Australian piano star to make TSO debut with Grieg concerts in Hobart and Launceston

Born and raised in rural Queensland, 32 year old London-based Australian pianist Jayson Gillham, above, is recognised as one of the finest pianists of his generation.

“[His] virtuosity was much on display, but it was his extraordinary interpretive skill that left me overwhelmed.” Limelight

Jayson Gillham grew up in outback Australia but now performs on the most prestigious concerts stages in the world. The 32 year old, recognised by one of his early music teachers as ‘firmly in the prodigy category’ spent his childhood in the rural Queensland town of Dalby – about as far from the European classical music world as you can imagine – but has carved out a remarkable reputation as an in demand concert pianist, thrilling audiences worldwide with his faultless technique and finely honed judgement.

Now based in London, Gillham has participated at the highest level of international piano competitions, catapulting to critical attention when he took first prize in the 2014 Montreal International Music Competition.

Jayson makes his keenly anticipated debut with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra as soloist in Grieg’s blistering Piano Concerto with concerts in both Hobart, April 12 and Launceston April 13.

Another interesting point to note is that the TSO, this year celebrating its 70th anniversary, performed this work, Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A Minor, at its inaugural concert on 25 May 1948 in Hobart City Hall. Pianist Eileen Joyce was the featured soloist, and the conductor was Joseph Post.

This year’s concerts in Hobart and Launceston will also include Schumann’s dynamic Symphony No 3, one of the touchstones of the symphonic repertoire. Its great sweeping gestures have energised listeners for generations. At the helm of this vibrant concert is acclaimed Norwegian maestro, Eivind Aadland, who conducted the TSO in 2017.

The Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra
Gillham Plays Grieg

Further information available at: https://www.tso.com.au/concerts/gillham-plays-grieg/
Samuel Cairnduff Director Marketing and Communications, TSO