The Lev Vlassenko Piano Competition is considered to be Australia’s most prestigious award for solo pianists. Established in memory of the world renowned international concert pianist and teacher, the competition takes part in Brisbane every 2 years, and is designed to prepare its participants for the international concert platform. It does this by mirroring the requirements of the major international piano competitions, such as a demanding repertoire, international and national jury members, all rounds open to the public, and the final round’s concertos performed with a major symphony orchestra (The Queensland Orchestra).

Amir Farid was among the 18 pianists from around Australia and New Zealand who took part in the 2007 Competition, held between 12th-25th August. After reaching the semi-final stage, Amir was awarded the Encouragement Prize.

More details at the Lev Vlassenko Piano Competition website.

The annual Geoffrey Parsons Award, organised by the Accompanists’ Guild of South Australia (AGSA), is one of the only competitions in the country that focuses entirely on the art of piano accompaniment. The competition is held in memory of the Australian-born Geoffrey Parsons, one of the world’s greatest ever Lieder accompanists.

After two days of heats, 3 finalists were chosen to perform in the final on the 12th July, 2007 at the Elder Conservatorium of Music, Adelaide. Amir Farid, performing with flautist Christine Morris, was awarded first prize, playing the 1st movement of Hummel’s sonata for flute and piano, Anne Boyd’s Red Sun, Chill Wind and Muczynski’s fantastic sonata for flute and piano. Each finalist was also required to perform, with minimal rehearsal, the opening movement of Schumann’s Märchenbilder with Adelaide Symphony Orchestra violist Cecily Satchell.

For more information about the Geoffrey Parsons Award, and the Accompanists’ Guild of South Australia, click here to visit the AGSA website.

I am excited and honoured to be given the opportunity to perform as a concerto soloist with Australia Pro Arte, one of the country’s leading chamber orchestras. This evening concert will be held in the stunning glass-encased BMW Edge auditorium on the banks of the Yarra River at Federation Square.

This concert is also presented on Sunday 23rd September 2007 at 2.30pm.

Program:

• Haydn - Symphony No.57
• Mozart - Piano Concerto No.12 in A major, K414
• Bartok - Divertimento

Venue: BMW Edge, Federation Square, entrance off Flinders street (near corner Russell Street - click here to view map), Melbourne.

Bookings and Enquiries: Please call the APA office on 03 9650 3365 or Ticketmaster on 136100. For more information, click here to visit the Australia Pro Arte website.