In celebration of its 40th anniversary, the Sydney International Piano Competition of Australia has announced a national recital programme featuring a line-up of popular past competitors including First Prize winners Andrey Gugnin (2016) and Konstantin Shamray (2008), People’s Choice winners Ming Xie (2016) and Ayako Uehara (2000), and Tony Lee, who was awarded Best Australian Pianist in 2016.

Piers Lane. Photo courtesy of Sydney International Piano Competition of Australia

“The 40th Anniversary year is an important milestone for the Sydney International Piano Competition,” said Artistic Director Piers Lane AO. “The longevity of the Competition highlights our commitment to supporting the international careers of top young pianists, our success at identifying those pianists, and our concern to promote the highest ideals in Australian pianism.”

The national recital series begins in March with performances in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide by Chinese-American pianist Ming Xie, who won the People’s Choice Prize in 2016. Speaking to Limelight, Xie describes his experience at the 2016 Competition as “precious”.

“It was an important milestone, helping me become a better musician and giving me a huge step forward in my career. I have also made many old and new friends...