On Monday, May 26, 2025, Antonine University (UA) welcomed internationally celebrated pianist Jonathan Fournel for the third and final concert of Chamber Music Season VII. Winner at the International Queen Elisabeth Competition, Fournel delivered a performance characterized by depth, clarity, and exceptional technical command.

The evening opened with Bach’s Italian Concerto, BWV 971, a work renowned for its energetic contrasts and elegant construction. Fournel brought articulation and balance to each movement, illuminating Bach’s layered textures and dynamic shifts with precision and poise.

He then performed Brahms’ Intermezzi, Op. 117, a triptych of introspective miniatures that demand emotional nuance and restraint. Fournel’s interpretation was tender and deliberate, capturing the intimate atmosphere of each piece with expressive subtlety.

Szymanowski’s Variations on a Polish Folk Theme, Op. 10, an early Romantic work steeped in national color and harmonic richness. Fournel navigated its evolving textures with technical ease, highlighting both the lyricism and youthful intensity of the composition.

The recital concluded with Liszt’s Sonata in B Minor, S. 178, a monumental work known for its structural innovation and emotional breadth. Fournel’s performance was commanding and cohesive, revealing his capacity to sustain dramatic tension, while drawing out the work’s thematic transformations with clarity and conviction.

This closing concert followed two memorable performances earlier in the season, featuring pianists Théo Fouchenneret and Tony Yike Yang, each bringing a unique interpretive voice and adding richness to the concert series.

Together, these three recitals formed a beautifully curated season, showcasing international talent and offering the UA community an inspiring blend of musical depth and diversity.

The concert affirmed UA’s ongoing dedication to presenting world-class classical music on campus. It offered a moment of artistic excellence that resonated deeply with students, faculty, and members of the wider devoted public, and furthered UA’s mission to serve as a cultural anchor in Lebanon’s musical landscape.