At a time when classical music institutions are searching anxiously for ways to connect with audiences – and younger, non-traditional audiences in particular – the arrival of the unconventional French pianist Lucas Debargue in Australia feels conspicuously well timed.

The 35-year-old, who makes his Australian debut this month, is one of the most intellectually and artistically restless pianists of his generation – a performer who speaks of his admiration for Beethoven and pop music in the same breath, distrusts the “cult” of the musical score, and believes classical concerts too often resemble “a forensic examination”.

Lucas Debargue. Portrait supplied

Speaking to Limelight ahead of his Live at Yours tour, Debargue says that many of our timeworn concert conventions have become obstacles to genuine musical communication.

“So much of what you see in concerts actually harms the music we love,” says Debargue. “They can make it...