Simon Tedeschi

Simon Tedeschi  of New South Wales, Australia, performed his first Mozart Piano Concerto in the Sydney Opera House at age 9. Soon afterward, in 1994, he entered his first international piano competition in Italy, where he was voted the “most outstanding performer in all youth sections.“ During the next several years, he toured the US and was one of only 20 pianists worldwide accepted to the Van Cliburn Institute, Texas. He also played the hands of David Helfgott in the movie “Shine.“

Simon’s teachers have included Neta Maughan in Australia Noretta Conci in London.  His performances and recordings have garnered an array of awards, including Symphony Australia Young performer of the Year, Centenary of Federation Medal of Australia, and honors for keyboard at the Royal Overseas League Music Competition in London. Most recently he received the Creativity Foundation’s 2009 Legacy Medal for his exceptional creative promise.  His performances have been enjoyed by heads of state and eminent international figures, including Luciano Pavarotti, the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation forum attended by George W Bush and Vladimir Putin, the Crown Prince and Princess of Denmark, and twice by the Dalai Lama.

Simon’s debut CD in 2000 with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra under Richard Bonynge led to nominations for a MO Award for Classical Performer of the Year and an ARIA award for Classical Record of the Year. In his twenties, Simon began to develop a jazz repertoire and has been called by fellow Gershwin interpreter Larry Adler “the finest Gershwin exponent I have ever seen.”
Charitable performances have a prominent part in Simon’s performing schedule; he has performed for the Karuna Foundation in support of Cambodian orphans, the Mater Hospital, the Wayside Chapel, and in support of the Dalai Lama. Simon is the Roving Ambassador for the Australian Children’s Music Foundation, Patron of the Bowraville Cultural Festival and Patron of the MicroLoan Foundation Australia.