Concert Reviews
Konstantin Shamray
(26 September, 2008)
Konstantin Shamray is one of the greatest concert pianists in the world. This can be said without any fear of contradiction after a full house witnessed him play at the Goulburn Regional Conservatorium on Friday 26 September. To say that he is an extraordinary talent is a gross understatement – he is simply a once-in-a-lifetime musician who is destined to be known as one of the greatest pianists of all time. He enthralled the large crowd with his sublime skills on the Steinway Concert Grand Piano as he played an incredible range of pieces that included Partita No 5 in G Major by J S Bach, Sonata KV 533 in F Major with Rondo KV 494 by W A Mozart, Fantasiestücke Op 111 and Toccata Op 7 in C Major by R Schumann, and the Polonaise Op 53 in A Flat Major by Chopin.
After nearly two hours of exhilarating performance, Konstantin still had the energy to play four encores, which included the magical Prelude by D Shostokovich. The patrons showed their appreciation by giving Konstantin a rousing standing ovation, which lasted for several minutes and clearly indicated the crowd’s pleasure at being privileged to witness an event of such significance for the local region. The fact that the Goulburn Regional Conservatorium had the winner of the Sydney International Piano Competition of Australia performing in Room 12 clearly indicates the high esteem in which the local Conservatorium is held – in fact, no venue in Canberra was able to secure Konstantin for a performance on this tour! This concert was but one of over fifty held at the Goulburn Regional Conservatorium throughout the year.
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