The Half Day Semifinals Sessions of the Lev Vlassenko Piano Competition. World-renowned international concert pianist and teacher, Lev Vlassenko, began his concert life early. Born in Tbilisi, Georgia, in 1928, he attended the Special Music School for gifted children, studying under Professor Virsaladze. In 1948, he entered the Moscow State Conservatory and was a student of Professor Flier for eight years, including a period of postgraduate studies. In addition to his activities as a concert pianist, professor and adjudicator, he was frequently in demand for radio and television talks on music and to produce recordings. In 2000 one of Moscow’s music schools was named after Lev Vlassenko. During his final years, Vlassenko resided in Australia, teaching at the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University. He was awarded an honorary doctorate by Griffith University in 1996 in recognition of his vast contribution to the development of the Conservatorium. He died on 24 August 1996 in Brisbane, Australia.