Introduction:
"Ian has been a favourite of the 6 star cruise lines for over 10 years. He is constantly changing his shows to cater for repeat bookings and carries with him over 4 hours worth of material in a wide range of musical styles. I can whole-heartedly say that Ian Cooper is by far our favourite violinist." - Gary Parkes
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About Ian...
IAN COOPER - "...a violinist of Olympic Proportions..."
Ian Cooper is Australia's most exciting virtuoso violinist. He is a regular attraction at concert venues and festivals throughout Australia, Europe, Japan and New Zealand, and his dynamic and humorous show draws on many musical styles from The Classics, Jazz, Gypsy, Latin, Irish, the Blues and even a touch of Cowboy music.
Cooper's performance of his Ned Kelly inspired composition "Tin Symphony" was premiered live at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Opening Ceremony.
Born into a family of classical musicians Ian began playing the violin at the age of four. He was his mother's first pupil. His live television debut was at age 5 where he performed "The Three Grenadiers" by Schumann on Channel 7 Australia, and he began competing in Eisteddfods soon after. Ian began his world travels at age six and wowed audiences as a child star in the U.S.A. and Canada, and in following years in Britain, Europe and Japan on their NHK TV network. At age 12 he performed with the Vienna Boys Choir in their hometown.
Ian was awarded a scholarship to the New South Wales Conservatorium of Music at age eight and continued his training there for the next ten years. During this time Ian also studied the drums and played in numerous high-school bands, who he did yet more European tours with.
After meeting the French violinist Stephane Grappelli Ian swung his attention towards Jazz, and his fiery approach to the Devil's Instrument became reminiscent of the music of the Quintet of the Hot Club of France. Today Cooper continues to perform classical concerts as a soloist with orchestras and is equally at home playing Jazz concerts around Australia, Asia and Europe. He is a regular guest artist of Australian Jazz trumpeter James Morrison, and has appeared at home and abroad with international artists including George Benson, Neil Sedaka, Max Bygraves, Andrea Bocelli, David Helfgott - (Shine), Tommy Emmanuel, Barry White, and Olivia Newton-John.
Ian has released 8 CDs, the latest being Ballads and Bossa Nova, released on the La Brava Music label. He has been awarded numerous Australian live performance awards including 2 MO Awards, 2 ACE Awards, 3 Golden Fiddle Awards and a platinum "ARIA" Award for his Olympic Opening Ceremony composition "Tin Symphony". Ian also composes soundtracks for Discovery Channel and is a keen pilot and yachtsman.
