Life Membership Announced
A message from our Chair, Professor Emeritus Andrea Hull AO
As Chair of Melbourne Recital Centre, it gives me the greatest of pleasure to announce that the Board of Directors has recently elected to bestow Life Membership upon Assoc Prof Stephen McIntyre AM, in recognition of his extraordinary contribution to music and music education in our community.
Stephen is one of Australia’s most distinguished pianists, whose transcendental performances over many decades have made a lasting impact on generations of musicians and music lovers. His regular appearances in the Elisabeth Murdoch Hall and Primrose Potter Salon, both as a soloist and chamber musician, have charmed, delighted, and moved thousands of our patrons. Beyond his own stunning pianism, Stephen’s influence also permeates Melbourne’s musical life through his many devoted students who frequently feature in our concert seasons.
Stephen’s close association with the Centre dates to well before we ever opened our doors, when he and fellow Australian pianist Piers Lane AO flew to Hamburg to personally select our first fleet of beloved Steinway grand pianos. Another memorable highlight took place in 2012, when Stephen’s 70th birthday was celebrated with a concert featuring a stellar line-up of former students and treasured colleagues. Always a great advocate for new music, this special occasion also saw the launch of the Contemporary Masters Award in Stephen’s honour, which between 2013 and 2019 saw 14 ensembles celebrated for their performances of 20th and 21st century repertoire.
Stephen has also been a panel member for the Great Romantics Competition, is a regular attendee, and remains a passionate and supportive advocate for the Centre’s work.
On behalf of the Centre’s Board and management, I sincerely look forward to inviting you to join us in person to celebrate Stephen’s Life Membership, once restrictions allow. In the meantime, you might enjoy being reminded of his consummate artistry as a chamber musician with this live recording of Dvořák’s Piano Quintet No.2, captured in the Elisabeth Murdoch Hall in 2019 as part of the 3MBS Dvořák Marathon.
Here’s hoping that we shall all be able to enjoy more of Stephen’s playing live at the Centre again very soon.
Yours sincerely,
Professor Emeritus Andrea Hull AO
Chair
Melbourne Recital Centre