Below is an incomplete selection of my past events, including concerts, broadcasts, composition performances etc. You can see my upcoming events here.
A Symphonic Spectacular
Melbourne University Choral Society
14th September 2024, 8:00pm — St. Pauls Cathedral, Melbourne
Collaborative piano
Melbourne University Choral Society, Box Hill Chorale, Star Chorale, and the Melbourne University Biomedical Students Orchestra will combine to perform Antonin Dvorak’s “Te Deum” Op. 103 and John Leavitt’s “Missa Festiva”, as well as Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 3 with soloist Richard Liu, under the baton of conductor Andrew Wailes.
Petite Messe Solennelle
Victoria Chorale
14th September 2024, 5:00pm — Methodist Ladies College, Kew
Collaborative piano
Written in the composer’s last years, Rossini’s delightful Petite Messe Solennelle was first performed in March 1864 in France. Whilst adhering to the traditional mass structure, Rossini’s operatic genius shines through the work, with four soloists sharing beautiful melodies with the choristers. The Victoria Chorale’s Music Director, Mario Dobernig, will conduct the Victoria Chorale in this performance, along with two pianists (and either a harmonium or accordion) at the James Tatoulis Auditorium at MLC, 207 Barkers Road, Kew. Rossini wrote on the final page of the manuscript: “Dear Lord, here it is finished, this poor little mass. Have I just written sacred music, or rather, sacrilegious music? I was born for opera buffa, as you know well. Not much technique, a little bit of heart, that’s all.” The work has been performed regularly around the world for more than 150 years!
Two Grands Four Hands
Promac Productions
30th August, 7:30pm — Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool
Collaborative piano
Indulge in the exhilarating experience of witnessing two virtuoso pianists captivate audiences at the grand pianos in a dazzling showdown.
“Two Grands…. Four Hands” promises an electrifying evening of musical mastery, featuring the extraordinary talents of Australia’s premier concert pianists, Elyane Laussade and William Schmidt. The performance is elevated with the enchanting vocals of International Soprano Alison Jones and narrated by the compelling voice of Chris McKenna.
Elyane Laussade, a globally acclaimed concert pianist, has graced stages worldwide and adorned the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra as a guest soloist. Hailing from the USA, she honed her craft at the prestigious Juilliard School of Music in New York.
In a serendipitous turn of events, Elyane played a pivotal role in discovering her co-star, William Schmidt, at an Eisteddfod 19 years ago. William has since showcased his musical prowess across Australia and performed recitals in the cultural hub of Vienna.
Together, this dynamic duo will present a diverse program that traverses musical landscapes, from the classical compositions of Mozart and Debussy to the timeless melodies of Mancini and Bacharach. Brace yourself for an extraordinary feat as they condense the entire Gilbert & Sullivan operas into a mesmerizing 90 seconds! “Two Grands…. Four Hands” guarantees an unforgettable fusion of virtuosity and entertainment.
The Great Gershwins
Promac Productions
14th May 2023, 2:00pm — The Wedge Performing Arts Centre, Sale
23rd July 2024, 10:30am — Karralyka Centre, Ringwood
28th July 2024, 2:30pm — Wesley Church, Warragul
Collaborative piano
Following the runaway success of Promac Productions tour of “I Love Paris” in 2023, the company are delighted to be back with their new production, The Great Gershwins.
This production will highlight many of the great hits and story behind probably the world’s most successful composing brothers George and Ira Gershwin. Starring in this production will be concert pianist virtuoso William Schmidt, who wowed audiences in “I Love Paris”, and international soprano Alison Jones who along with William will sing some of the absolute hits of these two amazing composers. The production will be narrated and compered by the ever popular Chris McKenna.
70th Annual Ringwood Eisteddfod Showcase Gala Concert
Ringwood Eisteddfod
13th July 2024, 2:00pm — Karralyka Centre, Ringwood
Collaborative piano
Ringwood Eisteddfod invites you to attend the Showcase Concert at 2.00pm on Saturday 13th July. Please bring your family and friends to celebrate the fantastic display of musical talent. This 2.00pm showcase concert was added in recent years to the Ringwood Eisteddfod line-up, and offers participants who received awards the opportunity to perform on a professional stage. Featuring performances by 30 Section Winners selected from the following sections: Piano, Classic Organ, Bowed Strings, Acoustic Guitar, Woodwind, Brass, Classical and Contemporary Vocal, Music Theatre, Chamber Music, Speech and Drama. Don’t miss this spectacular afternoon of high-standard musical magic.
Musical Brush Strokes: Gala Exhibition Opening
Box Hill Chorale
1st July 2024, 7:30pm — Box Hill Community Arts Centre
Collaborative and solo piano
You are invited to attend the opening of this unique art exhibition of original paintings, drawings and sketches by the Australian-based English artist, Catherine Paton. A captivating collection of stunning portraits, musically-inspired paintings, fantasy figures, scenes from nature and studies in light, this exhibition is sure to offer something for art and music lovers alike.
Featuring live performances by some of Melbourne’s finest classical musicians, this gala exhibition opening will also offer a superb selection of champagne, fine wines, artisan canapés, gourmet cheeses, and a chance to meet the artist, and performers. The evening will also include a short performance by the Box Hill Chorale in the Arbour, accompanied by pianist William Schmidt and conducted by Andrew Wailes.
I Love Paris
Promac Productions
21st June 2022, 11:00am — The Wedge Theatre, Sale
4th May 2023, 10:30am — Wangaratta Performing Arts & Convention Centre
9th May 2023, 10:30am — Karralyka Centre, Ringwood East
10th October 2023, 11:00am — Gippsland Performing Arts Centre, Traralgon
2nd November 2023, 11:00am — Forge Theatre & Arts Hub, Bairnsdale
7th February 2024, 11:00am — Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool
8th February 2024, 10:30am — Portland Arts Centre
14th February 2024, 2:00pm — Riverlinks, Shepparton
21st February 2024, 2:00pm — Colac Otway Performing Arts & Cultural Centre
23rd February 2024, 11:00am — West Gippsland Arts Centre, Warragul
5th March 2024, 11:00am — Knox Community Arts Centre, Bayswater
5th April 2024, 10:30am and 1:30pm — Frankston Arts Centre
14th May 2024, 11:00am — Clocktower Centre, Moonee Ponds
20th June 2024, 11:00am — Paranaple Arts Centre TAS
Solo and collaborative piano
Don’t miss this new show from Promac Productions Australia! With international soprano Alison Jones and one of Australia’s fastest rising award-winning concert pianists William Schmidt who will both transport you to Paris, France in a show brimming with famous music inspired by the most magical city in the world.
From Chopin to Gershwin, the Eiffel Tower to the the Moulin Rouge, compère Christopher McKenna will guide you through a romantic, dramatic and fun musical vacation to the City of Love.
Schubert’s Inspiration
Box Hill Chorale & Star Chorale
8th June 2024, 8:00pm — All Saints Anglican Church, East St. Kilda
Collaborative piano and chamber organ; solo piano
An inspiring concert of much-loved choral and orchestral works and solo songs by Franz Schubert, and two achingly beautiful works by the contemporary Norwegian composer Kristian Hernes performed by two outstanding community choirs and an impressive lineup of instrumentalists and soloists.
The programme will include Schubert’s Stabat Mater, Mass in G major, Der Tanz, Heidenröslein and selected songs, as well as Hernes’ Canticle of the Sun and Interlude (2023). Featuring Box Hill Chorale, Star Chorale, Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Orchestra and some outstanding vocal soloists, with pianist William Schmidt and conducted/directed by Andrew Wailes.
O Sole Mio – Great Tenors Of The World / The Great Tenors
Promac Productions
7th May 2024, 11:00am — Twin Towns Showroom, Tweed Heads NSW
21st May 2024, 10:30am — Karralyka Centre, Ringwood
Collaborative piano
A tribute to the world’s greatest tenors, led by International Tenor Roy Best, with William Schmidt at the piano. Soprano Alison Jones and narrator Chris McKenna join the production packed with classic hits Libiamo, ‘O Sole Mio, Nessum Dorma, through to Broadway hits such as Some Enchanted Evening.
The Armed Man
Victoria Chorale
18th May 2024, 5:00pm — St. Paul’s Cathedral, Melbourne
Collaborative keyboard / organ
The Armed Man was commissioned to mark the end of one of mankind’s most destructive millennia in the Year 2000, amid hopes for a new era of peace. After a decade of Balkans warfare, Jenkins dedicated this thrilling Mass to the victims of the Kosovo violence. Nearly a quarter of a century later, Victoria Chorale performs The Armed Man in a time of new and dangerous conflict.
Exciting, brilliant, varied and passionate, the work is a great kaleidoscope of musical styles. With its rich harmonies and exciting percussive sections, it culminates in a hopeful song for peace. Opening with a soldiers’ marching anthem, the music leads into a Hymn Before Action then a battle cry and charge. Lamentations on the battlefield’s death and destruction lead to a haunting Agnus Dei, and later a much-performed Benedictus. Finally we hear the stirring rhythms of the finale, Better is Peace.
We are delighted to have the wonderful Sally-Anne Russell as our mezzo-soprano soloist.
Spirit of the Anzac / We Remember / The Memory of ANZACs & Vets
Promac Productions
11th April 2024, 11:00am — Griffith Regional Theatre, Griffith NSW
18th April 2024, 10:30am — Drum Theatre, Dandenong
19th April 2024, 10:30am — Bunjil Place, Narre Warren
23rd April 2024, 10:30am — Karralyka Centre, Ringwood
24th April 2024, 8:00pm — The Wedge Performing Arts Centre, Sale
29th April 2024, 11:00am — Wollongong Town Hall, Wollongong NSW
30th April 2024, 11:00am — Princess Theatre, Launceston TAS
Collaborative piano with Alison Jones (soprano), Roy Best (tenor) and Chris McKenna (compère)
“We Remember” is a brand-new show which contains many hit songs, stories, and indeed laughter that came from WW2 and the Vietnam War all in front of a backdrop of incredible images on the big screen. With a stunning cast led by narrator Chris McKenna, star tenor Roy Best, international soprano Alison Jones and concert pianist William Schmidt. This production will be one of the highlights of the year, performed to coincide with ANZAC Day 2024. This production is dedicated to those brave men and women who gave of their lives in service of our country.
Box Hill Anzac Concert
Box Hill Chorale
20th April 2024, 4:00pm — The Salvation Army, Box Hill
Collaborative piano
A spectacular concert and ceremonial event, commemorating the Anzac spirit and Anzac Day.
Featuring a Catafalque party of the Camberwell Grammar School Cadets. Auspiced by the Box Hill RSL. Box Hill Chorale, pianist William Schmidt, Box Hill Salvation Army Band (conducted by Andrew Wailes and Graham Roper). Music including the National Anthems of Australia and New Zealand, Regimental Marches, Hymns, a stirring World War One Medley of famous wartime songs arranged by Nicholas Buc, We Will Remember Them by Christopher Willcock and The Soldier by Paul Jarman.
Cloud9 Women’s Choir at the Surrey Hills Music Festival
Cloud9 Women’s Choir
24th February 2024, 3:15pm — Holy Trinity Church, Surrey Hills
Collaborative piano with Cloud9 Women’s Choir and Kerry Gerraty (director)
Cloud9 members come together to share the joy of singing and the development of musical excellence.
Box Hill Chorale at the Surrey Hills Music Festival
Box Hill Chorale
24th February 2024, 1:45pm — Holy Trinity Church, Surrey Hills
Collaborative piano with Box Hill Chorale and Andrew Wailes (conductor)
BHC (formerly known as Box Hill Choral Society) was formed in 1946 and since that time has developed into one of Victoria’s most active community choirs.
Carols in the Cathedral
Royal Melbourne Philharmonic
15th December 2023, 8.30pm — St. Paul’s Cathedral
16th December 2023, 2:00pm and 7:00pm — St. Paul’s Cathedral
Collaborative piano and keyboard
RMP presents its ever-popular “Carols in the Cathedral” – Melbourne’s premier concerts of traditional Christmas music, carols, and readings, in the stunning setting of St Paul’s Cathedral, conducted by Andrew Wailes. A magnificent feast of spectacular fanfares and carols, and glorious Christmas music and verse, performed by massed choirs, superb soloists and majestic brass and percussion.
“BHC is looking forward to being a part of three spectacular “Carols in the Cathedral” concerts in St Paul’s Cathedral on Friday 15th and Saturday 16th December. Presented by the Royal Melbourne Philharmonic, these epic concerts feature an incredible cast of choirs, orchestral players, outstanding soloists, magnificent brass and percussion, pipes and drums, organ, harp, piano and more! This year we will also enjoy the wonderful guest soloists tenor Roy Best and bass baritone Jeremy Kleeman, and our own William Schmidt will join RMP Principal Accompanist Stefan Cassomenos on the piano.” – Box Hill Chorale
Celebrate, It’s Christmas / The Joy of Christmas / Spirit of Christmas
Promac Productions
1st December 2023, 11:00am — The Capital, Bendigo
4th December 2023, 11:00am — The Wedge, Sale
6th December 2023, 11:00am — Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool
7th December 2023, 10:30am — Portland Arts Centre, Portland
11th December 2023, 1:30pm — Minerva Space, The Mechanic’s Institute, Ballarat
13th December 2023, 11:00am — Griffith Regional Theatre, Griffith NSW
13th December 2023, 6:00pm — Civic Theatre, Wagga Wagga NSW
14th December 2023, 2:00pm — Riverlinks, Shepparton
Solo and collaborative piano with Alison Jones (soprano) / Michelle Fitzmaurice (soprano), Roy Best (tenor) and Chris McKenna (compère)
Enjoy classic Christmas carols such as Away In A Manger, Silent Night, Once in Royal David’s City, and O Come all ye Faithful, along with some contemporary Christmas songs.
So put up the tree, hang the lights and come celebrate the festive season with our special Christmas Morning Music, featuring some of your favourite morning music melodies! A special morning tea before the show will include Christmas cake, shortbread and a cuppa.
Reverie and Revelry
30th November 2023, 8:00pm — Tempo Rubato, Brunswick
Solo piano
William Schmidt’s solo piano program, “Reverie and Revelry”, is a program of musical contrasts between dreamy relaxation and lively merriment, with works ranging from Chopin’s reflective Berceuse and Amy Beach’s “Dreaming” Op. 15/3 to Schumann’s spirited Faschingsschwank aus Wien, Mozart’s final Piano Sonata K. 576, Tchaikovsky’s colourful Variations Op. 19/6, and a selection of William’s own compositions and pianistic song arrangements.
Heathmont History Group – Centenary of Heathmont Concert
Sing Australia Heathmont
26th November 2023, 1:00pm — Heathmont Uniting Church
Collaborative piano
“Today we’ll be presenting a concert in support of the Heathmont History Group to celebrate the centenary of the formal naming of the suburb. This concert will be the culmination of a year of activities for the History Group.” – Heathmont History Group
Rejoice and Be Merry
Cantate Singers Melbourne
25th November 2023, 2:00pm — Our Holy Redeemer Parish Hall, Surrey Hills
Collaborative piano
Cantate Singers Melbourne perform their third concert “Rejoice and be Merry”, with a variety of festive music for the Christmas Season.
Conducted by John Batterham.
Gilbert, Sullivan & The Great Composers
Promac Productions
26th May 2023, 10:30am and 1:30pm — Frankston Arts Centre
2nd June 2023, 11:00am — West Gippsland Arts Centre, Warragul
15th June 2023, 11:00am — Hopgood Theatre, Noarlunga SA
16th June 2023, 11:00am — Keith Mitchell Theatre, Northern Festival Centre, Port Pirie SA
16th November 2023, 11:00am — Drum Theatre, Dandenong
Solo and collaborative piano with Alison Jones (soprano), Roy Best (tenor) and Chris McKenna (compère)
This new show will feature a selection of hits and highlights of the most popular Gilbert & Sullivan musicals including, HMS Pinafore, The Gondoliers, Pirates of Penzance and The Mikado as well as hits from many other great composing duos Lerner & Lowe, Rodgers & Hart, Webber & Rice and The Gershwin Brothers to name but a few.
Starring in this production will be Australian tenor Roy Best, international soprano Alison Jones and narrator Chris McKenna all backed on the grand piano by Australia’s fastest rising concert pianist William Schmidt.
Join the Promac gang in this fast paced, beautifully sung production with plenty of laughs along the way.
The Great Tenors
Promac Productions
3rd November 2023, 11:00am — West Gippsland Arts Centre, Warragul
Solo and collaborative piano with Alison Jones (soprano), Roy Best (tenor) and Chris McKenna (compère)
A tribute to the World’s Greatest Voices.
This brand new production, dedicated to the greatest tenors the world has ever known, will feature the hits and highlights of Pavarotti, Domingo, Carreras, Bocelli, Mario Lanza and Caruso in one big show with wonderful imagery projected onto the big screen.
With a wonderful cast including tenor Roy Best, soprano Alison Jones and piano virtuoso William Schmidt, Chris McKenna narrates this production packed with classic hits including Libiamo from La Traviata, O Sole Mio, Nessun Dorma and Grenada right through to Broadway hits Be My Love, Strangers In Paradise, Drink Drink, Some Enchanted Evening, Impossible Dream and many more.
Whitehorse Spring Festival
Box Hill Chorale
15th October 2023, 2:45pm — Deakin Stage, Whitehorse Civic Centre Precinct, Nunawading
Collaborative piano with Box Hill Chorale
The 2023 Spring Festival theme, Let’s Play, celebrates our community coming together and having fun through play. This year’s festival returns to the Civic Centre Precinct and the newly opened venue The Round, where Box Hill Chorale will perform a delightful selection of songs by Denes Agay, Ola Gjeilo, Nicholas Buc and more as part of the day’s performance program at 2:45pm on the Deakin Stage.
An Afternoon with Gilbert and Sullivan
Cantate Singers Melbourne
13th May 2023, 2:00pm — Our Holy Redeemer Parish Hall, Surrey Hills
10th September 2023, 2:00pm — St. David’s Anglican Church, Doncaster East
Collaborative piano / collaborative piano and conducting
Cantate Singers Melbourne perform a variety of musical numbers from Gilbert and Sullivan’s well-known operettas.
The Broadway I Love
Promac Productions
22nd August 2023, 11:00am — Twin Towns Services Club, Tweed Heads NSW
9th September 2023, 2:00pm — Paranaple Arts Centre, Devonport TAS
Solo and collaborative piano with Alison Jones (soprano), Brad Daley (tenor) and Chris McKenna (compère)
Brad Daley is currently leading man in Wagner’s Ring Cycle for Opera Australia and has recorded for ABC Classics. He is touring the world in 2023, but has a small window to perform at his “local and favourite club” Twin Towns. Hits will come from Musicals such as Phantom, Les Miserables, Cats, to name but a few.
They will be joined on stage by international soprano Alison Jones and narrated and compèred by the ever popular Christopher McKenna with concert virtuoso William Schmidt at the piano.
O Sole Mio — The Great Tenors
Promac Productions
6th September 2023, 11:00am — Stairway Church, Vermont
Solo and collaborative piano with Alison Jones (soprano), Brad Daley (tenor) and Chris McKenna (compère)
A tribute to the world’s greatest tenors, led by international tenor Bradley Daley, with William Schmidt at the piano. Soprano Alison Jones and narrator Chris McKenna join the production packed with classic hits Libiamo, ‘O Sole Mio, Nessum Dorma, through to Broadway hits such as Some Enchanted Evening.
Dido & Aeneas / Vivaldi Magnificat
Victoria Chorale
2nd September 2023, 5:00pm — Collins St. Baptist Church
Organ and harpsichord continuo with Victoria Chorale, Art of Sound Orchestra, Sally-Anne Russell (Dido), Christopher Tonkin (Aeneas), Jessica Dean (Belinda), Mario Dobernig (conductor)
Victoria Chorale presents two wonderful pieces of music with the Art of Sound Orchestra and conductor Mario Dobernig. The concert includes a semi-staged performance of Purcell’s evocative opera Dido and Aeneas and Vivaldi’s short but majestic Magnificat in G minor.
The cast of 9 superb soloists includes Sally-Anne Russell (Dido), Christopher Tonkin (Aeneas) and Jessica Dean (Belinda)
Classical Music Concert — AUSTA Members & Friends
Australian Strings Association
20th August 2023, 3:00pm — The Avenue Uniting Church, Blackburn (Concert flyer)
Solo and collaborative piano with Anne-Shirley Peel and AUSTA Members and Friends String Orchestra
AUSTA Members & Friends perform a benefit concert to raise money for humanitarian aid for Ukraine civilians through UNICEF.
Features a string orchestra and soloists. The program includes Vivaldi’s Concerto for two violins in D minor, various movements from Bach’s Keyboard Concerto No. 1 (with soloist William Schmidt) and Orchestral Suite No. 3, Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto (with soloist Philip Arkinstall) and Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, Bloch’s Concerto Grosso, and solo works by Elgar, Massenet, Prokofiev and Katz-Chernin. Adults $20; children free. For more information, contact Anne Shirley-Peel on 0407343949.
Heathmont Family & Community Concert
Sing Australia Heathmont
13th August 2023, 2:00pm — Heathmont Uniting Church, Heathmont
Solo and collaborative piano with Sing Australia Heathmont
Today we will be presenting a concert for family friends and members of the local community in the Heathmont Uniting Church.
No perceived risks. Conducted by Laura Martin.
A Celtic Odyssey
Cantate Singers Melbourne
12th August 2023, 2:00pm — Our Holy Redeemer Parish Hall, Surrey Hills
Collaborative piano
Cantate Singers Melbourne perform a variety of musical numbers from the Celtic nations of the United Kingdom.
Conducted by John Batterham.
Ringwood Eisteddfod Showcase Concert
8th July 2023, 2:00pm — Karralyka Theatre, Ringwood East
Piano accompaniment for prizewinning contestants
Come and hear 30 of the best section winners from Orchestral Strings, Pianoforte, Reed & Brass, Contemporary Vocal, Junior Classical Vocal, Speech & Drama, and Musical Theatre.
When Love Comes to Call
21st June 2023, 11:00am — Colac Otway Performing Arts & Cultural Centre
Solo and collaborative piano with Wendy Grose (soprano/actor)
Love! We long for it, fall into it, question it and never stop hoping! Is it any wonder that love has inspired so many magnificent songs? Join internationally renowned artists Wendy Grose (soprano/actor) and William Schmidt (pianist), presenting a delicious show exploring the highs, lows and wonders of ‘that mysterious thing called love’.
Including songs by Porter, Gershwin, Novello, Kern, Blitzstein, Weill, etc.
Magical music, enchanting lyrics, two of Australia’s finest artists……
As Gershwin would say, “Who could ask for anything more?!”
Mozartieri!
Victoria Chorale
27th May 2023, 5:00pm — St. Paul’s Cathedral
Organ with Art of Sound Orchestra, Victoria Chorale, soloists and conductor Mario Dobernig
Mozart and Salieri were brilliant composers who dominated the late 18th century musical scene. This unique concert enables you to hear them at their finest. The concert also includes a beautiful contemporary work by Australian composer: Jodie O’Regan.
POMEG Grand Piano Concert
Pipe Organ and Musical Events Group, Bairnsdale Uniting Church
30th April 2023, 2:00pm — Bairnsdale Uniting Church (Concert flyer)
Solo piano
Melbourne-based pianist and composer William Schmidt will play a program of piano favourites, including works by Mozart, Chopin, Clara and Robert Schumann, Grieg and Schmidt. William’s program is sure to bring great pleasure and inspiration to all who love piano music and we thank him for his performance this afternoon!
City of Whitehorse ANZAC Service and Concert 2023
Box Hill Chorale
22nd April 2022, 4:00pm — Box Hill Salvos
Collaborative piano with Box Hill Chorale
Program included music by Roger Heagney, Paul Jarman, Gerald Custer, Nicholas Buc, Charles Wood, Marie Cowan, Brendan Elliget as well as National Anthems of New Zealand and Australia, and various hymns and marches.
Spirit of the ANZAC
Promac Productions
3rd April 2023, 11:00am — Illawarra Performing Arts Centre, Wollongong NSW
4th April 2023, 11:00am — Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, Nowra NSW
5th April 2023, 11:00am — Redland Performing Arts Centre, Cleveland QLD
12th April 2023, 11:00am — Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool
14th April 2023, 10:30am and 1:00pm — Frankston Arts Centre
18th April 2023, 11:00am — Twin Towns Services Club, Tweed Heads NSW
21st April 2023, 1:30pm — Her Majesty’s Theatre Ballarat
23rd April 2023, 2:00pm — Forge Theatre & Arts Hub, Bairnsdale
24th April 2023, 11:00am — Gippsland Performing Arts Centre, Traralgon
24th April 2023, 7.30pm — The Wedge, Sale
26th April 2023, 11:00am — Colac Otway Performing Arts and Cultural Centre
27th April 2023, 11:00am — The Capital, Bendigo
28th April 2023, 10:30am — Bunjil Place, Narre Warren
Collaborative piano with Alison Rae Jones (soprano), Roy Best (tenor) and Chris McKenna (compère)
Spirit of The ANZAC returns with a new production in 2023. Featuring the hit songs, stories, and indeed laughter that came from World War 2 and the Vietnam War and presented in front of a backdrop of incredible images on the big screen. With a stunning cast led by narrator/compere Chris McKenna, star tenor Roy Best, international soprano Alison Jones, and rising piano virtuoso William Schmidt at the keyboard, this production will be one of the highlights of the year. Songs include “White Cliffs of Dover”, “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy”, “Chattanooga Choo Choo”, “Blowin’ in the Wind”, “He Ain’t Heavy He’s My Brother”, “Sun and Moon” (from Miss Saigon) and a stirring version of “Bring Him Home” from Les Miserables. This production is dedicated to the brave men and women who gave of their lives in service of our country.
Here & Beyond
Preston Symphony Orchestra
2nd April 2023, 2:30pm — Preston City Hall (Concert flyer)
Performance of my composition
The Preston Symphony Orchestra will perform Holst’s ‘Jupiter’, Vaughan Williams Symphony No 2, as well as the “Preston Suite” composed by three Melbourne-based composers: Luke Speedy-Hutton, William Schmidt and Keyna Wilkins.
To Spring
29th August 2022 — Tempo Rubato (Concert 5 of the Flinders Quartet’s August residency with Tempo Rubato)
24th November 2022 — Anglican Parish of Box Hill (Concert flyer)
Solo piano
A program of evocative nature-themed miniatures by Edvard Grieg, Lili Boulanger, Cecile Chaminade and Miriam Hyde, Beethoven’s uplifting “Pastoral” Sonata in D Op. 28, several beautiful songs by Schubert and Mikhail Glinka in pianistic arrangements by Liszt and Mily Balakirev respectively, and a new composition and two new song transcriptions by William Schmidt.
“Unsung hero of the piano, William Schmidt has wowed Melbourne audiences for over a decade. An intense musical intelligence matched with unparalleled sensitivity, you will wonder why you haven’t heard more of this extraordinary musician.” —Tempo Rubato
Lament
Albury Chamber Music Festival 2022
5th November 2022 — Adamshurst, Albury
6th November 2022 — Adamshurst, Albury
Harpsichord continuo with the Art of Sound Orchestra, Victoria Chorale, and soloists conducted by Mario Dobernig
Australia’s baroque elite Sally-Anne Russell and Andrew Goodwin will tell the story of Dido and Aeneas, a story of love, betrayal and loyalty. Come and experience this wonderful chamber opera in the exquisite setting of the Adamshurst Ballroom.
Virtuosi
Albury Chamber Music Festival 2022
4th November 2022 — Adamshurst, Albury
5th November 2022 — Adamshurst, Albury
Solo piano and duo with violinist Yi Wang
Only very few violinists can convincingly perform Johannes Brahms’ Violin Sonata No.2, Op. 100. We are therefore very excited that the “God of the Violin” Yi Wang (Orchestra Victoria Acting Concert Master) has agreed to astonish us with his musicality and technical brilliance in this masterwork of the violin repertoire. Composer-Pianist William Schmidt will also reimagine his favourite vocal repertoire from a pianist’s perspective.
Bach to Broadway
Promac Productions
22nd July 2022 — Forge Theatre and Arts Hub, Bairnsdale
16th September 2022 — Frankston Arts Centre (two performances)
27th September 2022 — Hamilton Performing Arts Centre
8th October 2022 — Bunjil Place
20th October 2022 — Ballarat Civic Hall
Solo and collaborative piano
La Scala, Milan, Covent Garden, New York… The classics from J.S. Bach through to Contemporary Broadway Hits. This new production from Promac will highlight some of the classic opera songs from all the great European Opera Houses and wind its way through to contemporary Broadway hits from the ‘City That Never Sleeps’…..New York. The fascinating story behind some of the worlds most loved songs and their composers. A fully scripted, produced and directed production from Promac. Starring in this new production is Star Tenor Roy Best, International Soprano Alison Jones, and will be beautifully backed on the grand piano by rising virtuoso William Schmidt, who will perform stunning Bach pieces. All narrated and compared by Christopher McKenna who will provide the usual laughs along the way.
Haydn, Mozart and Vaughan Williams
Victoria Chorale
17th September 2022 — Hawthorn Town Hall
Harpsichord continuo with the Art of Sound Orchestra conducted by Mario Dobernig
Haydn, Mozart and Vaughan Williams, a delightful concert by Victoria Chorale with The Art of Sound Orchestra and conductor Mario Dobernig, at 5 pm on Saturday 17 September at the Hawthorn Arts Centre. Performances include Haydn’s glorious Spring and Summer from The Seasons, Mozart’s rarely performed Kyrie in D minor for choir and orchestra and Vaughan-Williams’ transcendent The Lark Ascending, featuring Yi Wang, acting concertmaster of Orchestra Victoria.
Free Saturday Afternoon Concert
Melbourne University Choral Society and Box Hill Chorale
3rd September 2022 — Collins St. Baptist Church
Piano accompaniment
“Box Hill Chorale is pleased to be performing a free public concert, in association with choirs and strings from hosts Christian College Geelong, and fellow guest ensemble Melbourne University Choral Society. These ensembles will perform a capella motets and short works for piano and choir, accompanied by William Schmidt and conducted by Andrew Wailes. Music includes items by Purcell, Pitoni, Bruckner, Fauré, Chillcot, Rutter, Whitacre, Forrest, Gjeilo, Burton Lane and more.” — Box Hill Chorale
Australian Digital Concert Hall: Collide
16th June 2022 — Australian Digital Concert Hall
Arrangement
Collide (Yasmin Rowe, Joseph Lallo and Yelian He) make their debut at ADCH with a showstopping program of exceptional works. With a surprise item at the end, this is one to book! Boulanger (arr. Osbourne), Fauré, Beaugeais, Milhaud, Cohen (arr. Schmidt).
Celebrate Christmas
Victoria Chorale
11th December 2021 — St. Paul’s Cathedral, Melbourne
Organ / keyboard with Art of Sound Orchestra conducted by Mario Dobernig
Capture the spirit of Christmas with Victoria Chorale and the Art of Sound orchestra in the beautiful setting of St Paul’s Cathedral. The concert includes Vivaldi’s brilliant Gloria and a selection of joyous Christmas carols. The choir’s Christmas concerts are renowned for their charm, distinctiveness and enthusiastic audience singing of carols, led by dynamic conductor Mario Dobernig! Sensational soloists, Samantha Hargreaves (soprano) and Esther Gresswell (alto), join us for this delightful concert.
Sans Paroles
9th May 2021 — Tempo Rubato
Solo piano
“Sans Paroles” (French for “without words”) is a celebration of French music, romanticism, and piano music derived from or inspired by song. This program will cover a spectrum ranging from the charming character pieces of Fauré and Chaminade to the lilt and lyricism of Chopin’s Barcarolle to the dramatic narrative of Alkan’s Chant d’amour – chant de mort (“Song of love – song of death”).
Kawai Live Sessions
21st April 2021 — Lady Marigold Southey Performance Studio, 3MBS Melbourne (radio broadcast)
Solo piano
3MBS is proud to bring back the Kawai Live Sessions, a series of six performances from our Lady Marigold Southey Performance Studio featuring acclaimed Melbourne pianists. Proudly sponsored by Kawai Pianos Australia.
16 Hour Music Marathon — A Fundraiser for Our Firefighters
29th February 2020 — Tempo Rubato
Solo piano
The bushfires in Australia have devastated our land and communities. Our firefighters have faced, and are still facing, countless hours of fighting fires as they battle to protect homes, properties, native forests and animals. This fundraiser is a tribute to their endurance, resilience and strength, in the form of a music marathon. Why $16,000? That is $1000 per hour of live music from more than 39 volunteering musicians!
Concert Harmony, Hope and Helping Hand Fire Relief
16th February 2020 — St. Matthews Anglican Church, Albury
Solo and collaborative piano
Australian opera’s favourite mezzo soprano, Sally-Anne Russell, and some of her friends from the concert stages of Melbourne will join local musicians under the leadership of violinist Kaori Sparks in a tribute to the communities banding together to re-build and support each other in times of crisis.
Gloria!
Victoria Chorale
7th December 2019 — Collins St. Baptist Church
Church organ with Art of Sound Orchestra conducted by Mario Dobernig
We hope you can join us as 80 voices of Victoria Chorale and the Art of Sound Orchestra capture the spirit of Christmas on December 7th with Vivaldi’s brilliant Gloria, Saint-Saëns’ exuberant Gloria from his Christmas Oratoria and five beautiful Australian carols by William James. A joyous collection of popular carols – audience participation welcome!
From Madrid to Melbourne
3rd November 2019 — Tempo Rubato
Solo piano
Award-winning pianist and composer William Schmidt completed Masters degrees at both the University of Melbourne and the Musik und Kunst Privatuniversität in Vienna, Austria. He has been a regular concert and radio performer in Australia and internationally, and is in frequent demand both as a collaborative pianist and as a composer. “From Madrid to Melbourne” will feature a variety of works from different parts of the world, all showing some form of Spanish influence. These include the music of Scarlatti, Bizet, Piazzolla, a book of the evocative “Iberia” suite by Isaac Albéniz, and a brand new composition by the performer, inspired by his recent travels through Andalusia.
Space: A Musical Odyssey
Preston Symphony Orchestra
31st March 2019 — Preston Town Hall
Composition premiere and orchestral keyboard with the Preston Symphony Orchestra conducted by Joseph Lallo
“From Earth to the Galaxy is a new work, commissioned by Preston Symphony Orchestra from Melbourne based composer, William Schmidt. The performance on the 31st March will be the world premiere! William has received many commissions for new works and a violin/piano composition has been released on a Move CD. He contributed to The Preston Suite, premiered by the orchestra last year. From Earth to the Galaxy offers a musical landscape where the smallest details come into focus.” — Preston Symphony Orchestra
Mozart and More
1st, 6th and 9th November 2018 — Laussade Studios
Piano duo with Elyane Laussade
“It is with great excitement that I invite you to Mozart and More, the next series of concerts at the Laussade Studio, and simultaneously announce my Mozart Project. I have embarked upon a journey that will see me perform all 27 Mozart Piano Concerti with Australian professional orchestras and community groups. The project was launched in Launceston last month with the LYCO under the baton of Margaret Hoban. Since many of you here in Melbourne were unable to attend because of the large pond that needed crossing, I will repeat the two concerti here in the studio with the SSO, aka the Schmidt Symphony Orchestra, on second piano. William James Schmidt will not only share his formidable talents as a great collaborator in these concerts, but as a brilliant composer and pianist as well. Between the two concerti we will perform a brand new work by Will which I commissioned earlier this year. The Glory Vines Suite is a collection of catchy dances for two pianos, including a Bossa Nova, Ragtime, Minuet-Waltz and Saltarello, a composition so fresh in its conception and such a delight to play that you simply MUST come hear it!” — Elyane Laussade
The Preston Suite
Preston Symphony Orchestra
25th November 2018 — Preston Town Hall
Composition premiere
The centrepiece of the Preston Symphony Orchestra’s third concert for 2018 is the world premiere of a new work about Preston itself. Three composers have reflected on the sound of Preston at different times of the day. Luke Speedy-Hutton’s morning bustle becomes the daydreaming of William Schmidt’s afternoon, before Keyna Wilkins captures the mystery of a suburban night as trams rattle in the distance. Under the baton of conductor Joseph Lallo, the concert continues to explore ideas of home and away with Finlandia, the Prelude to Hansel and Gretel and Solveig’s Song sung by soprano Lee Abrahmsen, before concluding with Khachaturian’s effervescent Masquerade suite.