Who is Stephen McIntyre?
Stephen McIntyre is a Melbourne based pianist and teacher, who has played many concerts in many parts of the world, and has also taught many gifted piano students, many of whose names are well known as they now have forged significant careers of their own. Many of them have now become colleagues and friends, which I value greatly.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
When I was a student I spent several years in Europe, and since there were so many wonderful things to occupy the time, I never did enough practice. There is a wonderful autobiography by American pianist Gary Graffman, called I really should be practising. I know what he means!
Who inspires you and why?
Many older musicians have inspired me and these days many younger ones also give me much food for thought. You can learn a lot from teaching gifted young players.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
If I had lots of money, I would give it all to the Bill Gates Foundation, one of the world’s most inspiring funds, particularly for medical research – but many other things too.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
My favourite holiday destination is Switzerland, where you can walk up and down mountains all day – or these days walk around mountains – and eat splendidly in the evening.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I would take them to see the Melbourne Recital Centre, the Melbourne Theatre Company, the Australian Ballet, and Lygon St – where they can imagine they are in Italy.
What are you currently reading?
I am currently reading Xmas gifts, Essays by Colm Toibin, Diaries of Helen Garner, which are quite wonderful for their honesty and a book by the famous American pianist and musicologist Charles Rosen.
What are you currently listening to?
At this time of the year, I often listen to Einstein on the Beach, Tales of Hoffmann, and Schoenberg’s Gurre-Lieder -which I can play very loudly because the neighbours are away.
Happiness is?
Finding contentment in the work that you do, and the friends that you have.
What does the future hold for you?
There is enough piano music to learn for more than two lifetimes, and I seem to be compiling a list for my next life, as all the things I want to play won’t fit into this one.
Stephen presents Music and Dance at the Moorooduc Estate on Thursday 5 January (2.00 & 4.30pm) as part of the 2023 Peninsula Summer Music Festival. For more information, visit: www.peninsulafestival.com.au for details.
Image: Stephen McIntyre (supplied)