Launching the event at Tertini Wines on Friday, artistic director Grant Foster, said the exceptional standard of entries was a reflection of the success of the first SHIPC in 2007, as well as growing international recognition.

As well as eight young Australian pianists, entrants from Indonesia, South Korea, Japan, New Zealand, Taiwan, Serbia, Brazil, France, Canada, USA and Poland will take part in the competition.

Mr Foster said the opportunity for the winner for perform at the prestigious Yuri Bashmet Festival in Elba, Italy, and at concerts in France, St. Petersburg in Russia, and New York had made the SHIPC a sought-after prize.

Russian viola virtuoso Yuri Bashmet accepts on the best performers at the Elba Festival and the SHIPC is the only competition to offer this incentive, Mr Foster said.

The competition also includes a $5000 prize for the best Australian performer and a $5000 audience prize.

Finalists will be asked to perform a contemporary piece by a composer from their homeland, giving audiences an opportunity to hear many styles of music.

Mr Foster said the competition had received tremendous support from sponsors, who had recognised the value of the event to the Southern Highlands.

Major sponsors are the Springett Family Foundation, Tertini Wines, J. & L. Skipper Family Foundation, Southern Highlands Business Chamber, Richard and Jay Griffin, Robert and Libby Albert, Dick and Pip Smith, and artist John Olsen.

Theme and Variations Piano Services will supply Steinway pianos for the performance and practise.

Mr Foster said the SHIPC would like to secure sponsorship from an airline company for future events to help competitors meet the cost of travelling to Australia for the company.

SHIPC begins with heats at Chevalier College from October 3-5 and semi finalst from October 6-7.

The finalists will be accompanied by the Wollongong Symphony Orchestra at Clubbe Hall, Mittagong, on Saturday, October 10.