Leske to light up Austinmer

Clemens Leske has been celebrated as one of Australia's finest concert pianists. He has performed as a concerto soloist with all of Australia's Symphony Orchestras, from Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Tasmanian, West Australian and Queensland - and now he's coming to Austinmer.

The internationally renowned pianist will be performing at the Austinmer Uniting Church on Sunday, May 17.

"We are really excited about a having such a wonderful international pianist perform at our venue," said event organiser Valerie Poddubecki.

Leske will perform a feast of Beethoven piano music as part of the Classics in the Chapel program.

The accomplished pianist has won numerous prizes and awards, including the ABC Young Performer of the Year, the David Paul Landa Memorial Scholarship (Australia) and the Hattori Award (London).

Critics have praised Leske.

"Australian pianist Clemens Leske's Rachmaninov brought a much-needed shot in the arm. He was completely at home in this concerto - with well-judged and authentic-sounding rubato his interpretation was never over the top or showy. His musicality and pianism make this guy definitely one to watch!" - Hayden Jones, Classical Source, London.

The baby grand Schimmer piano which Leske will use on May 17 was purchased in late 2013 by members of the Austinmer Uniting Church.

"The purchase was intended to encourage the local community to perform and attend classical music concerts, 'in the aesthetic ambience of the historic chapel'," Ms Poddubecki said.