Ricardo Roche Idini

About Ricardo

Ricardo Antonio Roche Idini is a Chilean pianist, teacher, and collaborative artist currently based in Melbourne, Australia. Recognised for his expressive depth, technical command, and commitment to cultural storytelling, he is emerging as a distinctive voice in the Australian and Latin American classical music scenes.Ricardo began his musical journey at the age of six in Iquique, Chile, studying with Carlos Díaz Díaz and Laura Díaz Vidiella at the W.A. Mozart Academy. From an early age, he demonstrated exceptional musical sensitivity and dedication, quickly becoming one of the academy’s most outstanding young pianists. During his formative years, he performed regularly across his hometown, appearing in venues such as the Teatro Municipal de Iquique, Teatro Tarapacá, and various churches, establishing a strong connection with live performance and community engagement.At the age of twelve, Ricardo made the pivotal decision to pursue music professionally. This commitment led him, at fifteen, to study with renowned Rapa Nui pianist Mahani Teave Williams. Invited to undertake an intensive four-month residency on Easter Island, he immersed himself in a unique artistic and cultural environment that profoundly shaped his musical identity. Following this experience, he performed in Santiago at Teatro CorpArtes as part of the 40th anniversary celebrations of Fundación Chile, receiving critical acclaim for his artistry.In 2017, Ricardo moved to Santiago to continue his musical and academic development at the Instituto de Estudios Secundarios de la Universidad de Chile (ISUCH). That same year, he was awarded a scholarship to study with distinguished pianist Frida Conn, who became a central figure in his artistic growth. During this period, he was awarded Second Prize in the national “Toca el Cielo” competition organised by Radio Beethoven, and performed in major venues including Teatro CorpArtes, Sala Arrau at Teatro Municipal de Santiago, Sala Isidora Zegers, and Teatro de Providencia. He also participated in masterclasses with internationally respected artists such as Beatrice Berthold and Roberto Bravo.In 2019, Ricardo relocated to Australia to pursue advanced musical studies at the University of Melbourne. He commenced his studies at Trinity College in 2020, where he studied with acclaimed pianist Coady Green and was awarded the Performance Award, performing at the college’s graduation ceremony and receiving a scholarship. He continued under Green’s mentorship into his Bachelor of Music (Performance), which he completed with Honours.During his time in Melbourne, Ricardo has developed a vibrant and multifaceted career. As a soloist, he has performed in recital series such as the Friends of Music Concert Series, presenting programs ranging from Classical repertoire to Latin American works, including composers such as Beethoven and Heitor Villa-Lobos. His artistic collaborations have included performances with Australian mezzo-soprano Karen Van Spall and tenor Alex Owens, as well as extensive accompanying work across Melbourne’s music community.A major highlight of his recent career has been his involvement in an ambitious concert project with Coady Green, performing all nine symphonies of Ludwig van Beethoven in the four-hand piano transcriptions by Carl Czerny. This large-scale cycle, presented across multiple venues in Melbourne, demonstrates Ricardo’s stamina, collaborative skill, and deep engagement with the core repertoire.Ricardo is also a passionate advocate for Latin American music. His performances frequently feature composers such as Astor Piazzolla, Manuel de Falla, Enrique Granados, Alfonso Leng, and Óscar Lorenzo Fernández, alongside his own transcriptions of works by iconic Chilean artists Violeta Parra and Víctor Jara.In 2025, Ricardo expands this mission through a major interdisciplinary project centred on the life and music of Violeta Parra. In collaboration with guitarist and singer Alejandro Vargas, he presents a bilingual concert experience combining narration, song, and instrumental performance. This project features a unique arrangement of Canto para una semilla by Luis Advis for piano, two guitars, and two voices, and is featured at the fortyfivedownstairs Chamber Music Festival.Alongside his performance career, Ricardo is an active educator and accompanist. He teaches piano privately and at institutions in Melbourne, including his current role as a piano teacher and accompanist at St Margaret’s Berwick Grammar. His teaching integrates technical development, musical expression, and stylistic awareness, supporting students from beginner to advanced levels, including AMEB examination preparation.Ricardo has also worked with and received mentorship from leading international musicians, including Jerry Wong, Konstantin Shamray, Leslie Howard, Alexander Peskanov, Glenn Riddle, Ian Holtham, and Linda Kouvaras.With a career that bridges continents, traditions, and artistic disciplines, Ricardo Antonio Roche Idini continues to build a distinctive musical voice. His work reflects a deep commitment not only to pianistic excellence, but also to cultural identity, storytelling, and the promotion of Latin American music on the international stage.

• Classic Melbourne "Violeta Parra's Chile's" review

Teaching

Ricardo is a passionate and dedicated piano educator based in Melbourne, currently teaching in Berwick and Fitzroy. He works with a wide range of students, from complete beginners taking their very first steps at the piano, to advanced pianists preparing for high-level examinations, including AMEB Certificates of Performance (AMusA) and Licentiate Diplomas (LMusA).His teaching is centred on building a strong, reliable, and healthy technical foundation. Ricardo believes that good technique is the key to freedom at the instrument, and he carefully guides each student to develop control, efficiency, and ease of movement at the piano. Drawing from his own experience as a performer and his studies with leading international pianists, he tailors his approach to suit each individual student, ensuring steady and confident progress.Lessons also focus on developing musicality, stylistic awareness, and expressive playing. Students are encouraged to think creatively, listen deeply, and engage with the character and structure of the music they play. Whether working on Classical, Romantic, or contemporary repertoire, Ricardo helps students build interpretative skills alongside technical mastery.In addition to regular lessons, Ricardo prepares students for AMEB exams, auditions, competitions, scholarships, and performances. He has a strong track record of supporting students through exam pathways as well as helping them gain confidence on stage. His teaching aims not only to achieve excellent results, but to foster a genuine love for music and long-term artistic growth.Ricardo creates a supportive and motivating learning environment, where students feel challenged, inspired, and equipped with the tools they need to reach their full potential.

Upcoming Performances

Past Performances

Collaborative Work

Ricardo is an experienced and highly sought-after collaborative pianist, available for a wide range of projects across Melbourne. With years of experience working alongside instrumentalists, singers, and ensembles, he brings sensitivity, versatility, and strong musicianship to every collaboration.He is regularly engaged for chamber music projects and has worked with violinists, cellists, and vocalists in both recital and concert settings. As an accompanist, Ricardo has extensive experience supporting singers and choirs, demonstrating a deep understanding of phrasing and text, and providing a responsive and musically intuitive partnership.Ricardo also works closely with students, accompanying AMEB and VCE examinations, auditions, and performances. He is highly familiar with the exam repertoire and requirements, and is known for his reliability, professionalism, and ability to support students in high-pressure situations, helping them feel confident and secure.Whether in rehearsal or performance, Ricardo approaches collaborative playing with attention to detail, flexibility, and a genuine commitment to artistic excellence. His goal is always to elevate and support the musicians he works with, creating performances that are both cohesive and expressive.

Contact & Enquiries