Ian Holtham is a renowned classical pianist who has made a significant contribution to the world of music. Born on 22nd September 1956 in Melbourne, Australia, Holtham showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of five. He was a prodigious talent and quickly developed a passion for classical music. Holtham's parents recognized his talent and encouraged him to pursue his passion for music. He began taking piano lessons with renowned pianist and teacher, Max Cooke, at the age of eight. Cooke recognized Holtham's potential and became his mentor, guiding him through his formative years. Holtham's talent continued to grow, and he won his first major competition at the age of 12, the Victorian Junior Piano Championship. This was the beginning of a long and successful career in music. Holtham went on to study at the Victorian College of the Arts, where he received a Bachelor of Music degree. He then went on to study at the University of Melbourne, where he received a Master of Music degree. During his studies, Holtham continued to win numerous awards and competitions, including the prestigious ABC Symphony Australia Young Performer of the Year Award in 1981. After completing his studies, Holtham began performing professionally, both as a soloist and as a chamber musician. He quickly gained a reputation as one of Australia's leading pianists, and his performances were praised for their technical brilliance and emotional depth. Holtham has performed with many of the world's leading orchestras, including the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, and the Australian Chamber Orchestra. He has also performed in many of the world's leading concert halls, including the Sydney Opera House, the Royal Albert Hall in London, and Carnegie Hall in New York. One of Holtham's most memorable performances was his debut with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra in 1983. He performed Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5, and his performance was hailed as a triumph. The Melbourne Age described his playing as "a revelation, a performance of such power and beauty that it left the audience breathless." Holtham has also been recognized for his recordings, which have received critical acclaim. His recording of the complete piano works of Franz Liszt was described by Gramophone magazine as "a landmark achievement." He has also recorded the complete piano works of Sergei Rachmaninoff, which was praised for its technical brilliance and emotional depth. In addition to his performing and recording career, Holtham is also a respected teacher. He has taught at the Victorian College of the Arts and the University of Melbourne, and he has also given masterclasses around the world. His students have gone on to have successful careers in music, and many have won major competitions and awards. Holtham has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. In 1992, he was awarded the Order of Australia for his services to music. He has also been awarded the Centenary Medal and the Australian Music Centre's Award for Services to Australian Music. In conclusion, Ian Holtham is a world-renowned classical pianist who has made a significant contribution to the world of music. His technical brilliance and emotional depth have earned him critical acclaim, and his performances have left audiences breathless. He is also a respected teacher, and his students have gone on to have successful careers in music.

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