When did you meet Iyad Sughayer, and why did you ask him to perform in Keys to Life?

Iyad and I met when we both performed at a fundraising concert for Gaza in June 2024. We hit it off straight away and became friends very quickly. But it was when I heard Iyad playing Mozart that I thought I would like to collaborate. It’s always been a dream of mine to play the Mozart Sonata for Two Pianos, and this was the first time I felt I’d found somebody who has a similar sound and feeling for Mozart, which is something very personal. We have now performed at a number of concerts in the UK, and I’m really thrilled to be able to invite him to Australia as my musical partner on this recital tour.

Jayson Gillham and Iyad Sughayer. Photo © Bruce Marshall

What attracts you to a two-piano recital?

I absolutely love the two-piano genre, especially working with Iyad. It’s such a pleasure spending the time going through this beautiful music and discovering what we can do with it. We are learning from each other, inspiring each other through really listening. When...