Montville pianist to perform at international competition

Ian returned to playing piano after more than three decades away from the keys

Montville amateur pianist Ian Lucas has been selected to open the prestigious Sydney International Piano Competition in July. 

The competition brings together 32 of the world’s best professional pianists and is widely regarded as one of the most important piano competitions globally. 

Ian won the amateur section of last year’s competition, which is open to pianists over 30, and part of his prize was the opportunity to perform at this year’s event.  

“For those who understand the importance of this event for pianists on the world stage, to be included amongst the elite players, and to be able to meet, socialise with them and play for the judges and the audience, it’s an honour and quite unexpected,” said Ian.

Ian won the Sydney Piano Lovers Competition  in 2020 and 2022. He returned to playing piano after more than three decades away from the keys, during which he worked as an airline pilot.  “It wasn’t until I turned 50 and my wife said, ‘You should go back to music,’ and I said, ‘OK.’ So, I started to regain my technique and my piano abilities, and it was quite slow coming back; it didn’t return overnight, believe me, it took quite a few years to get it back,” said Ian.

Ian’s family has a lineage of classical music that he feels responsible for keeping alive. He also took the time to teach his twin children, Sam and Meg, who have both pursued musical paths. Sam is now a professional cellist, studying and living in Germany, performing globally and with a record label contract. Meg is a successful lawyer who still enjoys playing the piano when she has the chance.

Ian and his wife Lee are known for establishing Lucas Parklands, a 150-seat classical music auditorium  near Montville, set amongst the beauty and peace of undisturbed rainforest.