St John’s International Piano Series: Jonathan Powell
22 May @ 7.30pm to 9.30pm
About St John’s International Piano Series: Jonathan Powell
Beethoven Sonata for Piano no.3 in C major, op.2
Hummel Sonata in E flat major, op.13
Interval
R. Schumann Faschingsschwank aus Wien
Ravel Menuet sur le nom d’Haydn
Ohana 12 Etudes d’interprétation for piano, IV. Main gauche seule (in memoriam Maurice Ravel)
Ravel La valse
The original performer for this concert date was Jonathan Powell, whose sad death was announced at the beginning of January.
We are enormously grateful to Jean-Efflam Bavouzet for stepping into the Series at this late date. A pianist of international renown, his recordings of the complete solo piano works of Haydn, and of Ravel, have received universal acclaim.
Jean-Efflam brings a programme of beautiful music wrapped in a web of connections. Beethoven’s virtuosic piano sonata no.3 is dedicated to his teacher Haydn.
Hummel, a contemporary and friend of Beethoven’s, also took lessons with Haydn. Schumann wrote his piece about the extravagant Mardi Gras celebrations that he witnessed in Vienna.
Ravel’s short Menuet – it is only a minute and a half – was a commission to mark the centenary of Haydn’s death. Maurice Ohana’s fourth Etude is a tribute to Ravel, who wrote his left-handed concerto for a pianist injured in the First World War.
And finally, Ravel’s La Valse, a composition that was interrupted and terrifyingly changed by the same devastating war. It will be thrilling to hear Jean-Efflam play this piece.
Tickets
Please see important booking information below.
Booking information
Ticket prices:
From £18.00 to £40.00
A fee of £1.50 per transaction applies to bookings for this event across all channels – website, phone and in-person bookings at the Box Office. The fee is waived for Oxford Playhouse members.
Dates & times:
Friday 22 May 2026 at 7.30pm
Doors open at 7.00pm
Running time:
2 hours, including an interval
