One of the high points of the Canberra arts year, the piano eisteddfod, is on again this weekend.

A part of the Australian National Eisteddfod, this year’s event has attracted 393 entries from Victoria, SA, NSW, the ACT and as far as Japan, while the Open Piano Championship specifically has attracted 12 entrants from NSW, Queensland, SA, Tasmania, Victoria and the ACT.

The adjudicators are Jerry Wong, head of keyboard at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, and    Vatche Jambazian, principal pianist for Omega Ensemble and lecturer at the Australian Institute of Music.

A highlight will be the 18 years section on Saturday afternoon with several chamber and duet groups performing.

The Open sections start on Sunday morning with the championship in the afternoon of August 24. Sponsored by Dianne Anderson, the first prize is $5000, second $2000, third $1000 and fourth $500.

The Australian National Eisteddfod, Piano Eisteddfod 2025, Wesley Music Centre, August 23-29.

The speech and drama sections of the of the Australian National Eisteddfod will take place September 13-14.