Lance Coburn

Piano

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“…one sat awe-inspired in amazement, wondering how it could possibly be played any better…” is how the Kölnische Rundschau described Lance Coburn’s performance of Prokofiev’s 3rd Piano Concerto.

Since winning first prize at the Tomassoni International Piano Competition, Cologne in 2001, Lance has performed in Austria, Germany, Italy, Greece, Israel, Russia, United States, Ireland, South Africa, Australia and Korea as both concerto soloist and recitalist.

He has performed with the Central Florida , the Israel and Sydney Symphony Orchestras, the RTE National Symphony and Hibernian Orchestras in Dublin, and most other Australian Orchestras. With the WDR – Cologne Orchestra, one critic described his performance of Beethoven’s “Emperor” concerto thus: “Coburn approached the grandiose work….with the vigour of a classically-inspired artist”.

In the Bonn International Beethoven Festival, critics described his five-sonata recital as – “refreshing….uncompromising….unacademic….” In the Accademia Filharmonica Concert Series – Verona , Italy – the critics said – “Coburn’s piano playing is characterised by an undoubted technical mastery…[which]…allowed us to experience precious moments of tonal exploration”.

Blessed with a dazzling technique and innate musicianship, and a charismatic performance flair, Lance also broadcasts frequently for radio Deutsche Welle, BBC Radio 3, Lyric fm ( Ireland ) and ABC FM ( Australia ).

He has given master classes for music festivals in Australia, in the Elder Conservatorium in Adelaide and in the Tyalgum Festival in Queensland. In 2006 he presented a lecture recital in Dublin ’s Royal Irish Academy of Music on Carl Vine’s solo piano works, a composer whose works he has a close affinity with.

Lance has also been the recipient of many other first prizes, including the Hephizibah Menuhin Scholarship, the inaugural Lev Vlassenko Piano Competition, and the Australian Young Performers’ Award (Keyboard Section), culminating in a performance of Liszt’s 1st Piano Concerto with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, in the Sydney Opera House, which was also broadcast live across Australia on ABC Television.

Beginning his studies in his homeland of New Zealand, Lance furthered them in Australia, the Tchaikovsky Conservatoire – Moscow and finally with John O’Conor at the Royal Irish Academy of Music.

He enjoys an active freelance career as a solo performer, chamber musician and accompanist. He is also a full-time staff member of the keyboard faculty in the Royal Irish Academy of Music.