The history of the SHIPC began when one of the Southern Highlands' most generous philanthropists, Mr Ted Springett OAM, had a vision for a local music festival/competition, an idea he had in common with the Founding Chairman of the SHIPC, local business man, Mr Malcolm Yell. They both felt that such an event would be a welcome addition to an area already rich in cultural activities.

International pianist/composer, Grant Foster was approached and invited to become the Artistic Director. He agreed, on the condition that it should be an International Competition, not merely a local one. Mr Foster felt that this would be a golden opportunity to bring an International flavour to the Southern Highlands and a more appealing and exciting way of attracting a broader audience while offering a unique performing experience to young, talented performers from all over the world.

This idea was enthusiastically supported and a Board was soon established consisting of highly motivated music lovers who gave generously of their time and resources. The foundations were duly laid for the commencement of a biennial competition, and the difficult, but necessary task of gaining sponsors got underway.

An International panel of judges was selected, and along with substantial monetary prizes was the opportunity for the overall winner to perform in some of the best venues in Europe thanks to the influence of renowned concert pianist and founding judge, Mira Yevtich 

Due to our many generous sponsors, funds were soon acquired, and in 2007 the first Southern Highlands International Piano Competition took place. It was a tremendous success with Dizhou Zhao from China being the Inaugural winner.

In 2009, even more generous prizes were on offer, and thanks to the international contacts of the jury members, in particular Mira Yevtich, the winner Milos Mihajlovic from Serbia had the honour to be invited to perform at the Yuri Bashmet Festival in Elba, with concerts also offered in France, Russia, New York and Australia.

After only two SHIPC competitions, the performing opportunities now on offer are our great strength and a solid means of attracting some of the world’s most promising young performers.

In 2011, the third Southern Highlands International Competition will take place from the 1^st October until the 9^th October, and again it promises to be an enjoyable event of exceptional standard.