Piano+ has named distinguished arts and intellectual property lawyer Shane Simpson AM as Chair of its Board. Simpson’s appointment comes as the Sydney International Piano Competition prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary.

Shane Simpson. Photo supplied

Simpson has held a number of leadership positions across the arts sector and brings more than 40 years of experience to the role. He is the founder and Special Counsel of Simpsons, a law firm specialising in entertainment, arts and intellectual property, the Arts Law Centre of Australia and Prelude, a national network of composer houses.

Simpson succeeds Tracie Elvidge who guided the Competition through the COVID pandemic and during an important period of renewal.

Sydney International Piano Competition Artistic Director, Piers Lane AO says this appointment comes at a significant moment for the Competition. “The 50th Anniversary gives us a remarkable opportunity not only to celebrate what has been achieved since the Competition was founded in 1977, but to determine what we want the competition to become over its next 50 years.”

The Competition brings 32 exceptional young pianists from around the world to compete in Sydney. Held every 4 years over a 3-week period, it is internationally recognised as one of the great piano competitions in the world.

Korkmaz Can Sağlam at the Sydney International Piano Competition in 2023. Photo © Jaimi Joy

Simpson looks forward to the opportunity and says, “The 50th anniversary is a moment to honour that extraordinary legacy, but it is also an opportunity to look forward. I am delighted to work with Piers Lane, Mark Coughlan, my fellow Directors and the wider community of artists, supporters and partners to ensure the Competition has the strength, reach and sustainability to flourish for generations to come.”

An Order of Australia member, Simpson is known for his contributions to the Australian arts sector. His former chair positions include Bundanon Trust, Sydney Youth Orchestras, Studio A, the NAISDA Foundation, Museums and Galleries NSW, the NSW Film and Television Office, the Aboriginal Benefits Foundation and the Peggy Glanville-Hicks Composers’ House Trust.

Held on 9–24 July, 2027, the Sydney International Piano Competition begins at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and concludes at the Sydney Opera House, where finalists will perform a concerto with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.