Lev firmly believed in the great potential of the Australian piano school, but stressed the need for an opportunity for emerging artists to gain the experience necessary for competition at international level. At present, young Australian pianists lack concert experience, lack exposure to international competition standards and are drawn overseas in search of greater opportunities.

The Lev Vlassenko Piano Competition is the only major piano event in Australia that mirrors the requirements of an international competition, such as a demanding repertoire, national and international jury members, all rounds open to the public, and the final round's concertos performed with a major symphony orchestra (the Queensland Orchestra). Apart from preparing young artists for an extremely demanding professional career, the Competition is aimed at providing publicity and performance opportunities for the winners, in addition to considerable cash prizes.

It is hoped that the Competition will be strongly supported by the community. This event is a necessary transition in the development of the Australian piano school and will without doubt raise the standard of performance nation- wide, leading Australia onto the international platform in its own right.