Boogie woogie virtuoso to light up Montville’s jazz afternoon

Pianist, Lana Ritchie.

Montville’s Lucas Parklands will step a little outside its classical comfort zone this month, welcoming 19-year-old New Zealand pianist Lana Ritchie for a high-energy concert celebrating the great masters of 1920s and 1930s jazz.

“Lana Ritchie presents Gershwin and friends” will be performed at Lucas Parklands on Wednesday October 15 at 4pm, featuring works by George Gershwin, William Bolcom, Earl Wild, Nikolai Kapustin, Marc-André Hamelin and more.

Miss Ritchie, a rising star of the New Zealand classical scene, is one of few young pianists in Oceania tackling the technically demanding and exuberant repertoire that bridges classical mastery and jazz flair.

“It’s new for us to have someone who specialises in this type of repertoire; many musicians don’t really like to concentrate all their hours in the practise room on that style of music,” said Ian Lucas of Lucas Parklands. “Most classical musicians are expected to play Beethoven or Chopin, they’re not expected to play Kapustin, Wild or Hamelin — the three lesser-known or fringe dwellers of the jazz idiom.”

Mr Lucas said the idea was sparked by regular audience requests. “Our regular ladies, many residing in a Palmwoods retirement village, requested some Gershwin, saying ‘We love Gershwin’. I instantly said, ‘Okay, I’ll see if I can find someone who will present it’.”

After a lengthy search, Miss Ritchie came highly recommended by fellow Kiwi violinist Amalia Hall. “Fortuitously, Lana was recommended … and her ability was quickly proven by her YouTube performances,” Mr Lucas said. “It’s a lovely programme. There’s something in it for everybody. There’s a lot of classical influences in it too. So, it’s a concept that will suit.”

Under the tutelage of internationally acclaimed pianist Dr Jian Liu, Miss Ritchie has earned numerous accolades, including first place in the 2024 and 2025 IRMTNZ Recital Competitions, third in the National Young Performer Piano Competition, and recognition on the Victoria University of Wellington Dean’s list for Academic Excellence.

“So, this is new and exciting; if you’re a lover of 1920 Gershwin style music, then it’s a concert that is well worth attending,” Mr Lucas said. “It’s a chance for anybody who likes classical music to see a different style, but no less a style of great music.”

• Lana Ritchie presents Gershwin and friends will be held at Lucas Parklands, Montville, on Wednesday October 15 at 4pm. Program includes Gershwin – The 3 Preludes, Rhapsody in Blue, Kapustin – Big Band Sounds, and Bolcom – Graceful Ghost Rag.