Role

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Composer  

Birth

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July 7, 1961

 

Michael Kieran Harvey is a renowned Australian classical pianist, composer, and conductor. He was born on October 7, 1961, in Sydney, Australia. Harvey grew up in a family of musicians, and his father was a jazz pianist. He started playing the piano at the age of four and showed exceptional talent from an early age. Harvey received his early education at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, where he studied under the guidance of Alexander Sverjensky. He later went on to study at the Juilliard School in New York City, where he was mentored by the legendary pianist and teacher, György Sándor. Harvey's career as a pianist took off in the 1980s, and he quickly gained a reputation as one of Australia's most talented classical musicians. He has performed with some of the world's leading orchestras, including the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the Berlin Symphony Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic. One of Harvey's most significant achievements was his performance of the complete piano works of Franz Liszt, which he performed over a period of three days in 1997. The performance was a massive undertaking, and it cemented Harvey's reputation as one of the world's leading interpreters of Liszt's music. Harvey has also been a champion of contemporary classical music, and he has premiered works by some of the world's leading composers, including John Cage, Karlheinz Stockhausen, and Arvo Pärt. He has also collaborated with many contemporary composers, including Brett Dean, Elena Kats-Chernin, and Peter Sculthorpe. In addition to his work as a pianist, Harvey is also an accomplished composer. He has written works for solo piano, chamber ensembles, and orchestras. His music is known for its complexity and virtuosity, and it has been performed by some of the world's leading musicians. Harvey has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. In 1999, he was awarded the prestigious Don Banks Music Award, which is given to Australian musicians who have made a significant contribution to the country's music scene. He has also been awarded the APRA Classical Music Award for Best Performance of an Australian Composition on three occasions. Harvey is also a respected teacher and mentor, and he has taught at some of the world's leading music schools, including the Juilliard School and the Royal Academy of Music in London. He is currently a professor of piano at the Tasmanian Conservatorium of Music. In addition to his work as a pianist and composer, Harvey is also an advocate for social justice and environmental causes. He has been involved in numerous campaigns to protect the environment and promote social justice, and he has used his music to raise awareness of these issues. In conclusion, Michael Kieran Harvey is one of Australia's most talented and respected classical musicians. His virtuosic piano playing and his commitment to contemporary classical music have made him a leading figure in the international music scene. His contributions to music and his advocacy for social justice and environmental causes have made him a true inspiration to musicians and music lovers around the world.

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