Luke Bowen: 100% Home-Grown

November Artist of the Month: Luke Bowen

Throughout November, Highland FM celebrates the artistry of pianist, Luke Bowen. Recorded at Old Binda Road Studios, Luke’s interpretations of Liszt, Chopin, Schumann and Chamanade capture both the fire and soul of each piece. Many of these compositions were inspired by the great creators of their time, including painters, literature, poetry and nature, reflecting the rich interplay between music and visual art. This spirit perfectly mirrors November in the Highlands with its celebration of arts and culture. Tune in to Highland FM 107.1, where Luke invites listeners to experience each composition as if hearing it for the first time.

Pianist Luke Bowen, the 2024 recipient of the prestigious Eva Pascoe Award, is a Shoalhaven based musician with an impressive presence in the Highlands and beyond. On avchieving his Licentiate in Music with distinctions at just 15, Luke has since become a frequent recitalist at St. Jude’s in Bowral where his wide ranging repertoire consistently captivates audiences. He has appeared as a soloist with the Highlands Sinfonia (2022) and recently performed Liszt’s Piano Concerto No. 1, a highly complex and transformative work, with the Southern Highlands Symphony Orchestra.

In 2023, Luke was featured in Inspire Music Australia’s Emerging Artist Series, performing in Bowral and Wollongong alongside former 100% Home-Grown Artist and 2023 Eva Pascoe Award winner, acclaimed violinist, Cedar Newman.

Having performed extensively across the Shoalhaven and Illawarra regions, including two appearances in the recital series for Music Shoalhaven, Luke most recently joined the Highlands Music Collective for their Vienna Gold series. There, he performed chamber works by Mozart, Schubert and Australian composer Robert Constable alongside violinist Myee Clohessy, cellist William Howard and violist Patrick Brearley.

Beyond recitals, Luke is a familiar face at the Shoalhaven Eisteddfod, where he won the Teen Piano Championship title for three consecutive years. In 2021, he was a finalist in the prestigious national Theme & Variations Foundation competition for pianists. Luke has also performed as a guest soloist with the Shoalhaven Lydian Singers, the Bundanon Trust and international tenor John MacNally during his Australian tour.

Alongside his musical achievements, Luke earned a diploma in music from the University of New England and is currently pursuing a science degree at UNE while studying piano privately with Professor Robert Constable AM. Excited to return to the 2024 Emerging Artists Series, Luke hopes to inspire local audiences and the wider community as he showcases the talent nurtured by the local music scene.