The Lev Vlassenko Piano Competition (LVPC) is one of Australia’s most respected and influential classical music events. Established in 1999 in Brisbane, the competition has grown to be dynamic and educational, attracting gifted young pianists, proficient teachers, distinguished jurors and engaged audiences from Australia and New Zealand.
Lev Nicholaevich Vlassenko (1928-1996) was a world-renowned concert pianist and educator, whose international career included top prizes in major competitions and many years teaching at Moscow Conservatory. Remembered internationally as a great pianist and pedagogue, he was also a communicator who inspired young people; a devoted family man and a lover of sport and literature. Those who encountered him rarely spoke only of his virtuosity at the keyboard: they described his character – his kindness, his curiosity and his deep belief in the potential of others.
He believed that talent must be nurtured with patience, encouragement and rigorous discipline. Students often described lessons that extended beyond technique, touching on philosophy, history and the nature of artistic responsibility. His pedagogical legacy continues through generations of pianists who absorbed not only his musical insights but his respect for integrity and hard work. His affection for young people was particularly evident in his belief in the promise of Australian and New Zealand musicians.
Beyond music, Lev’s vitality was sustained by his love of physical activity. He enjoyed jogging, exercising and swimming. At home he was a devoted family man whose warmth and loyalty shaped his private world as deeply as his public one. He was fluent in several languages and literature was a source of pleasure and reflection. He read widely, including the works of Shakespeare in the original English.
After the collapse of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s Lev lived and worked in America. For two years he was a Professor at Bloomington, Indiana University and at the New England School, Boston. He gave masterclasses at the Juilliard School, New York; Curtis Institute, Philadelphia; Michigan University and leading conservatoriums in Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, Poland, Israel and Australia.
In addition to his activities as a concert pianist, professor and adjudicator, he was frequently in demand for radio and television talks on music. He also produced many recordings. He spent his final years in Brisbane teaching at the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University, which awarded him an honorary doctorate in 1996. For those who knew him, studied with him, or heard him perform, Lev Vlassenko remains a figure who exemplified the richness of a life lived with passion, curiosity and goodwill. He died in Brisbane in August 1996.
In 1999 his daughter, Natasha Vlassenko OAM, and son-in-law, Oleg Stepanov OAM, founded The Lev Vlassenko Piano Competition in his honour. The competition provides opportunities for young pianists in Australia and New Zealand to grow artistically and professionally. Lev Vlassenko believed that Australian and New Zealand students had great potential and by establishing a competition that was of an international standard Natasha and Oleg sought to provide an opportunity for young pianists to develop their skills.
Initially, in a competition held over two weeks, 20 contestants aged between 16 and 30 played over three rounds in Brisbane and four finalists played a concerto with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra (QSO). The first week consisted of three days of round 1A and 1B, after which 10 contestants were chosen to go through to the semi-finals. After two more days of competition the jury decided which final four would play with the QSO.
During a week of rehearsals with the orchestra contestants who were not finalists had the opportunity to have masterclasses with the international jury members. This was an exciting educational aspect to the competition. In the evenings of week two the international jury gave recitals.
Over the years the competition has developed into the Lev Vlassenko Piano Academy, with programs and competitions for young pianists aged six to 30. The Australian National Piano Competition for Children involves children from six to seven, eight to ten and 11 to 13, while the Young Lev, offers an opportunity to children between 12 and 16 and competitors in the Lev Vlassenko Piano Competition still range from 16 to 30.
Perhaps the factor that most distinguishes the LVPC is its sense of community. Contestants, teachers, volunteers and audiences gather not just to attend a competition but to witness artistic growth. Many contestants who were not first prize winners have returned to the competition after experiencing the educational value of preparing and performing the repertoire required. Past laureates have gone on to win international competitions, to major recital engagements and to continue their studies abroad. Many are now prominent teachers who, themselves, prepare students for all three competitions.