SIMON WALKENHORST

Pianist

Simon Walkenhorst began piano studies at the age of 9. In 1993, he commenced a Bachelor of Music degree at the University of Melbourne, studying with Max Cooke and Ian Holtham. He completed a Master of Music Performance with full scholarship at the Victorian College of the Arts, studying repertoire with Mikhail Solovei and chamber music with Elena Mogilevsky. He was awarded the Marion Isabel Thomas Estate Award in 2002, and graduated the following year with High Distinctions for all performances.

Simon attended classes at the Australian National Academy of Music from 2000-2002, working with international musicians. In 1999, he was invited to perform in the inaugural Melbourne International Chopin Festival , as a soloist at the Melbourne Concert Hall. In 2002, he gave two sell-out piano recitals at the Castlemaine State Festival, performing works by Schumann, Debussy, Liszt and Larry Sitsky. In 2006-07, he will be performing recitals with Mezzo Soprano Beth Williams on a tour of regional Victoria.

Simon is also Head Brewer at Hargreaves Hill Brewing Company, his ales having received Silver Medals at the 2006 Australian International Beer Awards.