Sydney International Piano Competition of Australia

Join us for the Australian classical music event of the year – the 2012 Sydney International Piano Competition of Australia (SIPCA). Internationally recognized as one of the world’s great Piano Competitions, SIPCA provides 14 thrilling days of virtuoso performances by 36 up-and-coming pianists from around the world.

Just six finalists will make it to the Concert Hall of the Sydney Opera House for Stage V – the Finals. Over four days see and hear them each perform a Mozart piano concerto and a 19th or 20th piano concerto with the Sydney Symphony, culminating in the awarding of prizes and a solo recital by each finalist.

In addition, you will also visit the transformed Museum of Contemporary Art, enjoy lunch on Sydney Harbour and attend a rehearsal by finalists. Bizet’s The Pearlfishers by Opera Australia rounds out a week of music you will not want to miss!



Spencer Meyer, 2004 competitor


ITINERARY ...
Tue 17 July 2012 / Arrive Sydney Arrive Sydney and check-in to your hotel. Tour arrangements begin this evening at 5.30 pm with a welcome briefing and pre-concert dinner.
Following dinner, continue to the Sydney Opera House for this evening’s concert with the Sydney Symphony, conducted by Nicholas Carter (8 pm). The concert will feature finalists 1, 2 and 3 performing a Piano Concerto of their choice by Mozart. (D)

Wed 18 July / Sydney This morning (10.00 am – 12.30 pm) you have an exclusive opportunity to attend a full orchestral rehearsal of finalists 1, 2 and 3, in preparation for this evening’s concert.

Remainder of the day at leisure before this evening’s concert with the Sydney Symphony, conducted by Nicholas Carter (8 pm). The concert will feature finalists 4, 5 and 6 performing a Piano Concerto of their choice by Mozart. (B)

Thu 19 July / Sydney This morning begins with a visit to the Museum of Contemporary Art at Circular Quay, which will re-open in March 2012 after an AUD53 million redevelopment which promises to transform MCA into one of the world’s great art museums.

Following the tour, embark on a two-hour luncheon harbour cruise which will introduce you to the magnificence of Sydney Harbour, from Darling Harbour to the Heads. Pass by the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House, view exclusive waterfront houses, national parks, harbourside beaches and prominent landmarks, plus Sydney’s stunning skyline. Bring your cameras!

This evening, return to the Sydney Opera House for Opera Australia’s production of Bizet’s ‘The Pearlfishers’ (optional, not included in tour price, A-reserve tickets AUD215) (BL)

Fri 20 July / Sydney Join the Sydney Symphony for its regular Friday morning ‘Tea & Symphony’ concert - ‘Copland in the Morning’. The concert will be conducted by Nicholas Carter with Lawrence Dobell (clarinet).

PROGRAMME
COPLAND - Clarinet Concerto
R STRAUSS- Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme: Suite

Afternoon at leisure before this evening’s concert with the Sydney Symphony, conducted by Dr Nicholas Milton (8 pm). The concert will feature finalists 1, 2 and 3 performing a 19th or 20th century Piano Concerto of their choice. (B)

Sat 21 July / Sydney Morning at leisure. Afternoon concert (2.30 pm) with the Sydney Symphony conducted by Dr Nicholas Milton. The concert will feature finalists 4, 5 and 6 performing a 19th or 20th century Piano Concerto of their choice.

While the judges are making their final decisions, enjoy a farewell dinner.

Return to the Concert Hall at 8 pm for the presentations of prizes and solo recitals by the six finalists. (BD)

Sun 22 July / Depart Sydney Tour arrangements conclude after breakfast. (B)