A master musician and composer at the height of his powers
Presented by Adelaide Festival
Reviewed 2nd March 2026
It is no exaggeration to call Tyshawn Sorey a titan of contemporary music. Sitting comfortably in that beautiful space between classical and jazz, Sorey is a Pulitzer Prize winner, a sought-after collaborator, the erstwhile Peabody Resident at Johns Hopkins University, a lecturer, composer, arranger, and multi-instrumentalist. In Adelaide with the extraordinary production Perle Noire, we are lucky to have him also perform a one-night solo concert.
This hour-long recital consisted of one piece, moving through various moments and phrases. It could perhaps be described as contemporary classical, with fleeting moments of jazz, and even the odd will-o’-the-wisp touch of torch song. Sorey almost devours the piano, forcing it to disgorge sounds one did not think possible. Just when the atonality becomes almost industrial, he pulls back to an aching sweetness, which yet never falls into the totally saccharine. He plays with authenticity, intellect, and heart, often teetering on the edge of loss-of-control. Yet remaining unquestionably controlled.
Sorey’s work is not everyone’s cup of tea. He is no populist, yet nor is he an academic musician. One feels that he senses the audience in every moment, and is connecting with everything he has. A few people left during the performance, but not in a huffy way. In fact several spoke to me afterwards in lifts and carparks, saying that they had to leave because the sound got to them, or it was too harsh in parts. Yet none of them seemed critical of Sorey’s talent or truthful intent.
Those of us who stayed were moved and will probably never be quite the same again. The cheering ovation stood testament to our appreciation.
Venue: Her Majesty’s Theatre
Season: Finished
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