David Helfgott to return to Caloundra for one performance only

Following his triumphant tour of Australia's southern states last month, David Helfgott will be bringing his remarkable solo recital, comprised of an impressive program of romantic compositions, to The Events Centre on Friday, November 20.

Throughout the tour David received an extraordinary response from audiences everywhere. "It was truly a thrilling experience," said Gillian Helfgott, wife of Australia's most famous pianist.

"In Caloundra, David's program will feature popular works by Fryderyk Chopin including the Etude in E Major, the Waltz No 7 and No 14, and the Ballade No 1 in G Minor. David will also perform works by Liszt, including Etude No 3 ("Un Sospiro"), the Sonetto del Petrarca No 104, and the Sonata in B Minor, which have dazzled audiences all over the world."

The program will also include works by Rachmaninov and Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov's well known Flight of the Bumblebee which David famously performed at the 1996 Academy Awards, the year in which Geoffrey Rush won an Oscar for his portrayal of David, thrusting him into the worldwide spotlight.

The extraordinary seven-time Oscar nominated film Shine revealed David's genius and inspiring life story to the world. David also performed the hypnotising soundtrack for the film.

Now regarded as one of the world's finest pianists, David demonstrated his astonishing piano abilities at a young age. At 17 he studied with Alice Carrard, a former student of Bartok and Istvan Thoman, a pupil of Liszt. David then went on to study in London at the Royal College of Music, where his teacher Cyril Smith described him as the most brilliant student he had had in 25 years of teaching.

In 1991 his CD Liszt, Rachmaninov, Chopin was nominated for an Australian Aria Award. He was the only individual classical musician to receive this honour prior to the introduction of the Aria Fine Arts Awards in 2004.

"David plays beautifully. There's a joy emanating from him which is so much part of his performance. People all come out smiling. With the economy and the world as it is, David is a wonderful asset," said Gillian.

The evening promises to showcase David's mesmerising brilliance for classical enthusiasts and general music fans alike.

David Helfgott will perform in recital at The Events Centre on Friday November 20 at 8pm. Tickets can be purchased by calling (07) 5491 4240.
Ticket prices are Adults $59, Concession/Child/Student $55