Ian Cooper was commissioned to compose and perform the “Tin Symphony” for the opening ceremony of the 2000 Summer Olympic Games in Sydney. The event was televised worldwide to an estimated 2.85 billion viewers. His high-energy and humorous performances draw on musical styles from Classical, Gypsy, Jazz, Irish, Tango, Latin, the Blues and even a touch of Cowboy music.
Ian has appeared in Australia and overseas, both live and on recordings with artists as diverse as James Morrison, George Benson, John Farnham, Marcia Hines, Tommy Emmanuel, Mary Schneider, Barry White, Andrea Bocelli, David Helfgott, Neil Sedaka and Olivia Newton-John.
Born into a family of classical musicians Ian Cooper began learning the violin from his mother at the age of four. His first live television appearance was at age 5 where he performed “The Two Grenadiers” by Schumann on Channel 7 Australia, and his Sydney Opera House debut was at age 6. Ian soon began his world travels and wowed audiences as a child star in the U.S.A. and Canada, and later in Britain, Europe and Japan for NHK TV. 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.
After meeting the famed French violinist Stéphane Grappelli Ian swung his attention towards Jazz, and his fiery approach to the Devil’s Instrument became reminiscent of the 1930’s Quintet of the Hot Club of France. A result of touring and endeavouring to perform with locals wherever he travels, Ian has added Gypsy and Irish music to his exciting repertoire. Never forgetting his love of Classical music, Ian still continues to perform concerts as a soloist with orchestras. Ian has released 10 CDs, the latest being “Just Passing Through” with Australian Guitarist Tommy Emmanuel.
Among his many live performance accolades, Ian Cooper has received 5 Golden Fiddle Awards, 2 MO Awards, 4 ACE Awards, and has been honoured with a platinum ARIA Award. Ian is also a qualified pilot and flies his band to concerts around Australia. He has composed soundtracks for Discovery Channel and is a keen yachtsman in his spare time.