Lev Vlassenko Piano Competition brings extraordinary young piano talent from throughout Australia & New Zealand to Brisbane.

World-renowned international concert pianist and teacher, Lev Vlassenko, began his concert life early. Born in Tbilisi, Georgia, in 1928, he attended the Special Music School for gifted children, studying under Professor Virsaladze. In 1948, he entered the Moscow State Conservatory and was a student of Professor Flier for eight years, including a period of postgraduate studies. In addition to his activities as a concert pianist, professor and adjudicator, he was frequently in demand for radio and television talks on music and to produce recordings. In 2000 one of Moscow’s music schools was named after Lev Vlassenko. 

The Lev Vlassenko Piano Competition & Festival has been a beacon for extraordinary young music talent from Australia and New Zealand, and a celebration of wonderful piano music since 1999. Young Lev Vlassenko Piano Competition and Festival for younger pianists from age 12, held concurrently with the senior Competition. 

In 2026 the ‘Young Lev’ and the Lev Vlassenko Piano Competition & Festival have featured almost 100 pianists auditioning from all States of Australia and New Zealand. The First Rounds will be staged during June in premium venues in Sydney, Auckland NZ, Brisbane and Melbourne.

The festival begins in Brisbane on 25 June with the Opening Concert and Semifinals Weekend followed by a week of events featuring 2026 Semifinalists and Little Lev members including masterclasses and recital performances by International Jurors Gil Garburg, Mira Yevtich, Sergio Tiempo and Anna Goldsworthy. 

GRAND FINALS of the Lev Vlassenko Piano Competition & Festival and Young Lev Vlassenko Piano Competition will be held on 3 July at 6pm. Six Finalists from the Senior and Young Competitions will perform with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra before a 6 member International Jury chaired by Sergio Tiempo.

Information on all 12 Competition Jurors and the full program of activities can be found on the Lev Vlassenko Piano Competition & Festival website.