The National Piano Award finalist Joy Chen is one of 12 currently competing for more than $75,000 in prize money.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Four to six hours of piano practice a day might sound intense, but Joy Chen is making sure she finds time to look up and take in regional Victoria’s starry skies.
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From Sydney, Ms Chen is one of 12 of Australia’s best emerging pianists taking to the stage at Riverlinks Eastbank this week, as the Australian National Piano Award gets under way.
Held every two years, the prestigious competition is bringing musicians from across the country to the region, with the public able to hear them compete for more than $75,000 in prize money from October 5 to 10.
“It’s one of the biggest piano competitions in Australia,” Ms Chen said.
She said competitors had been busy with their performances so far, completing 45-minute solo recitals throughout the week.
“It’s a great opportunity because it’s not that common that we get a chance to play solo recitals,” Ms Chen said.
“It’s a pleasure to perform in a place that I’ve never been to.”
From Monday to Thursday, each finalist performs two recitals, with five pianists progressing to the semi-final on Friday, October 9.
Three finalists will then advance to the grand final on October 10.
The competitors’ programs span centuries of piano repertoire, from Bach and Beethoven through to contemporary works.
“It’s amazing to see how different competitors put together their program,” Ms Chen said.
The National Piano Award finalist Joy Chen travelled from Sydney to perform in Shepparton.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
While the finalists have been putting in hours of practice ahead of their performances, Ms Chen is also trying to enjoy the region.
“It’s a great town,” she said.
“My favourite thing is you get to see the stars out here.”
Ms Chen said there were nerves among competitors as they prepared to take the stage, but the opportunity to perform and compete was one they were thankful for.
“I’m just grateful for the opportunity,” she said.
Ms Chen said the prize could help open doors in an often challenging industry.
The finalists will be assessed by three internationally respected adjudicators, including previous winner Amir Farid, who has gone on to have a celebrated career in New York.
Audiences can also have their say, with the Rotary Club of Shepparton People’s Choice Prize giving the public the chance to vote for their favourite pianist.
Tickets are available from Riverlinks via tinyurl.com/2an7n45por by calling 03 5832 9511.
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