High level students feature in Piano for Pleasure

FIVE talented young pianists are set to feature in the first Piano for Pleasure concert of the year taking place at the end to this month.

The annual Ballarat concert series features students of renowned local piano teacher Bronislaw Sozanski and provides valuable stagecraft experience as part of their studies.

The first concert for 2026 happens 2pm on Saturday February 28 in the Anglican Cathedral Synod Hall on Lydiard Street South.

Among students preparing, year 12 Clarendon student Louis Zhao will perform works including Chopin’s Fantasie Impromptu.

Zhao will feature alongside fellow accomplished young performers Hannah Cao, Camila Gonzalez-Zhu, Lucia Sharples and Shayla Tang.

“The students are all preparing for high grade exams and look forward to entertaining the audience,” Mr Sozanski said.

“Louis is preparing for his Certificate of Performance which follows grade eight.

“The demands for success in this exam require a high technical standard and involves many hours of preparation.”

With at least two more concerts to be held as part of this year’s series, it’s an opportunity for local music lovers to enjoy hearing talented young pianists perform much-loved pieces while themselves contributing to the students’ valuable experience as concert performers.

“There’s no experience like experience,” Mr Sozanski said.

“It gives the students a real opportunity to play in a concert atmosphere.

“We have some fairly experienced students who really do give plenty to an audience.”

Afternoon tea follows the hour-long concert and provides a chance for the young performers to meet and mingle with their audience.

While it’s free to attend, donations are welcome and support Music at The Cathedral.