Shepparton hosts the prestigious Australian National Piano Award this October.
Photo by
Laura M Crimmins
www.lmcphotography.com.au
Although I don’t listen to classical music that often, some classics stand out and hold a special place in my heart: Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D Minor and Beethoven’s Bagatelle No. 25 (Für Elise), to name a couple.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
Lately, I fell in love again with Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake and I am still awestruck by the exceptional brilliance of its author’s mind.
As I was listening to it, trying to take it all in, I was astounded when I realised that Swan Lake runs for three hours and requires a full symphony orchestra of 80 to 100 musicians.
Tchaikovsky not only composed this three-hour masterpiece with individual partitions meticulously crafted for each of the 100 instruments, but he also masterfully wove them together into a cohesive, harmonious whole.
Attempting to describe the exceptional talent of Tchaikovsky is a task beyond words, in my humble opinion.
So, when I learned about the Australian National Piano Award being held in Shepparton from October 7 to 12, I couldn’t help but draw a connection.
I was surprised to discover that such a prestigious competition, offering $68,000 in prizes and featuring unique 45-minute recitals, takes place here, in Shepp, every two years.
Launched in 1992 and held at Riverlinks Eastbank, the event showcases Australia’s best emerging classical pianists. Over the years, it has grown into a major event, attracting talent from across the country.
Australian National Piano Award finalist Joshua Han.
Photo by
Laura M Crimmins
www.lmcphotography.com.au
I was fortunate to attend a recital by 22-year-old pianist Joshua Han, currently studying under Dr Paul Rickard-Ford at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Joshua’s career is already outstanding.
He started piano studies at the age of four and he earned his Licentiate of Music at just 10. In 2024, he won first prizes at the Aarhus and Ettlingen international piano competitions. Beyond classical music, he and his brother reached the grand final of Australia’s Got Talent in 2013 with a rendition of music from Pirates of the Caribbean.
Before the recital even began, the room was enveloped in respectful silence as I made my way to my seat. The softly illuminated $240,000 Steinway piano stood majestically at the centre, commanding attention while a quiet sense of anticipation hung in the air. Then, Joshua Han took to the stage.
On October 9, from 1pm to 1.45pm, he delivered an impressive recital, guiding us through a diversity of styles. He began with J.S. Bach’s French Suite No. 4 in E-flat major, effortlessly bringing out its elegance and flow with ease.
Prokofiev’s Sonata No. 7 in B-flat major followed, a piece full of intense bursts of lyrical beauty, which Joshua handled brilliantly.
Vine’s Five Bagatelles: Threnody (for all the innocent victims) followed, a haunting piece that left me feeling reflective and deeply moved. A new favourite of mine!
Joshua concluded his delicate and brilliant repertoire with Bolcom’s The Serpent’s Kiss from The Garden of Eden suite, which had a playful and theatrical nature.
Did you know that Bolcom added performance instructions to The Serpent’s Kiss? Pianists often use finger snaps, foot stomps, or even knock on the piano to enhance the immersive experience, depicting the serpent’s deceptive temptation.
I had always viewed classical music as somewhat rigid, but Joshua’s performance completely shifted my perspective. His lively playing, combined with rhythmic taps on the piano, was both unexpected and captivating — it truly expanded my horizons!
The Australian National Piano Award offers a rare opportunity to witness some of the finest emerging talent in classical music, right here in Shepparton.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or simply curious, this event promises to leave a lasting impression. With the grand final and prize presentation on October 12, will you be there to experience it for yourself?
