Mr Clemens Leske
Distinguished pianist Clemens Leske has been concerto soloist with all of Australia's symphony orchestras (Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Tasmania, West Australia and Queensland) under such conductors as Vladimir Spivakov, Nicholas Braithwaite, Muhai Tang, Vernon Handley, Raimon Gamba and Tommy Tycho.
During his studies at the Juilliard School, New York, Clemens regularly appeared at Lincoln Center in the famed ‘Bang on a Can' and 'Focus' festivals of contemporary music, and 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).
He has performed regularly with the Australian String Quartet, the Australian Chamber Orchestra, the Moscow Virtuosi and at such festivals as the Barossa International, Huntington, Spring and Adelaide. Recently, he was soloist with the Bangkok Symphony, performing the Schumann Piano Concerto for the King of Thailand's birthday concert and with the Sydney Symphony performed the Tchaikovsky Concerto to great acclaim.
He has released three discs of solo piano and chamber music and recorded extensively for Australian radio stations ABC-FM, 2MBS and 5UV.
In 2005 Clemens gave his London debut in the Royal Festival Hall, performing Rachmaninov's First Piano Concerto with the London Philharmonic Orchestra. As a result of this success, he was invited to perform Tchaikovsky’s First Piano Concerto with the London Philharmonic Orchestra at the Eastbourne Festival.
Recent appearances include performances in the eight-piano Steinway Spectacular, a performance of Bach's Goldberg Variations at the Adelaide Fringe Festival, the world premiere of Carl Vine's Anne Landa Preludes (2006) and a solo recital as part of Historic Houses Trust’s ‘House Music’ series at Government House.
Clemens has also appeared as soloist with the Sydney Symphony at Angel Place and the Opera House, performing Mozart's K413 Piano Concerto; and he performed Strauss’ Burlesque with the same orchestra under the baton of Vladimir Ashkenazy.
Publications
Music
- Leske, C. (2019). Twilight Musical Dialogues, Adamstown Uniting Church, Newcastle, Australia: Twilight Musical Dialogues.
- Leske, C. (2019). 1. Verklärte Nacht, Op.4 (arr. Steuermann for piano trio) by A. Schoenberg, 2. Piano Trio no.1 in D minor, Op. 49 by F Mendelssohn, 3. Piano Trio in Bb, Op.11 "Gassenhauer" by L van Beethoven. Beethoven's Trio. Utzon Room, Sydney Opera House, Sydney, Australia: Omega Ensemble.
- Leske, C., Metropolitan Orchestra. (2019). Piano Concerto no.3 in D minor, Op. 30 by Sergei Rachmaninoff. Russian Nights. Eugene Goossens Hall, ABC Ultimo, Sydney, Australia: The Metropolitan Orchestra.
Recorded / Rendered Performance
- Herscovitch, D., Leske, C. (2021). 1. Triptych for two pianos; Sirens 2. Circles 3. Poseidon (Passacaglia). On Peter Dart: Chamber Music and Songs, CD and digital media, London, United Kingdom: Toccata Classics.
- Spicer, L., Duck-Chong, J., Jeffrey, V., Gartner, G., Leske, C., Jackson, W. (2019). III. Bitter Cold, IV. The Ghost Road, V. Autumn Thoughts, VI Along the Stream, VII. Freezing Night, VIII. Feast of Lanterns, IX. Song of the Night. On Halcyon: Waves IV, CD, iTunes, Sydney, Australia: Halcyon.
- Osborne, A., Whitwell, S., Leske, C., Thompson, N., Stender, P., Robinson, M. (2019). No Uncertain Terms. On Unexpected News: Nico Muhly & Philip Glass, CD and all online streaming services, Sydney, Australia: ABC Classic.
2021
- Herscovitch, D., Leske, C. (2021). 1. Triptych for two pianos; Sirens 2. Circles 3. Poseidon (Passacaglia). On Peter Dart: Chamber Music and Songs, CD and digital media, London, United Kingdom: Toccata Classics.
2019
- Leske, C. (2019). Twilight Musical Dialogues, Adamstown Uniting Church, Newcastle, Australia: Twilight Musical Dialogues.
- Leske, C. (2019). 1. Verklärte Nacht, Op.4 (arr. Steuermann for piano trio) by A. Schoenberg, 2. Piano Trio no.1 in D minor, Op. 49 by F Mendelssohn, 3. Piano Trio in Bb, Op.11 "Gassenhauer" by L van Beethoven. Beethoven's Trio. Utzon Room, Sydney Opera House, Sydney, Australia: Omega Ensemble.
- Spicer, L., Duck-Chong, J., Jeffrey, V., Gartner, G., Leske, C., Jackson, W. (2019). III. Bitter Cold, IV. The Ghost Road, V. Autumn Thoughts, VI Along the Stream, VII. Freezing Night, VIII. Feast of Lanterns, IX. Song of the Night. On Halcyon: Waves IV, CD, iTunes, Sydney, Australia: Halcyon.
2018
- Leske, C. (2018). 1. Notturno in Eb major, Op.148 (F. Schubert 2. Sonata in F major, Op.24 (L. van Beethoven 3. Russian Rag (arr. by the composer for Omega Ensemble, Elena Kats-Chernin). Joy - Farrenc and Beethoven. City Recital Hall, Angel Place, Sydney, Australia: Omega Ensemble.
- Leske, C. (2018). 1. Sonata in A major for Violin and Piano by Cesar Franck, 2. We Two Boys Together Clinging by Gerard Brophy. Love - Weber and Franck. City Recital Hall, Angel Place, Sydney, Australia: Omega Ensemble.
- Bohn, O., Leske, C. (2018). 1. Sonata No. 21 in E minor for piano and violin K304 (Mozart), 2. Fantasie in C major, D934, Op. 159 (Schubert), 3. Sonata in E flat major for violin and piano, Op. 18 (Richard Strauss). Chamber works: True Challenges. Recital Hall West, Sydney, Australia: Sydney Conservatorium of Music.
2017
- Moorambilla Voices, Easton, M., Naselow, M., Petrosian, T., Morrison, P., McCahon, K., Leonard, C., Leske, C., Leonard, M. (2017). 1. A promised Sign - Yindyamarra (Josephine Gibson), 2. A Reassuring Dream - So Strong (Alice Chance), 3. A Fateful Journey - Ride On (Will Yaxley), 4. Joyful Expectations (Georgia Scott), 5. Holy Birth - Sleep Little Baby Sleep (David Basden), 6. A Visit - Home Again (Andrew Howes), 7. A Prospect of Peace (Josephine Gibson), 8. That's Why I Really Love Christmas (Owen Elsley). On Yindyamarra - A Prospect of Peace, CD, Sydney, Australia: Moorambilla Voices.
- Leske, C. (2017). 1. Davidsbuendlertaenze Op. 6 by Robert Schumann, 2. Anne Landa Preludes, 1-7 by Carl Vine. Elder Conservatorium of Music Concert Series 2017 - Imaginary Dances. Elder Hall, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia: Elder Conservatorium of Music, University of Adelaide.
- Leske, C. (2017). Preludes Op. 28 by Frederic Chopin, Davidsbuendlertaenze Op. 6 by Robert Schumann. Clemens Leske. Bundanoon Soldiers' Memorial Hall, Bundanoon, Australia: Arts Bundanoon.
2016
- Leske, C. (2016). 1. Frederic Chopin: 24 Preludes, Op.28, 2. Robert Schumann: Davidsbuendlertaenze, op.6. Piano Miniatures. OLGC Catholic Church, Forestville, Sydney, Australia: Wyvern Music Club.
- Leske, C. (2016). 1. Jacques Ibert: Andante from Flute Concerto 2. G Major Flute Concerto, K313: W A Mozart 3. Cesar Franck: Sonata in A major for flute and piano (Arr. from violin sonata). Twilight Sonatas. Adamstown Uniting Church, Newcastle, Australia: Music Teachers' Association of NSW.
- Walker, S., Leske, C. (2016). 10: Wednesday II. On Monday to Friday, CD, Sydney, Australia: Cyrus Meurant.
2015
- Leske, C., Herscovitch, D. (2015). Triptych: 1. Sirens 2. Circles 3. Poseidon (Passacaglia). Chamber Works: Two Pianos, Three Continents. Recital Hall West, SCM, Sydney, Australia: Sydney Conservatorium of Music.
2014
- Bohn, O., Pedersen, G., Leske, C. (2014). Hrafnsongvar (Ravensongs) for Piano Trio. Northern Lights. Recital Hall West, Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Sydney, Australia: Sydney Conservatorium of Music.
2013
- Leske, C. (2013). Piano Concerto No.3. Rachmaninov's Third Concerto. Melbourne Town Hall, Melbourne, Australia: Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.
2012
- Leske, C., Xanthoudakis, E., Xanthoudakis, J. (2012). 1. Alpenlied 2. Das Muhlrad 3. Schweitzers Heimweh 4. Die gefangene Nachtigall 5. Heimathlied 6. Seit ich ihn gesehen 7. Er, der Herrlichste von allen 10. Meine Heimat 11. Der Sennin Heimweh 12. Der Hirt and das Meerweib. On The Shepherd & the Mermaid, CD, Melbourne, Australia: Move Records.
- Leske, C., Herscovitch, D. (2012). 1. Etudes for Two Pianos 2. Three Pieces for Two Pianos. Three European Masterpieces. East Recital Hall, Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Sydney, Australia: Sydney Conservatorium of Music.
- Leske, C., Pearl River Film Orchestra, G. (2012). Shan Lin Piano Concerto (Spring of Shan Lin; Nocturne of Shan Lin; Festival of Shan Lin). Third Concert Season of Guangzhou Zhu Jiang Symphony Orchestra. National Centre for the Performing Arts, Beijing, Beijing, China (excludes SARs and Taiwan Province): Guangzhou Zhu Jiang Symphony Orchestra.
2011
- Parkin, J., Lockley, G., Leske, C. (2011). HORACE KEATS - A Poet's Composer, CD (2 CD set), Wollongong, NSW, Australia: Wirripang Pty Ltd.
2010
- Leske, C., Galway, J. (2010). 1. Concerto 2. Carmen Fantasy 3. Carnival of Venice 4. Baby Elephant Walk 5. Pink Panther 6. Claire de Lune 7. Girl with Flaxen Hair. Sir James Galway Australian National Tour. Sydney Opera House, Sydney, Australia: Tim Woods Entertainment.
- Still, A., Leske, C. (2010). 1. Looking Back (18") 2. Flute Sonata (15") 3. Nura (15"). Hot off the Press. Recital Hall East, Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Sydney, Australia: Sydney Conservatorium of Music.
- Leske, C., Gartner, G., Peelman, R., Miller, L., McMichael, A. (2010). 1.13 Colours of the Setting Sun (20') 2.Talea (20') 3.Cendres (8'). The Spectralists. Studio 520, ABC Studios, Collinswood, Adelaide, Australia: Soundstream: Adelaide New Music Festival.
2009
- Leske, C., Adelaide Symphony Orchestra. (2009). 1. Capriccio: 3rd movement 2. Symphonic dances from west side story 3. Golden kitsch. Verbrugghen Hall, Sydney, Australia: SCM.
- Leske, C., Oguey, A., Celata, F., Shovk, P., Edwardes, C., Mills, P., Boersma, K., Sydney Soloists, T. (2009). 1. Chilled. The Blue Mountains Concert Society presents The Sydney Soloists. Springwood Civic Centre, Sydney, Australia: The Blue Mountains Concert Society.
- Leske, C., De Korte, N., Cole, S., Forsyth, N., Peelman, R., Halcyon Ensemble, T., Murphy, P., Gartner, G., Cuddeford, J., Eccles, J., et al (2009). 1. In God's Esperanto 2. Music for Pieces of Wood 3. Threnody 4. Tehillim. Tehillim. Elisabeth Murdoch Hall, Melbourne, Australia: Melbourne Recital Centre.
2008
- Leske, C. (2008). Elder Hall lunchtimes: Clemens Leske-Piano, Elder Hall, Elder Conservatorium of Music, Adelaide, Australia: Elder Conservatorium of Music.
- Forsyth, N., Leske, C., Halcyon Ensemble, T. (2008). 1-4. Apollinairesongs: le pont Mirabeau; toujours; claire de lune; l'univers. On Cool Black: Apollinairesongs, CD, Melbourne, Australia: Move Records.
- Henery, A., Ricci, N., Leske, C., Pratt, D., Hill, J., Brigden, T., Oetomo, R. (2008). 1. Free Dance 2. Raspodie Espagnole 3. introduction et Allegro 4. La Valse 5. Symphonic Dances. Cocktail Hour Recital Series. SCM, Sydney, Australia: SCM.
2007
- Leske, C. (2007). Sunday Live with Marian Arnold: Clemens Leske, piano, Eugene Goossens Hall, ABC Ultimo Centre, Sydney, Australia: ABC Classic FM.
- Leske, C. (2007). Sunday Live, Eugene Goossens Hall, Sydney, Australia: ABC Classic.
- Leske, C., Rickard-Ford, P., Willems, G., Powell, E. (2007). 1. Variations on a theme by Paganini for 2 pianos 2. Display II Op.42 for 4 pianos 16 hands. Piano Doubles. Verbrugghen Hall, Sydney, Australia: SCM.
2006
- Leske, C. (2006). 1. Cloches d'angoisse et larmes d'adieu (Bells of Anguish and Tears of Farewell) Dur 9mins 2. The Anne Landa Preludes: IV Ever After Ever; V Two Fifths; VI Milk for Swami Li. Dur 22mins. The Anne Landa Preludes Concert. Eugene Goosens Hall, ABC Centre Ultimo, Sydney, Australia: Musica Viva and ABC Classic FM.
- Leske, C., Xanthoudakis, J. (2006). 1.A Scene from Petrouchka 2.Sonnet no.104 3.Flight of the Bumble Bee 4.Tango 5.Crazy Rag 7.Sonata for Violin and Piano. Clemens Leske Jr and Jason Xanthoudakis: Ambiance Music. Prince Phillip Hall, Adelaide, Australia: Adelaide Fringe Festival and Ambiance Music.
- Leske, C. (2006). 1.Movement II from the Piano Sonata 2.Sonata in F minor Op.5. Cocktail Series Virtuoso recitals - piano series: A Romantic Incandescence. Music Workshop, Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Sydney, Australia: Sydney Conservatorium of Music.
2005
- Xanthoudakis, J., Leske, C. (2005). Second Concert of the 73rd Season: Jason Xanthoudakis-saxophone, Clemens Leske-piano, The Ravenswood Centenary Centre, Gordon, Sydney, Australia: Killara Music Club.
- Leske, C., Vaughan, D., Philharmonic Orchestra, L. (2005). 1. Overture in D, In the Italian style, D590 2. Prelude a l'apres-midi d'un faune 3. Piano Concerto No.1 in F Sharp minor, Op.1 4. Symphony No.9 in E minor, op.95. CAARE Charity Concert. Royal Festival Hall, London, United Kingdom: CAARE Charity.
- Shiell, M., Duck-Chong, J., Morgan, A., Leske, C., Cole, S., Ryder, J., Whitwell, S., McGuire, M. (2005). 1. Psyche 2. Poemes pour Mi Book 3. Winter Fragments 4. Hrafnsongvar (Ravensongs) 5. Grammaire des Reves. Tone Birds. Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Sydney, Australia: New Music Network.
2004
- Tognetti, R., Leunig, M., Chesterman, A., Murphy, E., Leske, C., Chamber Orchestra, A. (2004). 1.Blithe Bells - A free ramble on J.S.Bach's aria 'Sheep May Safely Graze' 2.Introduction and Rondo capriccioso 3.Carnival of the Animals. Leunig's Carnival of the Animals. Sydney Opera House Concert Hall, Sydney, Australia: Australian Chamber Orchestra & Sydney Opera House.
- Leske, C. (2004). 1.Partita No.1 in B flat 2.Variations and Fugue on a Theme of Handel Op.24 3.Piano Etudes 4.The Lover and The Nightingale 5.Mephisto Waltz No.1. Recitals Australia 2004 Subscription Series: Clemens Leske. Elder Hall, Adelaide, Australia: Recitals Australia.
- Leske, C., Rourke, R., Kornel, S. (2004). 1.Three Dreams 2.Water Pieces 3.Dream Song. A Concert to celebrate the 50th Birthday of Alan Holley. Crows Nest Performing Arts Centre, Sydney, Australia: The Gallery Players.
2003
- Leske, C., Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, M. (2003). 1.French Suite No.5 in G BWV816 2.Sonata No.8 in B flat Op.84 3.Etude Op.65 No.3 4.Berceuse Op.57 5.Poème Op.63 No.2 Etrangeté 6.Poème Op.69 No.2 7.Prelude Op.11 No.14 8.Piano Etudes: Book One: Disorder, Fanfares, Rainbow; Book Two: Metal, The Sorcer's Apprentice. KPMG Rising Stars: Clemens Leske. Iwaki Auditorium, ABC Southbank Centre, Melbourne, Australia: Symphony Australia.
- Leske, C., Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, M. (2003). Piano Concerto in A minor Op.16. City of Melbourne Town Hall Proms. Melbourne Town Hall, Melbourne, Australia: City of Melbourne.
- Leske, C., Cortese, F., Symphony Orchestra, S. (2003). Piano Concerto No.1 in B flat minor, Op.23. Season 2003 Meet the Music. Hear it. Feel it. Sydney Opera House, Sydney, Australia: Sydney Symphony Orchestra.
2002
- Leske, C., Draeger, C. (2002). 1. Lumen 2. Melisande 3. Coruscations 4. Sonata for Flute and Piano 5. Palimpsest. Richar Meale 70th Birthday Celebration. Newcastle University Conservatorium of Music, Newcastle, Australia: Newcastle University.