Iwan Llewelyn-Jones
Iwan Llewelyn-Jones — Pianist
Described by The Daily Telegraph as “a pianist of impeccable taste, confidence and stylish sensitivity”, Iwan Llewelyn-Jones is an acclaimed Steinway Artist whose performances combine virtuosity with refinement, imagination and a deep understanding of the classical repertoire.
Iwan has appeared at many of the world’s most distinguished concert venues,
including London’s Wigmore Hall and Queen Elizabeth Hall, the Leipzig
Gewandhaus and the Sydney Opera House. His extensive recording catalogue
encompasses major works by Liszt, Chopin, Debussy, Ravel and Fauré, reflecting
his particular affinity for the great Romantic and French piano traditions.
A familiar voice and face on BBC and S4C radio and television, Iwan has received
numerous awards and honours, including the Sir Geraint Evans Award for his
significant contribution to Welsh music. Alongside his international performing career, he is Senior Lecturer and Director of Music Performance at Bangor University, where he combines performance with a passion for inspiring the next generation of musicians.
Iwan was Artistic Director of the 2025 Wales International Piano Festival, having
previously curated the Festivals in 2016 and 2021. In April 2026, he was elected a
Fellow of the Learned Society of Wales in recognition of his outstanding contribution to music performance and pedagogy, together with his leadership and academic achievements in the arts and humanities.
What the critics say
César Franck — Prélude, Choral et Fugue
“Breadth, power” and instinctive keyboard colour, with exceptional attention to
contrapuntal detail and dramatic impact.” — The Daily Telegraph, Wigmore
Hall
Gabriel Fauré — Theme and Variations, Op. 73
“Praised for its power and clean-cut precision, with “sparing and beautifully
judged” pedalling and daringly gentle pianissimos of jewel-like clarity”. — The
Guardian, Wigmore Hall
Maurice Ravel — Sonatine
“Lovely liquidity” of sound and delightful colouristic effects, characteristic of
Iwan’s distinctive approach to French music”. — Musical Opinion, St David’s
Hall, Cardiff
Olivier Messiaen — Le baiser de l’Enfant-Jésus
“A performance of continuously sustained concentration, outstanding
technique and profound thought”.
Ravel — Scarbo from Gaspard de la nuit
Impressive keyboard command, exquisite finger-work and a sinister richness
of chordal sonority. — The Times, Wigmore Hall
Henri Dutilleux — Sonate
“A performance whose virtuosity was described as “jaw dropping”. — Aberdeen Evening Express
For Cunard audiences, Iwan brings the atmosphere of the great international concert hall to the intimate setting of the piano recital: sophisticated, engaging performances in which virtuosity serves the music and every work has its own character, colour and story.
