Piano great to play health service benefit

WORLD-renowned classical pianist Leslie Howard will perform a special benefit recital in September for Central Highlands Rural Health.

The musicologist is set to play a program of pieces by Mozart, Beethoven, and Liszt, and the show is being co-presented by his sister, Springmount resident Elizabeth Howard.

“We’re supporting Central Highlands Rural Health, and its aged care centre, where our mother is a resident,” she said.

Originally from inner-city Melbourne, Howard has been playing music since he was two-and-a-half.

He would run primary school concerts from age five, and was the piano accompanist of “anything and everything” through school, Ms Howard said.

He completed all music exams by age 14, went onto attend Melbourne Grammar, Monash University, and studied in Italy, and London under the patronage of Lord Londonderry.

Howard’s career took off In the United Kingdom, where he still lives, and he’s played with the London Symphony Orchestra.

“He is renowned across Europe, Asia, America and Asia,” Ms Howard said. “He has played in all the big places, from Carnegie Hall to Hong Kong, and even the Hungarian government love him, and have given him medals for his contribution to the furtherment of Liszt’s work.

“He has spent his entire life, after establishing himself in Britain, supporting and patronising young pianists.

“He’s regarded as one of the leading pianists in Europe, and this concert is a once in a lifetime chance to see this calibre of performer.

“He is fated. His prowess at the piano is unquestioned, and anyone who’s seen him perform across Australia would attest to that. I am very proud of him.”

The concert is set for Sunday 17 September at 2pm at a private venue in Newlyn, and while tickets are currently sold out a wait list is accessible via 0402 777 852.