Rising star Joshua Han wins the coveted Australian National Piano Award.
In the late 1980s, Shepparton locals Erna and Neil Wener were a part of the Shepparton Performing Arts Association, sowing the seeds for what would become the Australian National Piano Award in 1992.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
Since then, this prestigious event has grown into a significant platform for showcasing Australia’s most promising emerging pianists, offering $68,000 in cash and prizes.
Held every second year at Riverlinks Eastbank, the award draws talent from across the country, bringing the best of Australia’s young pianists to Shepparton.
The competition’s unique format allows each finalist to perform two 45-minute solo recitals, allowing them to showcase both technical brilliance and artistic flair.
Supported by the Fairley Foundation and Dame Elisabeth Murdoch, the award is open to Australian and Australian-based pianists aged 21 to 35.
For many, it serves as a stepping stone to international competitions, offering invaluable exposure and recognition within the classical music community.
“We are so proud that the Australian National Piano Award has been hosted in Shepparton since 1992,” award president Darryl Coote said.
“When the award was co-founded with some passionate local residents so many years ago, we did not imagine it would develop into what it is today.
“It is a wonderful and highly sought after pathway for young emerging Australian pianists.”
Joshua Han shines at the Australian National Piano Award.
On October 12, Joshua Han, 22, claimed victory at the 2024 event. Currently studying under Dr Paul Rickard-Ford at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Joshua has already established a remarkable career.
Joshua began piano studies at the age of four and earned his Licentiate of Music at just 10. Joshua and his brother reached the grand final of Australia’s Got Talent in 2013 with a rendition of music from Pirates of the Caribbean. Earlier this year, he continued to shine by winning first prizes at the Aarhus and Ettlingen international piano competitions.
At the Australian National Piano Award, Joshua secured $41,000 in prize money, including first prize and four special prizes: the $1000 Shepparton News Prize, the $1000 Leona and Bruce Sterling Prize, the $1000 Pam Wells Prize and the $5000 Lorna Speechley Memorial Prize.
Joshua described his experience as “a privilege”.
“(I feel) honoured, humbled, very grateful and very fulfilled having spent the week with lovely musicians who are all amazing in their own right,” he said.
“I'd like to thank all the volunteers and organisers, specifically Judy Longley, Darryl Coote, Wendy Lorenz.
“I’m probably forgetting some people, but a lot of people who made the award possible, including sponsors and partners, but also my host, Daphne Turnbull.
“She was amazing in making me comfortable throughout the week, as I’m sure other hosts did to the other award competitors.
“I think that’s something so special about this Australian National Piano Award because competitors have a lot of stress in a competition normally, but that’s somewhat alleviated in many good ways by the lovely hosts.”
Joshua, who is also a medical student, shared his thoughts on balancing two demanding careers when asked which he would choose if he had to pick.
“I am savouring the journey at the moment, taking every step by step, a position as something to value on its own,” Joshua said.
“And currently, I’m able to enjoy both.
“I really do enjoy the intellectual stimulation of medicine, but also the unmatched emotional fulfilment in music is something that I can never let go.”
As for the immediate future — “I’d just like to rest and recuperate for a little bit,” he said.
“But hopefully more performances off the back of this, both solo and chamber ensemble, potentially even concertos and in the future, possibly looking at other competitions.”
As the Australian National Piano Award continues to grow in prestige, maintaining the high standard of this unique event requires significant resources.
Mr Coote emphasised the importance of ongoing support for the future of the award
“I am extremely grateful to all our ongoing and previous partners who have generously supported the award,” he said.
“In particular, I want to acknowledge our board, associates and many other volunteers who invest over 5000 unpaid hours to deliver this event every two years.”
To ensure the event continues, the award board is seeking additional ongoing and significant funding.
“Each biennial presentation costs over $250,000 to deliver,” Mr Coote said.
"Our board is focused on providing young Australian-based pianists with this significant opportunity, one that they wouldn’t receive anywhere else in the world.
“Without additional financial support, it is unclear how long we will be able to continue presenting future awards.”
