Busselton is poised to again play host to the winner of one of the most globally recognised pianist contests later this month.

The 10th Sydney International Piano Competition of Australia, which started this week and runs until July 21, features 171 competitors striving to claim the esteemed award and major prize of $150,000 bestowed just once every four years.

Less than a week after the announcement, the winner will make the journey to Busselton Uniting Church to grace local enthusiasts with a rare rendition of their compositions.

Uniting Outreach Busselton chairwoman Yvonne Robinson said the church was pleased to be able to welcome the acclaimed pianist, after hosting the winner of the 2008 competition, and the event promised to be a special coup for the community.

“This is an opportunity for lovers of classical piano to hear a worldclass recital performed locally,” she said. “All profits raised will be used to support the church’s welfare and community outreach programs.

These include emergency food supplies, a low cost food shop supported by Food Bank and community lunches.”

The recital will be held on July 27 at 7.30pm. Tickets are available from Busselton Uniting Church or Callows Newsagency.