Upcoming Australia Based Piano Competitions You Should Know About
Whether you’re planning to compete in the future, or you like to be part of the audience, jot down the dates of these competitions because you don’t want to miss them!
The Sydney International Piano Competition
The Sydney International Piano competition is a major event that aims to recognise and celebrate unique musical artistry in it’s prizewinners. It inspires both pianists and audiences, and provides a platform to showcase superb all-round pianists who are ready to undertake major international careers.
How it works:
32 competitors are chosen by a preselection panel consisting of five pianists/musicians of international experience. Due to covid, the applications received for the originally scheduled 2020 competition and will become the competitors for the 2021 Sydney International Online Piano Competition. An additional 33rd competitor will be admitted to the competition for 2021 only.
The competition is well underway with results of the preliminary round being revealed to the contestants and public on July 9, 2021. The semi final round is scheduled for July 15, 2021, and the grand final for July 18, 2021.
Live stream tickets can be booked now via https://thesydney.com.au/
Australian International Chopin Piano Competition
The Australian International Chopin Piano Competition is a triennial partnership between The Australian National University and its School of Music, the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Australia, and the Friends of Chopin Australia. It was established in 2011 and seeks to return to the 19th century ideals of interpretation and music making.
Of the competition, Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Brian P. Schmidt says ‘Chopin Piano Competition focuses on celebrating excellence, performance, and a rich history of intelligent creativity, all through Chopin’s unforgettable legacy.’
How it works:
The 2021 competition boasts 16 international competitors from 11 countries around the world coming together over seven days for their love of Chopin, competing for their share of cash prizes. The jury consists of 8 esteemed pianists, educators, composers, and conductors.
There are three winner’s recitals: September 19, 2021 at Sydney Opera House’s Utzon Room, September 20, 2021 at The High Court of Australia in Canberra, and September 24, 2021 at St Stephen’s Cathedral in Brisbane. For the performance schedule and to buy tickets, visit https://www.aicpc.org.au/
Lev Vlassenko Piano Competition
“We would like to wish the young pianists the power to fully realise their creative potential. We hope that the audience will enjoy taking part in this event and will support the young musicians by sharing their aspirations” – Natasha Vlassenko, Oleg Stepanov – Artistic Directors.
The Les Vlassenko Piano Competition is open to permanent residents and citizens of Australia, as well as those from another nation who have studied in Australia for at least one year within the last three years, between the ages of 16-30. Due to current travel restrictions, overseas applicants are not eligible to apply. As the Grand Final is fast approaching, applications for 2021 have now closed.
How it works:
After auditions close, 12 contestants are selected to present a 90 minute recital in either Brisbane, Sydney, or Melbourne.
Of those 12 contestants, 3 will go on to perform at the competition final where they will be accompanied by the Queensland Symphony Orchestra.
The Grand Final will be held on July 16, 2021 at the Conservatorium Theatre, Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University. For tickets, visit https://www.lev-vlassenko.com/
The Grand Final will also be live streamed via the website. Past recitals are currently available for immediate live stream.
International Cochran Piano Competition
The International Cochran Piano Competition is the first entirely online competition, and was inspired by the music of Australian composer and virtuosic pianist, Julian Cochran.
With dedicated mentorship programs, a unique judging system, and no upper age limit, the International Cochran Piano Competition is an amazing opportunity for pianists. There is also no upper age limit.
How it works:
The repertoire has to consist of Julian Cochrans music. The performances are evaluated by a jury that do not communicate with each other. They also provide written feedback, providing each contestant further opportunity to develop. Each participant is also offered a Skype conversation with the jury member of their choice. Take a look here https://www.cochranpianocompetition.com/icpc-2021
Brisbane International Youth Music Festival
Brisbane International Youth Music Festival is an international competition for young classical musicians. BIYMF is a non-for profit organization, operating exclusively for educational purposes. Part of their mission is to ‘not simply to select the best musicians, but to acknowledge and reward those talented and aspiring young performers who demonstrate a passion for music.’
This competition is open to both piano and other instrumentalists of any nationality aged 25 and under. If you’ve been considering entering a piano competition, applications are being accepted up until August 15, 2021.
How it works:
There are five age categories, with the youngest being ‘under 9’s’. Applicants are required to record and submit a video submission of one piece of their choice, either Baroque, Classical, Romanic, or Modern work. Non classical works will not be considered. The application fee is currently $99.
The festival will be held online between August 25 – September 15, 2021, and will be judged by a minimum of three distinguished international musicians.
To read more and apply, visit https://brisbaneyouthmusicfestival.org/
