Pianist to share talent

CELEBRATED recitalist, soloist and chamber musician Timothy Young is set to take to the stage at the Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts later this month.

The 18th annual Don Huntley Memorial Piano Recital will take place Saturday 27 April from 3pm.

This is the first time the event is being held in the afternoon with the aim of making it more accessible.

“We’re sort of pushing for a bigger clientele, because sometimes people can come in the daytime but not at night,” said Ballarat Grammar piano teacher, Bronislaw Sozanski.

A high tea with Young is set to follow the performance.

Young is the head of piano at the Australian National Academy of Music and will perform Chopin, Liszt and Rachmaninoff at the recital.

Mr Sozanski said this is a chance to see one of Australia’s finest pianists in a regional city.

“He is one of the most famous musicians in the country and it’s a very big, 19th century romantic music program,” he said.

“My whole purpose is to create this concert each year using only the best available people.”

The morning before the recital, Young will conduct a masterclass with students sharing his talent.

Mr Sozanski said it is important to get people inspired to play the piano.

“It means that our kids get the opportunity with someone of international standard and performance wise, I’ve seen him before and he’s just a fantastic performer,” he said.

“It raises the attitude and creates a better-quality performer in the end.”

Tickets are $40 for an adult for the performance or $60 with high tea included.

Bookings can be made on the Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts website.