Melbourne Conservatorium of Music appoints two world-class pianists
The Melbourne Conservatorium of Music is thrilled to announce two new appointments to its keyboard performance program, Andrea Lam and Konstantin Shamray. Both are widely regarded as among the most exciting and accomplished pianists in Australia today.
Australian pianist Andrea Lam has performed with orchestras and leading conductors in Australasia, Japan, China and the United States, including the Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Canberra and Tasmanian Symphony Orchestras, the Auckland Philharmonia, Hong Kong Philharmonic, and Boston Modern Orchestra Project. She recently returned to Australia after spending two decades in New York, where she was also pianist of the acclaimed Claremont Trio.
Andrea has played solo and chamber music recitals in venues from Carnegie Hall and the Lincoln Center to the Sydney Opera House, and has been a frequent guest in New York’s Chelsea Music Festival. Andrea recently toured nationally for Musica Viva Australia performing Bach’s Goldberg Variations, was featured in the Sydney Opera House’ Utzon Music Series, and performed at Adelaide Festival.
Recent concerto soloist engagements with the Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Tasmanian Symphony Orchestras with conductors Sir Donald Runnicles, Jaime MartÃn, Umberto Clerici, Eivind Aadland and Johannes Fritzsch continue this year with Queensland Symphony Orchestra and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.
“From my formative years at Yale and New York as a student, performer, teacher, and recording artist, I have found joy and purpose in teaching and continuing the legacy of my mentors and education,” said Andrea.
“It is a great honour to be joining the faculty at the Conservatorium and I am looking forward to working with its esteemed faculty and students. Returning to the University of Melbourne represents a full circle moment for me, and I am excited about engaging with the community and contributing to the next generation of musicians.”
Konstantin Shamray, originally from Russia, made waves in the Australian and international music scene when he won both Judges’ and People’s Choice prizes at the Sydney International Piano Competition in 2008. Since then, he has enjoyed critical acclaim for his performances with orchestras and chamber music groups around the world.
Konstantin has performed under the baton of distinguished conductors including Vladimir Spivakov, Dmitry Liss, Tugan Sokhiev, Nicholas Milton and Alexandr Vedernikov. He completed his PhD studies at the University of Adelaide’s Elder Conservatorium of Music, where he was also Lecturer in Piano.
"Working in a vibrant and large institution has always been my dream,” said Konstantin. “I feel very privileged to share this space with such distinguished colleagues who are also very welcoming people. I’m looking forward to starting the semester.”
Head of Keyboard Associate Professor Jerry Wong says the two new appointments were drawn from a strong international pool of applicants and will further enhance the Conservatorium’s teaching profile.
“Both Andrea and Konstantin bring with them a wealth of performing and teaching experience,” said Associate Professor Wong.
“During the search process, we were struck not only by their exceptional artistry, but by their warmth of character, vibrant energy and abundance of ideas about the future. I feel very privileged to witness and oversee a new and exciting era for the Keyboard Area at the Conservatorium.
“The coming years are filled with optimism and I know that the ripple effects of these appointments will positively impact our students, staff and community.”
Conservatorium Director Professor Richard Kurth shares this excitement and enthusiasm. “Andrea and Konstantin are both brimming with artistic energy, prodigious ability, probing imagination, and engaged musical communication with their audiences and colleagues. We are absolutely thrilled that they have joined our thriving community of musical creation and learning,” he said.
Both new appointments began teaching in February.