Call for Australia’s best pianists to enter National Piano Award
29 March 2006
If you’re an accomplished pianist aged between 21 and 35, applications are now open for the prestigious, 8th biennial Australian National Piano Award offering prizes totalling $33,000, to be held in the Victorian city of Shepparton, Victoria from 3 to 9 September 2006.
Pianists selected will compete in this week-long event with their peers in one of the biggest and most exciting events on the musical calendar. The Award is recognised internationally for its standard of excellence, challenge to participants and educational benefits.
Sponsored by Dame Elisabeth Murdoch and other valued benefactors, the Australian National Piano Award offers prize money to assist with the development of the winners’ musical careers. First prize to the overall winner is $15,000, with major prizes awarded to second ($8,000) and third place ($4,000). All other applicants selected to play who do not win a prize receive $500.
There are also four special prizes of $1,000 each for the most outstanding performances of the music of: Bach; Haydn, Mozart or Beethoven; Chopin; and for the best performance of music written after 1950.
President of the Australian National Piano Award, Neil Werner, OAM, says “A highlight of the Australia’s arts calendar, the Australian National Piano Award will once again showcase the finest of our pianists. The careers of many of our past winners have been launched internationally through the Awards, with some moving on to successful solo careers and others now playing with symphony orchestras both in Australia and overseas.”
Entry is limited to pianists who are Australian citizens, permanent residents of Australia or persons who have been resident in Australia for at least four of the five years prior to the closing date of application, Friday 12 May, 2006. Forms for the Australian National Piano Award can be obtained by visiting the website.
A not-for-profit organisation, the Award is governed by an Honorary Board of Directors and its Artistic Director is Professor Max Cooke AO, who co-designed the Award.
The 3 internationally experienced adjudicators for this year’s Australian National Piano Award are Caroline Almonte of Victoria, South Australia’s David Lockett and from the UK, Mark Ray.
8th Australian National Piano Award 3 - 9 September 2006
Applications Close: Friday 12 May 2006
Entry Forms & Rules: See the website
Venue: Eastbank Centre, Welsford Street, Shepparton
Further Information: 03 5821 9209
Website: http://www.pianoaward.com.au
