The Australian National Piano Award has been tickling the ivories for three decades

By Caitlyn Grant

Sep 6, 2022

Showcase: Julie Tracy and Judy Longley are looking forward to finally hosting the Australian National Piano Award. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Every two years, piano experts and lovers converge in the Goulburn Valley to compete, but also to listen and learn — and this October will mark 30 years of the Australian National Piano Award.

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Following two COVID-19 related postponements, pianists from across the nation will descend on Shepparton for the biennial award next month from October 10 to 15.

As the three-decade anniversary approaches, Australian National Piano Award co-founders from Shepparton Judy Longley and Julie Tracy look back with nostalgia, but also forward in excitement.

“I remember thinking, ‘this is a great idea because young Australian pianists don't really have the opportunity for practice and to do well in an international competition’ — that was back in 1992,” Mrs Longley said.

Since then, competitors have come to Shepparton to stay with a host family for the six days of proceedings, battling it out for more than $65,000 in total prize money — $22,000 as first prize.

As part of the stay, hosts must supply a baby grand piano for the contenders to be able to practise on.

“We wouldn't be able to run it without the families to host the contenders for that week,“ Mrs Tracy said.

“The other thing that I found rewarding over the years, and we didn't ever consider this when we established, it's the friendships that have developed and remained between some of the host families and their contestants.

“We've got some of the families have been doing it since 1992; I bet some of them didn’t realise back then they’d be doing it for 30 years.”

Eleven contestants will finally have the chance to perform this year to a crowd and three adjudicators, having initially been accepted for the 2020 recitals.

Mrs Longley and Mrs Tracy said the board was “more than ready” for the award’s return.

Proceedings at Riverlink Eastbank, Shepparton, will begin with three days of solo recitals from Monday, October 10 to Wednesday, October 12, followed by a semi-final performance on October 14 and the grand final and prize presentation on October 15.

Tickets are available through Riverlinks box office on 03 5832 9511 or online at https://riverlinksvenues.com.au/whats-on/event-details/!/calendar/event/anpa2022-grand-final — students can attend the recitals and semi-final for free.