The 12 finalists performed at least two 45-minute solo recitals each during the competition.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
After six days of competition and 24 hours of piano music, 23-year-old NSW pianist Adam Adov has claimed the $33,000 first prize at the 2026 Australian National Piano Award, held at Riverlinks Eastbank, Shepparton.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
The $13,000 second prize went to 22-year-old Alyssa Chalmers, who won over the crowd receiving the Rotary Club of Shepparton People’s Choice Prize of $5000 and the Shepparton News Prize for best Bach performance.
Third prize, worth $7000, was awarded to 28-year-old Oscar Wong, who also received the Pam Wells Prize for best Chopin performance.
From October 5 to 10, the Riverlinks Steinway piano sang with 32 solo recitals from the 12 finalists who travelled from across the country to compete.
Award president and co-founder Darryl Coote said the Australian National Piano Award is a significant national arts event.
“We’ve been so proud to present the award in Shepparton since 1992,” Mr Coote said.
“When we co-founded the award with some passionate local residents, we never imagined it would become what it is today — a highly sought-after pathway for emerging Australian pianists.”
Australian National Piano Award first prize winner Adam Adov.
Photo by
Lingy Harhangi
The finalists were assessed by three adjudicators: previous winner Amir Farid, who has since built a celebrated career in New York, Associate Professor Rae de Lisle and Professor Timothy Steeves.
They judged each pianist on their technical mastery, interpretation, understanding of the historical and cultural context of each work, and consistency across their full program.
Award artistic director Wendy Lorenz said audiences had been treated to a diverse program of classical and contemporary works.
“Over six days, we heard everything from Bach and late Beethoven to Scriabin and new Australian works,” Ms Lorenz said.
“What makes this award special is that a whole community embraces a week of piano music … the finalists feel that warmth from the moment they arrive, and it shows in how they play.”
Australian National Piano Award 2026 grand finalists Oscar Wong, Adam Adov and Alyssa Chalmers.
Photo by
Lingy Harhangi
The award will return to Shepparton in 2028 for its 18th edition.
The competition is run entirely by a volunteer board, associates and local residents, who contribute more than 5000 unpaid hours to each event.
Mr Coote thanked the award’s supporters, including the H & L Hecht Trust and Pam Wells, for helping sustain the competition.
“It costs more than $300,000 to deliver each award,” he said.
“I’m extremely grateful to our partners, past and present, and to the many volunteers who make this award possible.
“Every new supporter helps us give the next generation of Australian pianists the platform they deserve.”
