THE final notes have sounded on the 2026 Australian National Piano Award in Shepparton, with another outstanding field of young musicians leaving audiences inspired by the depth of Australia’s classical piano talent.
Twenty-three-year-old New South Wales pianist Adam Adov took home the coveted First Prize and $33,000 captivating judges and audiences alike with performances that combined exceptional technical brilliance, musical sensitivity and remarkable artistic maturity.
The standard of competition was evident across all finalists. Alyssa Chalmers claimed Second Prize and $13,000 while also receiving the People’s Choice Award and Best Bach Performance award, cementing her reputation as one of Australia’s brightest emerging classical talents.
Queensland pianist Oscar Wong was awarded Third Prize and $7,000 in addition to the Best Chopin Performance award, recognising his expressive musicianship and interpretive skill.
The week-long event once again showcased the extraordinary calibre of Australia’s next generation of pianists and reinforced Shepparton’s standing as one of the nation’s premier stages for emerging classical performers.
