Finally, they are here - Monday it begins - Order of Play

The musicians were welcomed by the Mayor Cr Dinny Adem, the Judges and the Board shared their views and the order of play was announced.

ANPA Arrival 7588lr ANPA Arrival 7567lr

NEWS ANNOUNCEMENT

This world-class competition STARTS Today - Monday 5 September

The Australian National Piano Award is a world-class competition, like no other - where the hottest classical pianists in Australia make beautiful classical music over a week, striving to win $65,000 in cash and prizes.

They have arrived in Shepparton, have been told the times they will be performing in the first two rounds and welcomed by the Mayor Cr Dinny Adem.   This fast-paced and inspirational series begins with round one and two, then the semi’s to the Grand Finals.  These artists aged between 21 and 30 have their hearts set on winning the massive prize money, applause and attention throughout the week.

Set in country Victoria, from Monday 5 to Saturday 10 September at the Eastbank Centre, Shepparton - the musicians battle it out day and night, covering masterworks by Chopin, Beethoven, Bach, Schubert , Debussy and many others.     Their repertoire is filled with variety as they approach the Baroque, Classical, 19th Century Romantic, French Impressionists and music written after 1950 with the highest standard.

The 2016 Australian National Award showcases the pianists' passion, repertoire and charisma. Three international judges listen intently to every performance and take score.  The audience also gets involved by voting for their favourite pianist leading up to the Grand Finals, and it is recorded by ABC Classic FM and aired nationally.

From start to finish the musicians are given a warm country welcome, synonymous with the people of Shepparton who are very proud to host this hot contest and major event every two years. ORDER OF PLAY ANNOUNCEMENT & WELCOME (Sunday 4 September):

The pianists and the three judges arrive at the Eastbank Centre, Shepparton for group photos, meet each other and their host families and are welcomed by the Mayor Cr Dinny Adem. The judges for the week are:  Clemens Leske, Diana Weekes and Rolfe Plagge.

 (** 11 pianists in this Award – pianist, Mekhla Kumar from Adelaide had withdrew last minute)

Monday 5 September: Round One Recitals1pm – 3.30pm  Berta Brozgul (VIC); Aaron Liu (QLD);

  1. Tony Lee (NSW); Nicholas Young (NSW); Ben Austin (TAS).

Tuesday 6 September

1pm – 3.30pm              Kathy Chow (VIC); Joshua Hooke (VIC); Peter de Jager (VIC)

  1. Michael Li (VIC); Oliver She (QLD): Timothy Chiang (VIC);

Wednesday 7 September: Round Two Recitals 1pm – 3.30pm              Ben Austin (TAS); Nicholas Young (NSW); Tony Lee (NSW)

  1. Aaron Liu (QLD); Berta Brozgul (VIC)

Thursday 8 September

1pm – 3.30pm              Timothy Chiang (VIC); Oliver She (QLD); Michael Li (VIC)

  1. Peter de Jager (VIC); Joshua Hooke (VIC); Kathy Chow (VIC)

The pianists perform 2 rounds each (one day and one night performance) – Recitals are approx. 45 minutes each

Friday 9 SEMI-FINALS        12noon – 5pm – 5 pianists compete.  Judges announce the top 3 to perform in Grand Finals

10 September GRAND FINALS 8pm – 11pm – Winner Announced, Presentation of Prizes, Photos/Interviews,  Supper for everyone follows

This prestigious Award event is national and is staged in Shepparton Victoria since it’s inception over 26 years ago – it only happens every two years.   It takes that time to raise funds, all the volunteers, secure the international judges, plus attract the perfect calibre of pianists and everything else inbetween to make this major classical music event happen. 

 

 

For interviews and photos with the pianists, the judges, or with the people behind the scenes please contact:  Nicola Archer, Nicola Archer Communications on 0419 002 769 nicola@nicolaarcher.com