A
return to Sydney
saw Foster recording his first major classical piano work, “Rhapsody
for Piano and Orchestra: WAR; PEACE; LOVE”, for E.M.I. records. Classical
music reviewer in Melbourne,
Bob Crimeen, wrote of the Rhapsody: ‘He has written a composition that
could in time, be regarded as one of the most significant contributions
by an Australian to classical music.’
Several
directors from Harrods in London
heard the Rhapsody for Piano and Orchestra and commissioned Foster to launch
their new Harrods Selection Label. This consisted of a series of three piano
solo CD’s featuring works of the great composers and including several of
Foster’s own compositions. For a fourth CD he was commissioned to compose
“THE CELEBRATION OVERTURE”, recorded by the Royal Philharmonic
Orchestra.
In
2006, Foster’s “ELEGY” was recorded for Belair Music by renowned
concert pianist Mira Yevtich. This was followed in 2007 by another recording
“THE MUSIC OF GRANT FOSTER", also performed by Mira Yevtich.
March
2009 saw the premiere of the “Ballad for Two Pianos” in France.
In October there will be premiere performances of the Piano Sonata and Overture
"La Paolina" and a recording of "Songs of Love and Loss";
“Piano Sonata”; “Ballad for Two Pianos” is scheduled for November in Moscow.
2010
sees the premiere of the Piano Concerto in C Minor in London.
Concerts
of the “Ballad for Two Pianos”; “Piano Sonata”; "Songs of Love and
Loss”; “Piano Quintet” and “Ballade for Piano and Violin” are planned for
Serbia, Russia
and France.
Grant
Foster now lives in Bowral,
New South Wales, where he continues
to compose and give the occasional anticipated concert. He enjoys teaching
aspiring young concert artists and is an official examiner. He is also the
Artistic Director of the Southern Highlands International Piano Competition
(www.shipc.org.au).
