Beethoven‘s Fifth Piano Concerto, The Emperor was voted Australia’s favourite piano piece in the ABC Classic 100: Piano. This is the concerto’s third triumph in a Classic 100 with The Emperor pushing the boundaries of the instrument. Below is Australian classical pianist Gerard Williams‘ performance with Sinfonia Australia:

Not only was The Emperor No 1 but Beethoven had nine more inclusions in this year’s Classic 100 including Moonlight Sonata in at #2. Young Australian pianist Jayson Gillham in the link below performs  a stunning Moonlight Sonata in the ABC studios:

https://www.abc.net.au/listen/classic/read-and-watch/videos/jayson_gillham_moonlight_sonata/12266916

Frédéric Chopin, rounded out the top places with his Nocturnes claiming #3. Chopin also had nine spots in Classic 100: Piano. Andrea Lam this time below in the ABC studios:

ABC Classic: Piano had nearly 140,000 votes cast and this year the highest representation of female composers to date, with 11 works by seven composers. The countdown also showcased 27 pieces by living composers, 11 works by Australians, and 19 beloved piano compositions written for the screen.

The full countdown is here: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/classic/countdown/classic100

Next, the Classic 100 celebrations continue with Classic 100 in Concert on Saturday June 21 at 7.30pm on ABC TV and ABC iview. Hosted by Dr Megan Burslem and Jeremy Fernandez, the event will bring Australia’s favourite piano pieces to life, featuring the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Benjamin Northey. Andrea Lam, as seen above and also host of ABC’s The Piano, is part of a stellar lineup of guests for the night.

There are currently a few tickets remaining for the concert which you can purchase here: https://www.mso.com.au/performance/2025-classic-100-in-concert

You can also relive the Classic 100 via the ABC listen app. The highest Australian entry, The Man From Snowy River soundtrack, Jessica’s Theme by Bruce Rowland is below.