Entry Information

Repertoire Requirements

Works must be prepared and performed from memory for all rounds.

Heats: A video recording of one work with a total performance time of up to 15 minutes. This must be a recorded performance made in 2025, filmed in a single take and without edit. The video recording and supporting documentation must be uploaded to the Sydney Eisteddfod Entrant Portal by 4:00 PM Monday, 14 April 2025.

Semi-Final: Sunday, 1 June 2025 | Chippen Street Theatre

Eight entrants will be selected to give a live performance of two contrasting works which must vary in style and period. The performance must not exceed a total duration of 15 minutes (includes the time taken between pieces/movements). Selection of works may include item prepared in the Heats.

Final: Saturday, 28 June 2025 | Sydney Conservatorium of Music - Recital Hall West

Four entrants will be selected to present a recital program of works varied in style and period and may include works from the Semi-Finals or Heats. The performance must not exceed a total duration of 20 minutes (includes the time taken between pieces/movements).

Important Notes

All entrants are to submit a video recording for the heats via the Sydney Eisteddfod Entrant Portal. Please ensure you have all required supporting documentation ready for upload at the time of submitting your application. The video submission must be uploaded to the Sydney Eisteddfod Entrant Portal by 4:00 PM Monday 14 April 2025.

Entrant’s video submission must be a YouTube or Vimeo link. Please clearly indicate the work’s title and composer, along with the name of the entrant’s first and last in the title and/or description box (eg. Emily Jones_ Sonata No.3 in F Sharp Minor_Scriabin)

Supporting documentation requirements:

* A 150-word biography

* A short statement outlining your current and proposed studies, and how the Sydney Eisteddfod Kawai Piano Scholarship might help you.

* A publicity picture in colour as a JPEG file - in high resolution (minimum 2M.B.)

* Proposed repertoire for the Semi-Final and Final

Please use the following format when listing your proposed works for later rounds (including complete titles for all movements, if applicable)

Example: Piano Sonata No. 1 in F# minor, Opus 11 by Robert Schumann (28:00 mins)

I. Introduzione. Un poco adagio - Allegro Vivace

II. Aria

III. Scherzo e Intermezzo. Allegrissimo - Lento

IV. Finale. Allegro un poco maestoso

Changes to repertoire cannot be made any later than the fortnight leading up to the Semi-Final. Entrants will be notified if their repertoire is considered unsuitable for the later rounds.

Email: [email protected] if you have any questions relating to this submission method

Conditions

1. Previous winners not eligible.

2. Event is open to any pianist who is a citizen or permanent resident of Australia or New Zealand. ~ Residency and proof of age documents will be cited upon progression to the Semi-Final. This can include a Birth Certificate, an Australian or New Zealand passport, or a permanent resident stamp. A driver’s licence is not acceptable.

3. Adjudicator reports will be written for the preliminary heats only. No marks will be given on these reports.

4. Four finalists and two Reserve Finalists will be selected from the Semi-Finals.

5. The awarding of the scholarship is at the discretion of the adjudicators and will take into consideration presentation, current level of achievement and potential. The scholarship us given on the understanding that the Winner will undertake study in piano performance, including tertiary studies, masterclasses, private lessons, solo and chamber music recitals - both domestically and/or internationally.

6. The scholarship must be utilised within two years of winning and completed within two years thereafter. The payment of instalments is upon application to Sydney Eisteddfod with satisfactory reports of progress from the winner's teacher or teaching institution.

7. The Winner and Finalists must be reasonably available for media interviews and performance engagements. Sydney Eisteddfod will endeavour to continue to provide performance opportunities to alumni as a way of staying connected and nurturing the creative practices of all.

8. Please refer to the Piano Rules & Conditions of Entry.

Prizes

Winner: $5,000 ($1,000 cash plus $4,000 Scholarship). Sponsored by Kawai Australia.

Finalists (excluding place-getter): $300 each. Sponsored by the Estate of the Late John Allison AM