This week we are delighted to welcome not just one, but two guest mentors to the programme! Filling in for regular Evan Lawson while he is on holiday is Season 2 2022 resident mentor – pianist, harpsichordist, and countertenor Dean Sky-Lucas. Sitting in the guest mentor chair, we welcome flautist Melissa Doecke. Continue reading to learn more about Dean and Melissa.

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Dean Sky-Lucas

Outstanding collaborative accompanist on all keyboard instruments and singer, Dean Sky- Lucas has performed all over the world. Widely broadcast in Australia on ABC FM, Radio National and on Radio New Zealand, Dean has often performed live as a pianist and countertenor.

During his appointment from 2010 until 2016 as the Coordinator and Lecturer of Collaborative piano at the University of Auckland, Dean appeared on radio New Zealand as their regular Opera critic and he was a much sought after accompanist with the New Zealand Choral organisation, Choirs Aotearoa, with whom he accompanied Voices New Zealand – the professional ensemble, and toured often with the National Youth Choir throughout the North and South Islands and internationally through Europe and the United Kingdom with this repertoire broadcast on the BBC.

Dean has performed in the Melbourne, Adelaide and Brisbane International festivals as a pianist and singer and he has performed with the MSO, Orchestra Victoria and TSO on organ, harpsichord and Celeste.

His recordings have received critical acclaim including a 5-star review from the New Zealand Herald for his recording with Ben Hoadley (bassoon) of a CD of works from the 20th and 21st centuries for bassoon and piano.

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Melissa Doecke

Melissa Doecke is co-Director of both award-winning Inventi Ensemble and the Peninsula Summer Music Festival. She is a vibrant flautist with creativity and diversity at the core of her artistic practise. Her many achievements include being awarded the Melbourne Recital Centre’s Contemporary Masters Award, being a finalist in the Australian Young Performer Awards, performing at the BBC Proms amongst other international recitals and performances. 

Melissa is in demand as a chamber musician, orchestral player, mentor, teacher and collaborator. Her catalogue of recordings is growing, including solo flute album releases as well as Inventi Ensemble’s most recent album, which debuted on the ARIA Charts. Upcoming performances include Inventi Ensemble tours through VIC and NSW.

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