Planning for the first Competition by the Cladan Cultural Exchange Institute and the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, which was in 1977, began at the end of 1974. The first Competition was held at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and Sydney Opera House Concert Hall. Parts of the Competition were broadcast on ABC FM STEREO and 2MBS-FM. Despite the pessimism of some people, the Competition was an enormous success - a success culminating in immediate registration by the Federation of International Music Competitions in Geneva.
The Friends organisation had its beginnings in 1978 (and celebrated its 30th year in 2008) immediately before the first Competition and has been a real part of each Competition since then—not only in sponsorship but in support for jury members, observers and competitors. The Friends have become the model for other competitions to follow. Further Competitions have been held in 1981, 1985, 1988, 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004 and 2008. The next competition will be in 2012 — July 5 to July 21.
The Sydney Symphony Orchestra has been involved in the Finals since 1981 and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation has become a very special part of the presentation of the competition throughout Australia with the live broadcasts on ABC Classic FM, of all stages of the competition since 1988 and television coverage. From the 2000 Competition onwards, ABC Classic FM has streamed the performances live on the Internet. Since 1997 there has been a formal association with the University of Sydney and the ABC has a more formal co-operative arrangement with the Competition.
The Sydney Competition has many unique characteristics which have placed it as one of the world’s great competitions. The rigorous live audition process attracts large numbers of applicants and the range of repertoire required for the five stages of the Competition ensures that the world’s finest young pianists come to Australia to participate. In 2008, auditions were held in 12 cities; Naples, Vienna, Hamburg, Paris, Moscow, London, New York, Los Angeles, Tokyo, Beijing, Shanghai and Sydney. It is only the Sydney Competition that provides travel, hotel accommodation and living allowance for all competitors chosen to come to Sydney.
Many Australian composers have been commissioned to write works which form part of Stage III of the Competition.
The Friends organisation in Sydney, and the branch in Melbourne provides continuing interest in the Competition by way of recitals - often by prizewinners - talks and other events between each Competition.
For the 2004 Competition a team of 60 members of the Friends assisted with the running of the event.
Financial Members of the Friends receive the Competition Newsletter, discounts on all the Friends’ events and substantial benefits with ticketing at the Competition itself.
We are pleased to remind you that we have a special category:
• For students: an ideal gift for a piano student
Click here to download the Friends Membership form.