David Helfgott Plays QPAC, August 29

Direct from triumphant performances and standing ovations in Leipzig, Stuttgart and Vienna, legendary Australian pianist David Helfgott returns to Brisbane to perform a programme of much-loved piano favourites at Queensland Performing Arts Centre's (QPAC's) Concert Hall for the first time in a decade on Wednesday 29 August.

The inspiration for the Academy award-winning movie Shine, Helfgott is one of Australia's most prolific and treasured musicians. He has toured internationally and enchanted audiences both with his passionate musical interpretations and his personal story of triumph.

Born in Melbourne in 1947, David showed extraordinary talent from an early age, winning the state finals of the ABC's Instrumental & Vocal Competition six times.

At age 17, David began studying with Alice Carrard, a former student of Bartok and Istvan Thoman, himself a pupil of Liszt. Two years later, David went to London to study at the Royal College of Music with Cyril Smith, who described him as his most brilliant student in 25 years of teaching and likened him to Horowitz, both technically and temperamentally.

David won a number of awards at the College, including the Dannreuther Prize for Best Concerto Performance for his triumphant performance of Rachmaninov's Third Piano Concerto.

Coinciding with the hit movie Shine, his recording of the Rachmaninov Third was the number one selling CD in Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom for many months, both attaining gold status.

David has performed sell-out concerts world-wide, including four consecutive performances at Sydney Opera House, as well as in the UK, Asia, Africa, Japan, New Zealand, Europe, Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

David's recitals have long been regarded as transcending mere music-making. They are an affirmation of the tenacity of the human spirit and imagination.

Don't miss experiencing this one night only performance by David Helfgott in QPAC's Concert Hall. Book now at www.qpac.com.au or phone 136 246.