B i o g r a p h y
Samuel Dharma is an Australian pianist known for his “powerful” performance (Jungfrau Zeitung) with "an artistic sincerity and intensity which is compelling as well as rare" (Dr Robert Roux, Steinway Artist). He is the recipient of numerous piano prizes in Australian and international competitions, including first prize in the Rex Hobcroft Piano Competition (Sydney, Australia), finalist in the Knigge Music Competition (Vancouver, Canada), and the Publikumspreis in the 18.International Klaviersommer (Bad Bertrich, Germany).
Recitals and chamber music concerts in Australia and overseas have taken him to such concert stage as Koerner Hall and the Four Seasons Centre of Performing Arts (Toronto, Canada), Altes Kurhaus (Aachen, Germany), Centre Culturel Larei (Vianden, Luxembourg), Sir John Clancy Auditorium (Sydney, Australia) and the Manning Entertainment Centre (Taree, Australia). He has performed piano concertos with the UNSW Orchestra on a number of occasions, working with conductors Steven Hillinger and Colin Piper. His performances have been broadcasted by 2MBS FM. Since 2015, he serves as resident pianist for Australian composer Graham Hair at the Sydney International Piano Masterclass Festival, performing Prof. Hair's and his students' works.
Samuel's dedication to music extends to his role as an educator in Sydney, Australia. He is on the piano faculty at the Conservatorium High School and Sydney Grammar School. He also teaches a private studio where he works with talented and dedicated students including prizewinners in local and international competitions as well as successful AMEB and Trinity diploma candidates. Their efforts have been honored as the studio is named AMEB NSW's 2023 Most Outstanding Private Teacher (Grade 7 to Licentiate), having previously been named in the Top 10 list in 2021 and 2022. Prior to settling in Australia, he served as teaching assistant at both the Glenn Gould School of the Royal Conservatory (Toronto, Canada) and Rice University (Houston, USA).
As the beneficiary of generous scholarships, Samuel had the privilege of studying with Margaret Hair, David Louie, John Perry, and Dr. Robert Roux. He has also performed in masterclasses for some of the most important artist teachers in the world, including Marc Durand, Leon Fleisher, Robert McDonald, John O’Conor, and Jacques Rouvier. An avid chamber musician, he has been coached by the Philharmonia Quartett Berlin as well as violinist Cho-Liang Lin and cellist Peter Wiley (Guarneri String Quartet).