Suvan gave his official Senior Recital last year, but he wanted to present an additional program this season to share his latest efforts. It was a highly unusual and memorable concert. He preceded it with a public tour, performing his concert in four locations around northeast Ohio, all during the spring break week. He played in Vermillion, Avon, Cleveland and Lorain. This is something I always recommend to students who have cars (see post about this here). Suvan’s experience “on the road” was varied, but he got lots of experience running the program and even made some money along the way.

He had recently finished preparing the second Violin Partita of Bach, focusing most recently on the famous final movement, the Chaconne. In contrast to this major Bach-work, he played his own arrangement of Schumann’s beloved piano work, Kinderszenen (Scenes from Childhood). A work I myself had arranged and published years ago, Suvan preferred to make his own version, a decision I applauded. His selections were invariably in keys different than the ones I chose; the result was delightful.

Suvan’s playing has matured into a uniquely pianistic approach to the guitar. He controls his tone with tremendous finesse and incorporates long, carefully sculpted dynamics. His Bach is pristine and riveting.

His Schumann was delicate and refined, with transparent colors and elegant phrasing. It was hard to believe the arrangement was so new. Certainly, his repeat performances of the program on his tour helped solidify the work in his hands, for he showed no evident stress in his presentation.

Suvan has been a leader in the guitar studio for years now. His next adventure, to commence in the Fall at the Royal Conservatory in Glasgow, Scotland, is sure to lead him to new heights both musically and on his instrument. We wish him every success—we will certainly miss him here!

Here are Suvan’s previous Oberlin solo recitals: Sophomore Recital, Junior Recital, Senior Recital.