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 *In 2024, Riyad will be performing solo piano recitals at various venues in the UK, including Westminster Cathedral Hall for the Chopin Society in London, as well as locations in Hove, Colton, Wales, and Corsham. Additionally, he will perform at Lewis University and Lynn University in the USA.

*In 2023, Riyad will be performing at the Emirate Airline Festival of Literature in Dubai, Kennedy Center in Washington/USA, and Balliol College University in Oxford and other places. Please click on  VIDEOS , his Youtube Channel or social media to watch recent videos ! 

 *In 2022, Riyad had many solo Piano and Chamber Music Recitals at several socities and clubs in the UK and US, and also made his debut the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra at St. John's Smith Square. Please click on  VIDEOS , his Youtube Channel or social media to watch recent videos ! 

 *In 2021, Riyad has been exploring many new compositions by Schubert, especially that this compositions brings him a lot of peace. Please click on VIDEOS , Youtube Channel, social media to watch recent videos related to Schubert! 

* Read recent review about Riyad's solo recital dedicated to Schubert at St Mary's Perviale "Refined beauty in the name of peace" by clicking on Reviews

* In 2020, Riyad will be performing for Bideford Music Club, Dartford Grammar School, Oriental Club and St Nicholas Church at the UK amongst other concerts. 

 

 

*In April 2019, Riyad has joined the stage with Dame Mitsuko Uchida for a concert at Cadogan Hall in London raising £90000 for "Hands up for Syria" organization.

*In August 2018 Riyad won the Grand Slam/ First Prize at the International Liszt Ference Piano Competition. 

*In December 2017 Riyad won the mid-day Manchester audition and will be making his debut at the Birdgwater Hall in Manchester in 2018-2019. 

 *Riyad has recentely been invited to teach Piano at the Junior Department of Guildhall School of Music from September 2017.

*In April 2017 Riyad won the Gold Medal at the Berliner International Piano Competition and will be presented by Manhattan Concert Artists. 

* New Video recording of a Syrian Compositions  by Kareem Roustom and Chopin Nocturne Op.9, No. 3 can be found at VIDEOS

* ITV Border interview Riyad about Syria before performing for Carlisle Music Society and video can be found at VIDEOS

 *In August 2016, Riyad has been sellected as one of 24 finalists to complete at the Busoni International Piano Competition in August 2017.

*In June 2015 The Countess of Munster Trust has exceptionally sellected Riyad as an artist for a 2nd year. He will be giving regular solo recitals  at many prestigious music socities at the UK and abroad, including some concerto performances with orchestras during the next season 2015-2017.

 *In June 2015 Riyad graduated with distinction in Master of Performance from the Royal College of Music .

* Recent reviews from Sunderalnd amd Cockermouth Societies can be found be clicking on Sunderland or Cockermouth

*In June 2014 Riyad has been selected as an artist at The Couness of Munster Concert Scheme.

 *A recent review on 1s prize winner concert of Norah Sande Award "Riyad Nicolas" can be found be clicking on Eastbourne review

*In February 2014 Riyad won the Gold Medal at the prestigious Chappell Medal Piano Competition at the Royal College of Music.

"In July 2013 Riyad won the 1st prize in Norah Sande Award Piano Competition and will be performing in Eastbourne and Cambs in the UK as part of the prize. Please go to "Concerts" section for more updates.

* The success of his Beethoven Emperor Concerto performance with London Chamber Orchestra led to a considerable fund raising of over £150000 for The International Rescue Committe (for Syria) at the UK. Samples of videos can be seen by clicking on VIDEOS

* In February 2012 , Riyad was chosen as one of the Tillett Trust’s Young Artist Platform Scheme. Very recentely in October 2012 he made his debut in Wigmore debut and soon he will be making his debut in Cadogan Hall performing Beethoven 5th Concerto with the London Chamber Orchestra. In addition he will be performing in many prestigious festivals in the UK and also in Spain.

*Riyad is working on his CD recording offer in France being the 1st prize winner of Francaix International Piano Competition. 

*Teaching: In addition to Riyad's performance career, Riyad has an extensive teaching experience having started to teach the Piano from 2007 till now. He is now teaching at the JD of Guildhall School of Music and Dartford Grammar School. For private teaching please email info@riyadnicolas.com




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Reviews :
Refined beauty in the name of peace, by Christopher Axworthyon 23 February 2021 

" There was a very refined sense of phrasing in the Schubert Sonata in A that allowed the music to sing so naturally with a controlled eloquence that was so compelling. The Andante flowed so mellifluously The duet between the voices was full of magical colours but always with a rich sound that was never sentimental.There was passion too but always within this sound world of pure luxurious velvet that seemed to flow so naturally from Riyad's hand. The passionate outpouting of sounds in the Scriabin study just showed the true mastery that we had witnessed all afternoon. To read more please press on

https://christopheraxworthymusiccommentary.wordpress.com/2021/02/23/riyad-nicolas-at-st-marys-refined-beauty-in-the-name-of-peace/?fbclid=IwAR1IhyNVClWT9GmLv6WRUS4zD9_9BQIE_5XuYfwlgSWDCKNWFSFZyg3fAMg/

Cumberland News, Carlilse Music Society- Aleppo pianist Riyad's magical night of music on 18 November 2016

"The epic late Beethoven Op.110 Sonata showed his technique was perfect for the task, his quiet authority and meticulous preparation a pleasure to behold, the opening phrases of the sonata a joy.".........read more

Cockermouth Music Society -Riyad Nicolas performance on 15 September 2015

"Riyad is a powerful player, his sound being almost thunderous at times (“ gave the new piano a good workout!” commented many), but technically and musically he has so much to offer that he showed all the attributes of a pianist with a great future.".........read more

Sunderland Piano Society- Riyad Nicolas performance on 22 September 2015

"Clearly Riyad Nicolas is a pianist of great talent and virtuosity who entertained an enthusiastic audience with his wonderful playing.This was a memorable recital given by a talented young pianist who we hope will make a return visit.".........read more

Eastbourne Herald, UK, 7 February 2014 - "Every note mattered for talented pianist" -Norah Sande award Prize -Written by Robin Gregor

"Second half Chopin performances were distinctly personal, as if Nicolas was revisiting Chopin before our very eyes. He had thought about every note, and become deeply involved with their messages, which is why we all knew we were in at the start of a great career".........read more

 A Herald Arts special on Stratford Music Festival - October 2013

"With Chopin he was at his most comfortable and his audience warmed to him through "....."  .....read more

 Review King's Lynn Festival - 31 July 2013 -"Riyad is a name to Keep a close eye on" - Written by Andy tyler

"Riyad brought out well the varying moods of the music, passion, intensity and delicacy were all in evidence and his articulation and clarity were especially effective""  .....read more

Darlington and Stockron Times, 31 March 2013 - Yuka Ishizuka  and Riyad Nicolas Central Hall, Darlington- Written by Dave Robson

.".. Richly expressive performance by both performers, bringing out the sombre and emotional elements of the central adagio most effectively and meeting all the strong requirements of the closing movements...  piano and violin were both showing a degree of austerity and introspection....& "  .....read more

 International Piano, January/February 2013- Written by Michael Church

"Syria's leading young pianist.....A fine account of Debussy's Images Book I ...Jean Francaix work delivered with Galic Charm , and some superb Messiaen" ."  .....read more

Musical Opinion,UK ,January and February 2012- 1000 Notes and 1 Arabin Knight :
"A young immpassioned Florestan produced a majestic sound , and main-tained rhythmic clarity ...What first glance appeared to be an eclectic programme proved to be a tightly knit selection....He seamlessly made his way up and down the keyboard with great panache without ever losing suspense and arriving at every climax with aplomb...Riyad Nicolas , a name to remember ! ."  .....read more

Salisbury Journal,UK , 23 June 2011 :
"A wonderful blend of intelligence and technical mastery...with its huge range of colours and rhythms, deftly negotiated by Riyad with great virtuosity."  .....
read more

Beethoven Piano Society of Europe:

St. James Piccadilly, London 1 December 2010,
"Almost as much a sign of the times, and holding out no less hope for an eventual cultural rapprochement than
Barenboim's West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, is the incomparable Syrian pianist Riyad Nicholas,  .......  each note justified its specific weight in the overall scheme...... everything had its part to play in this phenomenal interpretation, hardly giving us quarter to catch our breaths.....  As he thundered up and down the keyboard, trying out every possible permutation of Ligeti's opening strains ....." read more

Regent Hall, London 7 August 2009,
"Riyad Nicolas, a name to remember ....this paragon of pianistic prestidigitation...setting a new gold standard ...he had given a prodigious recital which rose head and shoulders above everything else we have heard this year ,...every aspect of his performance...melding all together into an indissoluble unity of conception" ....read more

Master Class in Aleppo- Syria 2009,............read more

International Pianist Riyad Nicolas in a Concert in Syria, 2008 ......read more

Riyad Nicolas and Piano Music in Aleppo, 2009...  read more

"The Guardian" interview with a 15 years old Syrian Pianist, Uk, 2005
".....Nicolas is hopeful of winning one of the four awards for younger pianists and says that, with a grant, he would hope to come to London to study..." read more

Review - Personal opinion magazine, read more