Montville’s classical music headquarters will break another mould by hosting rising New Zealand pianist Lana Ritchie in a performance of the masters of classic jazz genre from the 1920s and 1930s.
At just 19, Ms Richie is among few Oceania pianists up to the task of delivering a high-energy concert of classic jazz masters such as the USA’s George Gershwin, William Bolcom and Earl Wild, Russia’s Nikolai Kapustin, contemporary Canadian Marc-André Hamelin, and more.
“Lana Ritchie presents Gershwin and friends” will be held at Lucas Parklands, Montville on Wednesday October 15, at 4pm. It’s an enthusiastic and exciting event for Lucas Parklands, which is known for its traditional concerts of classical music and opera master’s from around the world.
“It’s new for us to have someone who specialises in this type of repertoire; many musicians don’t really like to concentrate all their hours in the practise room on that style of music,” Ian Lucas of Lucas Partklands said.
“Most classical musicians are expected to play Beethoven or Chopin, they’re not expected to play Kapustin, Wild or Hamelin or, the three lesser known or fringe dwellers of the jazz idiom.”
Mr Parklands has hosted scores of world-class classical musicians and opera singers over the past 15 years, generating a massive local support base pleased to get their musical fix locally, rather than being forced to travel to Sydney or Melbourne. Those supporters provided the impetus for a classic pianist with a talent for classic jazz.
“Our regular ladies, many residing in a Palmwoods retirement village, requested some Gershwin, saying ‘We love Gershwin’. I instantly said, ‘OK, I’ll see if I can find someone who will present it’,” Mr Lucas said.
“And I set out, but it took a little longer than it should to find someone and, fortuitously, Lana was recommended by fellow Kiwi, violinist Amalia Hall, and her ability was quickly proven by her YouTube performances.
“I invited Lana, who instantly showed enthusiasm and had great ideas.
“It’s a lovely program. There’s something in it for everybody. There’s a lot of classical influences in it too. So, it’s a concept that will suit.”
Miss Ritchie has developed her talent under the tutelage of internationally celebrated concert pianist and teacher Dr Jian Liu and is now the winner of multiple awards.
Despite her relative youth, her accolades are many, including winning the 2024 NZSM Concerto Competition, first place in the 2024 and 2025 IRMTNZ Recital Competitions, thirrd place in the 2024 National Young Performer Piano Competition, and inclusion on the Victoria University of Wellington Dean’s list for Academic Excellence. She has been recognised with multiple scholarships and international performances.
“So, this is new and exciting. If you’re a lover of 1920 Gershwin-style music, then it’s a concert that is well worth attending,” Mr Lucas said.
“It’s a chance for anybody who like’s classical music to come across it to see a different style, but no less a style of great music.”
“Lana Ritchie presents Gershwin and friends” will be held at Lucas Parklands, Montville on Wednesday 15 October at 4pm.
The program includes Gershwin – The 3 preludes, A selection from the Gershwin Song Book, Rhapsody in Blue; Gershwin/ Wild – 3 Virtuosic Transcriptions; Kapustin – Big Band Sounds; Hamelin – Etude No. 6 Omaggio to Scarlatti; Bolcom – Graceful Ghost Rag
For performance and ticketing enquiries, phone 0409 623 228 or email lucasparklands@bigpond.com
