Sunshine Coast Hinterland Times

IN THE middle of a Montville rain forest a stunning 200 seat concert performance space is taking shape. Ian and Lee Lucas are realising their dream to present professional piano recitals and orchestral concerts in a Hinterland bushland setting. The low key Lucas ambition has been going for nearly two years with piano recitals from top international pianists performing in their home. Audiences of up to 80 have squeezed in around their unique flame mahogany grand piano to experience performances of a lifetime.

The new circular concert hall has been built to blend in beside the Lucas home and will have a small recording studio underneath. “Any part of the room is usable really”, says Lee.” You can have a solo pianist in the centre surrounded by the audience or a 35 piece orchestra at one end with the audience in front”.

Ian and Lee will stage several concerts during 2010, utilising the talents of the Pacific Chamber Players, conducted by Gwyn Roberts. Gwyn is head of strings at the University of Queensland and also conducts the UQ orchestra.

Two top Russian pianists will be guests at Lucas Parklands during April and June. First is the 24 year-old Konstantin Shamray, from Novosibirsk, who won the $25,000 first prize in the 2008 Sydney International Piano Competition, as well as winning special prizes for Mozart and Beethoven.

Second prize winner in the Sydney competition is Moscow born, Tatiana Kolesova, who will also perform at Lucas Parklands.

Ian Lucas thinks classical music performances of high standard benefit everyone in the region, including his own family. “My kids wouldn’t be who they are without these influences, and I think they flow on to small business. It creates a bit more excitement in the community too.”

While freely admitting that the Lucas concerts are not a money-making activity, Ian says he would like to find a sponsor who would help mount two or three professional orchestral productions a year, including opera.

The newly completed Parklands concert hall will first host the vivacious Ambre Hammond when she returns on February 27 (7.30pm) with her “Chopin & Champagne” concert. Ambre will present a repertoire celebrating Chopin’s 200th birthday.

If you want tickets for any Lucas Parklands concert Ph: 54785667 or email: lucasparklands@bigpond.com

From left to right
Lee and Ian Lucas stand in the middle of their new concert space.
Ian Lucas looks at the frame of his new dream music venue.
Russian pianists, Tatiana Kolesova and Konstantin Shamray will perform at the new Lucas Parklands performance space during 2010.