Enter

Enter Entries Open March 01 to April 31, 2025

2025 Pianoforte Competition dates: July 21 to July 27

Venue: Ballarat Mechanics Institute

Adjudicator; Dr Danae Killian (Pianoforte), David Soo (Celebrating Chopin), Elizabeth Mitchell (Celebrating Chopin)

2025 sees the addition of a wide range of new sections, in particular to encourage the participation of beginning and emerging students.  

Read the 2025 Schedule of Sections for full details. 

Schimmel Pianoforte Competition

Piano comes from the Italian name Pianoforte which means “piano” soft and “forte” loud.

The Schimmel Pianoforte competition at the Royal South Street Society Ballarat Eisteddfod has launched many young performers careers. The Eisteddfod offers a unique chance for personal growth and improvement. Our platform is a transformative journey where performers can refine their skills, boost their confidence, and unlock their full potential. Join us on this path to self-discovery and artistic excellence.

The Schimmel Pianoforte competition is open to all ages from under 8 years – 19 years, VCE students and Open Age sections.

There are four aggregate sections including;

Piano Solo

Popular Piano Solo

Australian Composer Piano Solo

Classical Piano Solo

There is also a new range of Novice Sections for those who have not won a 1st Prize in any Pianoforte section at RSSS during 2023 or 2024. 

In 2025, we continue to offer duets, trios, non-competitive, Jazz, Baroque, Piano Composition, Quick Study, Recital and VCE / VET Music, with new age groups offered in a range of these sections.

We are also introducing a 'Solo and Accompanist' section for those who want to team up with a vocal or instrumentalist.

 

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Stories

Learn more about the Pianoforte discipline from our collection of stories, historical records and media....

Caroline Almonte

Caroline Almonte Recognised for Pianistic Excellence

John Stapp

John Stapp

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Schimmel Pianoforte at Royal South Street…a History

Frank Robertson-Smith Award – History

Florence Lee Memorial Prize – History

Explore

Explore our history timeline

The Schimmel Pianoforte is a well-established discipline of the Royal South Street Society Ballarat Eisteddfod.

1949

A special meeting of the South Street Society is called to consider whether the Competitions should proceed in view of the polio epidemic sweeping Victoria. It is resolved that competitors under 15 years of age not compete and the Junior Calisthenics Section is also cancelled. A concert is held to establish a Percy Campbell Memorial Prize to be awarded annually to the Ballarat boy or girl who secures the highest marks in the Piano Solo under 14 years. Although partially blind since birth, Campbell had perfect pitch. Aboriginal people become Australian citizens. The Louie Dunn Prize is established in memory of one of Ballarat’s noted teachers of Speech and Dramatic Art.  It was established to be the pre-eminent award for Drama in an eisteddfod in Australia, and it remains so.