The Sunshine Valley Gazette

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Australia’s finest pianists to perform in Montville

Konstantin Shamray will present a solo recital in August.

Piers Lane is Australia’s most famous classical music export.

Renowned pianists Piers Lane AO and Konstantin Shamray will return to the world-class Lucas Parklands auditorium in Montville. Piers Lane, Australia’s most famous classical music export, will perform on June 21 and 22. Konstantin Shamray, the highly regarded concert pianist, will present a solo recital on August 11 and 12, followed by two piano concertos on September 16 and 17.

Both pianists have captivated audiences at Lucas Parklands in the past, sharing their brilliance in capital cities and the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.

“Piers Lane is one of our greatest international musicians, loved throughout the world. Konstantin is Australia’s highest regarded residential concert pianist. It’s fantastic to have them perform at my home in Montville,” said Lucas Parklands proprietor Ian Lucas. 

Piers Lane’s program includes works by Chopin, Tchaikovsky, Liszt, and Rachmaninov for his solo recitals in June.

“Being renowned worldwide, Piers Lane’s performance will be wonderful, regardless of the pieces he plays,” Mr Lucas said.

Konstantin Shamray will present a solo recital in August and perform Mozart’s Concerto 21 and Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto 2 in September, known as one of the greatest piano concertos ever written.

Both pianists have become friends of the Lucas family and enjoy the peaceful bushland surrounding the Montville auditorium.

Lucas Parklands, located near Montville and surrounded by natural rainforest, has gained a reputation for attracting world-class artists. The 150-seat hall features soft lighting and large windows, creating an intimate and acoustically brilliant space.

“I got an email from a lady the other day who said she loves to come to our concerts because our home is such a happy place,” said Mr Lucas. “And it’s reflected in the way the audience responds to the performances, and the performers, because they’re happy to be here, make the whole experience a very enjoyable one – a ‘happy place’ is a nice way to describe it. 

“Pascal Rogé, a French concert pianist who played here before, said it is one of the two best performance venues in the world for its size,” Mr Lucas said.

Piers Lane will perform on June 21, 22, and Konstantin Shamray on August 11, 12, and September 16, 17 at Lucas Parklands. For tickets, contact 0409 623 228 or 07 5478 5667, or email lucasparklands@bigpond.com. Don’t miss the chance to experience the world-class brilliance of these exceptional pianists in the serene setting of Lucas Parklands.