrek Academy of Music, with the Masrek International School in Amman. The Academy welcomes students from across Jordan, discovering and nurturing a new generation of creators and musicians.
Programme includes: Mozart: Twelve Variations on “Ah vous dirai-je, Maman”, K 265/300e; Beethoven: Piano Sonata No.15 in D, Op. 28 “Pastoral”; Liszt: 6 Consolations; Khachaturian: Ballet Scenes: Adagio – Lullaby – Sabre Dance
Image: Kaupo Kikkas
