Michael Houstoun is a renowned classical pianist from New Zealand, known for his exceptional talent and musicality. Born on March 12, 1952, in Timaru, New Zealand, Houstoun grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a church organist, and his mother was a piano teacher. Houstoun started playing the piano at the age of five and showed remarkable talent from an early age. Houstoun's musical education began at the University of Canterbury, where he studied with Maurice Till. He then went on to study at the Victoria University of Wellington with Judith Clark and later with Janetta McStay. Houstoun's talent was recognized early on, and he won several awards and scholarships, including the Mobil Song Quest, the New Zealand National Concerto Competition, and the Royal Overseas League Scholarship. Houstoun's career as a professional pianist began in the 1970s, and he quickly established himself as one of New Zealand's leading musicians. He made his debut with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra in 1973, and since then, he has performed with many of the world's leading orchestras, including the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the BBC Symphony Orchestra, and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. One of Houstoun's most significant achievements was his performance of all 32 Beethoven piano sonatas in a series of concerts in 1993. The series was a massive undertaking, and it took Houstoun over two years to prepare for the performances. The concerts were a huge success, and they cemented Houstoun's reputation as one of the world's leading interpreters of Beethoven's music. Houstoun has also been a champion of contemporary music, and he has premiered many works by New Zealand composers, including John Psathas, Ross Harris, and Jack Body. He has also recorded several albums of contemporary music, including works by New Zealand composers and the American composer Philip Glass. Houstoun has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. In 1981, he was awarded the Order of the British Empire for his services to music, and in 1999, he was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit. He has also been awarded the New Zealand Arts Foundation Icon Award, the Creative New Zealand Michael King Fellowship, and the KBB Music Lifetime Achievement Award. Despite his many achievements, Houstoun has remained humble and dedicated to his craft. He has always been passionate about music and has worked tirelessly to promote classical music in New Zealand and around the world. He has also been a mentor to many young musicians, and he has inspired countless people with his performances and recordings. In recent years, Houstoun has continued to perform and record, and he shows no signs of slowing down. He remains one of New Zealand's most beloved musicians, and his contributions to classical music have been immeasurable. His legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of musicians for many years to come.

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