Howard returns for one-off appearance

WORLD-renowned classical pianist Leslie Howard will be in Buninyong for a one-off performance on Sunday 10 August.

Based in London since 1972, Howard will perform and discuss music by Beethoven, Liszt and the Russian Romantics.

The show, billed as An Afternoon with Dr Leslie Howard, will take place at the Buninyong Brewery, starting at 2pm.

The musicologist will be in the country for three weeks to attend an honouring life service for his mother, Phyllis Kaine, who died late last year after spending the last five years of her life in care at Creswick.

Howard’s appearance is being organised by his sister Elizabeth Howard, of Springmount, who co-founded and runs the Goldfields Recreation and Dance (GR&D) group.

Ms Howard said a highlight of the day will be her brother’s performance on the actual piano – a baby grand – he used during his childhood lessons in Melbourne.

She explained that the piano belonged to her brother’s music teacher, Dorothy Baker, who ultimately gave it to him as a gift.

When Howard relocated to England, the piano was kept at Mrs Kaine’s property. It was donated to the Brewery when she died.

“The music will be introduced by Leslie in his familiar, witty and erudite style with opportunities to discuss,” Ms Howard said.

“This will be his only performance in Ballarat this season.”

Ms Howard said Leslie is currently touring in Italy.

She said proceeds from ticket sales will go to GR&D and will be passed on to the Creswick Lions Club for distribution among community causes.

Howard was last in Australia in 2023, when he played a benefit recital in aid of Central Highlands Rural Health.

Born in Melbourne, Howard has been playing music since he was two-and-a-half. He completed all music exams by age 14 and attended Melbourne Grammar and Monash University.

He also studied in Italy and in London under the patronage of Lord Londonderry.

Howard has long been regarded as one of the leading pianists in Europe.

Buninyong Brewery is at 107 Yuille Street. Tickets are on sale through Humanitix and are $40, with concessions at $35 and under-18s $25.