20 July 2004

The Sydney International Piano Competition (SIPC) People’s Choice Award winner will perform a concert on the new Steinway grand piano at the Eastbank Centre on Wednesday 28th July.

The Council’s Manager of Performing Arts and Conventions, Mr Rob Robson, said it was exciting to have the new grand piano played by an internationally renowned pianist for the first time.

“The concert was originally to be held at WestSide Performing Arts Centre, but now that the new piano has arrived and is ready for performance, it’s fitting that it should be a part of this significant concert event,” Mr Robson said.

Rem Urasin of Russia won four awards at SIPC, internationally recognised as one of the world’s great piano competitions, including best performance of a work by Chopin, a Mozart Concerto, an Australian work, and the People’s Choice Award as the most popular pianist of the event.

“He was a favourite to win the competition and narrowly missed out, coming second overall.  He is a polished and mature performer, with an incredible history of performing experience.”

Rem Urasin began his musical studies at the age of five, and at the age of eight he gave his first performance with a symphony orchestra.  He has given recitals in many countries including Germany, France, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Poland, Czech Republic and Japan and performed in such prestigious concert halls as Great and Small Halls of the Moscow Conservatory, Salle Gaveau in Paris, Suntory Hall in Tokyo and Izumi Hall in Oaska. 

“At Eastbank, Rem Urasin will perform a recital of pieces by Liszt, Mozart, Schubert, Tchaikovsy and Chopin.”

Rem Urasin will perform at the Eastbank Centre at 8.00 pm on Wednesday 28th July.  Bookings can be made through the Riverlinks Box Office, Eastbank, 70 Welsford Street, Shepparton or by phoning 5832 9511.