Australian/Sierra-Leonean pianist Tonya Lemoh has made a career of championing forgotten composers. Labelled a ‘pianist archaeologist’ by a leading critic, her concert appearances and recordings have consistently garnered critical acclaim.

A passionate advocate of Australian music, her doctoral research resulted in a world premiere recording of the complete piano works of Raymond Hanson. The album was awarded five stars and Editor’s Choice in Limelight Magazine. Tonya was the recipient of a Creative Fellowship Award from the National Library of Australia in 2022, where she pursued research into the musical legacy of Henry Handel Richardson. She has presented research findings on Australian music history at the National Musicological Society, Sydney Conservatorium’s Musicology Colloquium and in lecture recitals in Australia and Scandinavia.

A prize winner in international piano competitions, she has performed in solo and chamber recitals, international festivals and concerto performances in Australia, Africa, America and Europe.

* Presented in association with Music Viva Australia