he Sydney International Piano Competition (The Sydney) has, from its inception, held events at the highest international level inspiring pianists and audiences alike and stimulating interest in the piano and music in general. It has provided a showcase platform for outstanding pianists from all over the world and assisted with the development of their careers as concert artists. The Sydney has increased over recent years its activities to engage with audiences and donors alike outside of the main competition event, including regional and capital city touring, education and outreach and new complementary competitions for amateur adult pianists and composers. The Sydney is one of the major international events of its kind in the world. Founded by the late Claire Dan AM, OBE, Robert Tobias OAM and Rex Hobcroft AM, it was inaugurated in July 1977 and has since been held every four years, except in 1988 when it was brought forward to coincide with the Bicentenary of Australia celebrations. The Sydney was admitted as a member of the Geneva based World Federation of International Music Competitions in 1978, the first Australian competition to be accepted as a member. The City of Sydney is not only a significant centre of the arts, but a city which has produced and fostered artists of international distinction, whose contributions to music are well known. The Sydney Conservatorium of Music, in the centre of the city with its ‘back-yard’ the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens, will be home to The Sydney once again in 2023 with the Finals held at the Sydney Opera House with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.