Step into the heart of the Royal South Street Society Ballarat Eisteddfod and attend the Schimmel Pianoforte Competition! At Australia's longest running, premier performing arts eisteddfod, you can experience pure performance gold and the welcoming embrace of this charming regional city. Piano comes from the Italian name Pianoforte which means “piano” soft and “forte” loud. The Schimmel Pianoforte competition at the Royal South Street Society Ballarat Eisteddfod has launched many young performers' careers. At the Schimmel Pianoforte competition, you will see and hear all ages from under eight years – 19 years, VCE students and Open Age sections. There are also new non-competitive sections in all age groups this year for those wishing to perform and receive a critique for experience only. Join the audience and encourage them with your applause!