Toad Lane Concerts: John Sabar

John Sabar

Concert pianist John Sabar's recital at St Mary in the Baum on Wednesday 9 October was a welcome return to the Toad Lane Concert schedule.

John was born into a musical family and grew up between England and South-East Asia. He performed regularly on various instruments with his siblings throughout his childhood, and in the sixth form achieved DipABRSM at the piano. After graduating with First-Class Honours from the University of York he received a scholarship to the Royal Northern College of Music where he gained his Master’s. Now he performs and teaches the piano in and around Manchester as a freelance musician.

John really put the heritage 1935 Challen Grand through its paces last time, and eagerly approached it following its recent refurbishment. The instrument initially came along with the lunchtime concerts at the closure of the former Arts & Heritage Centre when the council them handed over. This was the 1,108th concert since then. John praised its charm and character.

Untroubled by the sounds of tree felling nearby, the commanding opening chord immediately brought the focus of the audience to his excellent interpretation of numbers 1 and 4 of the Impromptus Op 90 by Schubert. This continued with the classical elegance and contrasted moods of the three movements of Sonata in F major Hob XVI: 23 by Haydn.

Then we had a quiz! John questioned the audience about their reactions to four biblical pieces from Evangelion, by Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco. This inspired moment of audience participation exemplified John’s genuine and engaging rapport with his audience in his introductions as well as his playing.

A fluent and radiant account of the three contrasted movements of Sonatine by Ravel brought this recital to a close. The sustained applause confirmed its success and demanded another return.

The Queen’s Award-winning Toad Lane Concerts are every Wednesday at 12.30pm at St Mary in the Baum, Toad Lane, Rochdale, OL16 1DZ. Entrance fee is £6. No refreshments available. Contact 01706 648872 for further information.

To see details of forthcoming Toad Lane Concerts, click here.

Dr Joe Dawson