The Lev Vlassenko Piano Competition is a prominent nonprofit organisation based in Australia dedicated to fostering piano excellence among young musicians from Australia and New Zealand. Established in 1999 by Russian-Australian pianist Natasha Vlassenko and Oleg Stepanov, the competition has grown to become the largest national piano event in Australia, encompassing a series of competitions and educational programs for pianists aged 6 to 30[1][2][3].

History and Founding

The competition was founded by Oleg Stepanov and Natasha Vlassenko, both acclaimed pianists who have collaborated internationally and in Australia. Their vision was to create a platform that would nurture professionalism and artistic mastery among young pianists. Since its inception, the Lev Vlassenko Piano Competition has expanded its scope significantly, including the introduction of the Young Lev Vlassenko Piano Competition for younger pianists and the Australian National Piano Competition for Children, known as Little Lev, which targets children aged 6 to 13[1][2][4].

Competition Structure and Age Categories

The Lev Vlassenko Piano Competition caters to pianists across a broad age spectrum:

• Little Lev (Australian National Piano Competition for Children): For pianists aged 6 to 13, this event is a four-day educational and competitive festival held in Brisbane. It includes multiple rounds of competition, masterclasses, recitals, and educational talks by national and international jurors. All participants receive a prize or gift, with cash prizes awarded to top performers in various age groups[1][4].

• Young Lev Piano Competition: Targets pianists up to age 16 and runs concurrently with the main competition.

• Lev Vlassenko Piano Competition: For pianists aged 16 to 30, featuring preliminary rounds and culminating in a finals concert where finalists perform with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra under renowned Australian conductor Benjamin Northey. The competition offers total prizes exceeding $60,000, making it the largest piano event in Australia by prize money[3][5].

Educational and Cultural Impact

The competition is renowned not only for its competitive aspect but also for its comprehensive educational programs. These include masterclasses, open mic performances, music and movement activities, and opportunities for contestants to receive direct feedback from distinguished jurors. This holistic approach aims to elevate the artistic standards of young pianists while fostering community and professional development within the Australasian classical music scene[1][3].

Recognition and Awards

In 2022, founders Oleg Stepanov and Natasha Vlassenko were honored with the Medal of the Order of Australia in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list for their significant contributions to the performing arts through the competition and their ongoing educational efforts[2].

Legacy

Celebrating over 25 years, the Lev Vlassenko Piano Competition continues to attract the finest emerging pianists from Australia and New Zealand. Many previous winners have gone on to achieve international acclaim, winning major prizes at prestigious piano competitions worldwide. The competition is supported by a distinguished international jury and is a key event in Australia's classical music calendar, promoting artistic excellence and cultural exchange[2][3].

This organisation operates under the Australian Business Number (ABN) 59083982094RR0001 and maintains an active presence with ongoing events, competitions, and educational initiatives aimed at nurturing young pianistic talent.

[1] https://www.lev-vlassenko.com [2] https://www.lev-vlassenko.com/2025-anpcc/ [3] https://www.queenslandconservatorium.com.au/lev-vlassenko-piano-competition-and-young-lev-vlassenko-piano-competition/ [4] https://kawai.com.au/2025/03/19/the-little-lev-2025-australian-national-piano-competition-for-children/ [5] https://www.2mbsfinemusicsydney.com/levvlassenkopianocompetition/