By Richard Bruinsma

Lucas Parklands at Montville continues to take steps toward its goal to become a leading classical music hall, and a finger injury to its latest world-renowned performer failed to derail that dream.

Polish pianist Zofia Lalak performed two recitals over the weekend, with the audience enjoying classic works from, among others, Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, Liszt and Chopin.

“It was absolutely amazing, feeling right at home,” Ms Lalak said of playing at the intimate hinterland venue.

“It was like being on holidays, and being in a five-star resort and, at the same time, playing for family and friends; it’s a very friendly environment I would say.”

Ms Lalak’s program included some Chopin rarities and dedications to Chopin, described as the most lyrical of all musical poets, in commemoration of the 170th anniversary of his death this year.

Around 100 guests attended each recital, which received rousing applause. One concert-goer, who had attended every event at the venue over the past eight years, described it as the best yet.

“This is my favourite type of environment, because I like to talk to the people , I like to feel the people around me,” Ms Lalak said.

“I think I’m quite an old school person – in the 18th or 19th century, they played only small concerts – and I find it just feels more natural.”

Her performances were not without drama, with the demanding two-day program resulting in a serious injury to her left thumb – with her nail becoming detached - mid-way through the first half of Sunday’s program.

The audience witnessed her grimacing as she played through the pain to reach intermission.

“It happens when you practice a lot, when you have one concert after another,” Ms Lalak explained.

“Yesterday, was a very very charged program, so maybe if I had two or three days break, in between, it would be fine, but, anyway, thank God I have a big program, so I found some different pieces so I could adapt for tonight; I know which pieces hurt my nails yesterday.”

However, there was positive to come from the injury.

“Yes, I felt like a jazz player, inventing,” Ms Lalak said with a laugh.

“There’s more drama and more excitement, and I think people like when things are fresh and they can see that you’re out of your comfort zone, and you start to create, and it’s more arty, I think.”

She joked that she would return one day to play the unplayed program, which generated loud applause from the audience.

The recitals were among a series of co certs to be played at the Lucas Parklands venue this year.

“Everyone knows my passion of trying to turn Lucas Parklands and Montville in to a destination where great players want to come and play, I thin today we took a couple of steps closer to achieving that,” Ian Lucas said.