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Australian International Chopin Piano Competition

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Welcome to the Australian International Chopin Piano Competition, Australia’s youngest international piano competition!
Established in 2011, it 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. Like Australia, our competition covers a large and varied landscape; very much a traditional Chopin piano competition in repertoire and standards, we also seek to return to the 19th century ideals of interpretation and music making. Composition is also at the heart of our competition, bringing young pianists and composers together through our composition competition. Located in Canberra, the nation’s capital, we seek to bring the best of the world to Australia and the best of Australia to the world in celebration of this much cherished composer.

COMPETITION OVERVIEW
  • The 3rd edition of the competition will be held from 10 - 17 September 2017 at the Australian National University School of Music in Canberra, Australia.
  • Participation in the Competition is conditional on a candidate submitting the required information, documents and recordings requested in the competition application form available to the left. Applications are open to competitors who turn 18 no later than 31 December 2017 and who turn 31 no earlier than 1 January 2018.
  • Videos of audition repertoire must show the applicant’s hands and performance and the right side of his/her whole body filmed with one camera without cuts during the performance of a piece.
  • A selection committee will be formed that will not comprise members of the jury. The selection committee reserves the right to request additional information from applicants.
  • All applicants will be advised of the outcome of their application by email no later than 30 June 2017. 
MAJOR PRIZES
  • 1st Prize of AUD $25,000 (The Pratt Foundation)
  • 2nd Prize of AUD $10,000 (The Friends of Chopin Australia)
  • 3rd Prize of AUD $5,000 (Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Australia)
  • People’s Choice Prize of AUD $2,000
PERFORMANCE PRIZES
  • Best performance of Polonaise AUD $500 (Council of Polish Organisations in the ACT)
  • Best performance of Mazurka AUD $500 (Council of Polish Organisations in the ACT)
  • Best performance of Etude AUD $250 (Council of Polish Organisations in the ACT)
  • Best performance of Nocturne AUD $250 (Council of Polish Organisations in the ACT)
  • Horky Prize best performance of Scherzo AUD $500 (Wanda and Wojciech Horky)
  • Best performance of Sonata AUD $1,000
  • Best performance of Ballade AUD $500
Recital Opportunities
  • 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize will perform in recital in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
  • 1st prize will receive study and recital opportunities in Poland.
  • 1st prize will also receive a return engagement to Canberra to perform at the Canberra International Music Festival.
  • One of the Finalists will also have a work commissioned for them by the winner of the associated Composition Competition, which is donated by the Friends of Chopin Australia.
TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS AND ACCOMMODATION OF COMPETITORS
All contestants not currently studying in Australia and who are travelling to the competition from another country will be entitled to up to AUD 2000 toward their travel costs. Costs will be reimbursed after the competitor has arrived in Australia, and on the production of receipts for travel expenses.  For the duration of the Competition, all contestants will be provided with housing and meals in a private residence within the community, and transportation from the residence to the competition venue for practice, performance or any other activities associated with the competition.