Piano recital explores passage of time

A NINETEENTH century Romantic programme based on the music of Tchaikovsky is in store when acclaimed Melbourne pianist Elyane Laussade gives the annual Don Huntley Memorial Piano Recital and a masterclass at Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts this Sunday 15 March.

A graduate of New York’s Julliard school, Laussade has delighted audiences on five continents with her imaginative and strongly individual playing.

Entitled The Passage of Time, this Sunday’s program will see Laussade perform Tchaikovsky’s The Seasons, with related works by Chopin, Liszt, Chaminade and others added in an imaginative blend of introspection with rhapsody.

Laussade is also a renowned performance coach and tutor and catching this Sunday’s 10am morning piano masterclass, ahead of the 3pm afternoon recital, also promises to be both informative and entertaining.

“Each year we have this whole day featuring a recital with an educational bent,” Ballarat Gammar piano performance co-ordinator Bronislaw Sozanski​​​​ said.

“It is prestigious. We get the top people in the country to play and it’s in a wonderful venue.

“There is no charge to attend the masterclass which is sponsored by Ballarat Grammar, and we encourage people to experience the educational side of piano.

“It works very well with the concert in the afternoon and Elyane has the personality to make it come alive as well.

“The masterclass is open to everyone to attend and four pianists will present works and receive feedback and some positive input about their performance.”

All proceeds contribute to the Don Huntley Memorial Scholarship Fund in recognition of the late Don Huntley’s passion and advocacy for performing arts at Ballarat Grammar.

“The fund is designed to encourage entry scholarships to Grammar to study music as the driving force,” Mr Sozanski said.

The recital itself is an hour-long concert and will also feature Ballarat Grammar music student Travis Wang playing prior to Laussade’s performance.

Tickets can be purchased to the show only, or together with an afternoon tea with the special guest pianist, with more details through the Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts.