Lev Vlassenko Piano Competition Finals 2024

Chairman of the Lev Vlassenko Piano Competition, the Honourable Andrew Greenwood and the Board of Directors; CEO, Mr Matthew Farrell; corporate partners; donors and supporters; jurors; Little Lev performers; competition finalists; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls.

I begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands on which we gather, and their connection to land and community. I pay my deepest respects to Elders past, present and emerging – especially during NAIDOC Week – a week that celebrates our rich Indigenous heritage and honours the resilience, pride, and vibrant culture of our First Nations communities.

As Governor, and Patron of The Lev Vlassenko Piano Competition, I am honoured to join you for tonight’s Finals, which I’ve been so looking forward to, particularly having hosted many of you for afternoon tea earlier this week at Government House, where we were treated to a sneak peek of the remarkable talent that will be on display here this evening.

I imagine that everyone in the audience is both excited and perhaps also a little nervous for the finalists in both competition categories – the Lev Vlassenko Piano Competition and the Young Lev Piano Competition. I know I am!

But I also know that the talented pianists we will hear from have earned their place on the stage and that regardless of individual outcomes, each should be rightly proud of what they have already achieved, and the excellent standard they have attained.

In this 25^th anniversary year of the competition, it is a very special moment for all those involved in ensuring the enduring legacy of Lev Vlassenko, a great pianist and in whose honour this competition takes its name.

Like the performers who have worked so very hard to be in reach of this goal, so too, many others have made this possible for them. To those people and organisations, the masterclass and workshop presenters, sponsors, and the many supporters – we owe a debt of gratitude.

Thank you for continuing to bring to light our youngest and brightest piano talents and for helping them along the way to wonderful careers in the music industry.

To the performers, tonight marks another huge step forward in your musical journey – a journey that has required extraordinary dedication, commitment and focus. These qualities will take you far in life and tonight is deserved public recognition of your talent and hard work.

We applaud you.

Thank you, all, and enjoy this evening’s performances – we are in for a real treat!