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.