As the heat on centre stage has forced the temperature to rise in Shepparton this week during the Australian National Piano Award; so too has the excitement level of all three adjudicators Ian Munro, Betty Vergara Pink and Matthew Kam who have listened to every note played by our 11 finalists over two rounds.

One juror knows just how our finalists are feeling right now and that is Matthew Kam, the winner of 2004 Award which set him off on a brilliant career that has taken him around the world and currently living in the United Kingdom (as his base).

The adjudicators in the 2012 Australian National Piano Award heard each contestant twice before any decision was made and they took some time to reveal the five finalists who have been selected to play in the semi-finals.

The top five contestants competing in the semi-finals today (Friday September 14) from midday until 5pm tonight are:

In order of performance:

• Daniel De Borah (Victoria)
• Oliver She (Queensland)
• Michael Ierace (South Australia)
• Ben Austin (Queensland)
• Nicholas Young (New South Wales)

For extra information on the pianists, venue directions and more about this unique and prestigious national piano competition, please visit: www.australianpianoaward.com.au