He has performed and toured with the Central Florida, the Israel and Sydney Symphony Orchestras, the Hibernian Orchestra (Dublin), and most other Australian Orchestras. With the WDR – Cologne Orchestra, one critic described his performance of Beethoven’s “Emperor” concerto thus:- “Coburn approached the grandiose work….with the vigour of a classically-inspired artist”.
In the Bonn International Beethoven Festival, critics described his 5-sonata recital as – “refreshing….uncompromising….unacademic….” In the Accademia Filharmonica Concert Series – Verona, Italy – the critics said - “Coburn’s piano playing is characterised by an undoubted technical mastery…[which]…allowed us to experience precious moments of tonal exploration”.
Blessed with a dazzling technique and innate musicianship, and a charismatic performance flair, international pianist Lance Coburn also broadcasts frequently for radio Deutsche Welle, BBC Radio 3, Lyric FM (Ireland) and ABC FM (Australia).
He has given masterclasses for music festivals in Australia and in the Elder Conservatorium in Adelaide, and has gained teaching experience deputising in both the Queensland Conservatorium of Music and the Royal Irish Academy of Music.
Lance has also been the recipient of many other first prizes, including the Hephizibah Menuhin Scholarship, the inaugural Lev Vlassenko Piano Competition, and the Australian Young Performers’ Award (Keyboard Section), culminating in a performance of Liszt’s 1st Piano Concerto with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, in the Sydney Opera House, which was also broadcast live across Australia on ABC Television.
Beginning his studies in his homeland of New Zealand, Lance furthered them in Australia, the Tchaikovsky Conservatoire – Moscow and finally with John O’Conor at the Royal Irish Academy of Music.
He enjoys an active freelance career as a solo performer, chamber musician and accompanist. He is also a full time staff member of the keyboard faculty in the Royal Irish Academy of Music. Lance lives in Dublin with his wife and two children.
