As printed in The Bantry Grapevine, County Cork, Ireland, August 1, 2008
Ahabeg Vista Concert Series With Pianist David Syme
Drive along the coastal road between Castletownbere and Adrigole and you will see a sign with a grand piano logo and a chalk board advertising the date of the “next recital”.
David Syme, internationally-renowned American concert pianist, makes his living playing throughout the U.S. and Europe, but lives in Ireland 5 months out of the year.
He plays as soloist with symphonies and does piano recitals in major concert halls in many foreign lands, but presents about 15 programs per year in his home on the Ahabeg Waterfall Road. They are held on selected Friday nights and Sunday afternoons mainly during the summer months, with scattered dates in winter and spring.
Repertoire consists mainly of the great classics by Beethoven, Chopin, Liszt, Rachmaninoff and others. A typical program will feature a large-scale piece on the first half, after which refreshments are served during a social interlude. The second half is lighter, with short works and even some requests from the audience, which includes music lovers from young children to octogenarians. Requests are wideranging from classical to popular numbers, since Syme is known to be eclectic with a remarkable gift of recall. Guests have a rare insight into the musicmaking process as they are regaled with stories from David’s long and colorful career.
Syme needs and loves to play and share his art with people wherever he is. He practices and prepares for the coming season every summer in Ireland, and brings his music to an eager following. He is very grateful for this opportunity to invite people into his “workshop”, where they hear the same programs that he will soon play in venues such as New York’s Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall.
Suzanne and David Syme open their West Cork oceanview house to the public in and around the town of Castletownbere, but insist on reservations by phone or e-mail. Some people drive for several hours to hear David play. If you ask what is the attraction, they will say that it is David’s thrilling piano playing combined with a humility and generosity of spirit.
Dig deeper and they will admit to a fondness for Suzanne’s baking, a highlight of every such event. Suzanne, holder of a doctorate in religious studies and a published author, partners with David to create an environment that puts everyone at ease. These are truly joyous and memorable events.
For reservations and enquiries: 027 71070 or www.symepiano.com