The Australian National Piano Award will return to Shepparton in regional Victoria in October 2026, shining a spotlight on the nation’s most gifted emerging classical pianists.

Hosted at Riverlinks Eastbank Shepparton, this acclaimed biennial event will take place from 5–10 October 2026, featuring a selection of Award finalists chosen through a rigorous national audition process.

Online applications open in October 2025, with entries closing on 20 March 2026.

Pianists aged 21 to 35 who are Australian citizens, permanent residents or who have lived in Australia for at least four of the five years prior to the Award are encouraged to apply.

Managed by a dedicated team of volunteers for nearly 35 years, the Award is a powerful platform for young pianists to showcase artistic depth, technical brilliance and interpretative mastery across an extensive and demanding solo repertoire.

With over $75,000 in prize money on offer, Award finalists perform across a week-long recital series, judged by a panel of esteemed international adjudicators.

More than a competition, the Award is a pivotal launching pad for Australia’s finest young pianists, with several going on to enjoy rewarding international careers and critical acclaim

Key dates

October 2025 – Online applications open
20 March 2026 – Online applications close
5–10 October 2026 – Award week at Riverlinks Eastbank Shepparton