Profile / Personal Information

Born in Australia.

Concert Pianist and Conductor and often referred to as"complete theatre man".

This unique artist and musician’s career embraces all facets of theater and musical entertainment ; concert platform to cabaret composer/arranger, organist, harpsichord,conductor, opera, operetta, musicals, symphonic, chamber orchestra, festival director, professor/lecturer, master classes, stage director, lighting, ballet,straight theater, television and radio.....

He speaks fluent English, French, German, Italian and working knowledge of Spanish.Currently learning modern Greek.

Is Patron of Festival in Makrigialos,CRETE.

Education

As a child in Australia,he Attended O.L.S.H Convent and Saint Bernards College Schools for music and school studies,later attending Katoomba primary and High Schools.

Encouraged by his parents’ interest in Amateur Dramatics he attended classes in Elocution and Play reading.

When ten years old,he began studies with celebrated Russian Pianist IGOR HMELNITSKY and later with Alexander Hmelnitsky (father)

Musical and school studies were continued at the SYDNEY Conservatorium High School. Studying :

  Piano with ALAN JENKINS
  Organ with Doctor Faunce Allman
  Harmony / Theory with Mavis Sprigg, Doctor Bernard and Raymond Hansen.

Obtaining :

  Intermediate and Leaving Certificates
  First Class Music Honours.
  A.Mus.A .Piano Diploma
  L.MUS.A. Diploma (Teacher and Performer Dip.)

Piano studies continued in London with Brigid Wild.

Influences and encouragement

While studying with his teacher and mentor Igor Hmelnitsky, he attended concerts and met pianists Franz Rupp and Claudio Arrau.(Arrau and Brigid Wild both students of Martin Krause in Berlin,the celebrated Liszt disciple) Pianists Eileen Joyce ,Moura Lympany in London, Phillipe Entrement and Aldo Ciccolini in France.

His "giant-idols" include Herbert von Karajan, Leonard Bernstein, Carlo Maria Giulini and Vladimir Horowitz.

Hobbies and Interests.

"My life is Music,Music is my life" is his philosophy, a <"passionate of the human voice"> (doubtless due to his father’s love of the tenor voice),also attracted by all the Arts generally,classic films and wild life.

A keen outdoor person,most sports,ocean lover,surf sailing,horses,walking and travelling.

Also reputed to be an excellent "chef de cuisine" delighting friends with his culinary expertise both at home and on his travels around the world.