THIS year's Tyalgum Festival of Classical Music headlining act, Canadian pianist Avan Yu, has won the 10th Sydney International Piano Competition.

The prestigious competition is held every four years and boasts past winners such as Konstantin Shamray, winner of the first prize at the 2010 Bad Kissingen Piano Olympiade in Germany and John Chen, who at the age of 18 became the youngest ever winner and went on to perform with major symphony orchestras in Australia and New Zealand.

Hong Kong born Avan Yu will open Tyalgum's festival on September 7 with a rendition of Beethoven's Sonata in A major, Op.101 followed by the young pianist's interpretation of works by Schumann, Debussy and Liszt.

"We are absolutely thrilled at the prospect of welcoming one of the world's best classical pianists to Tyalgum for this year's landmark 21st anniversary festival," festival organiser Alexsandra Deen-Wilkinson said.

"Bringing world-class musicians like Avan to the Tweed is exactly what our event is all about.

"He will be following in the footsteps of people like Roger Woodward, Russian pianist Tatiana Kolosova and various soloists from the London Symphony Orchestra who have performed at previous festivals in Tyalgum.

"Not only do these international artists inspire our local young musicians and give Tweed music lovers a chance to experience concerts that they would not otherwise get to see, it also attracts visitors to the region from further afield, bringing the economic benefits of tourism and return visitation."

Ms Deen-Wilkinson said the benefits of the festival for the local business community were already apparent with the Tyalgum Hotel booked out for the festival period and nearby accommodation venues filling fast.

However, important as the economic benefits might be, it is the music that will be the major attraction.

Following Avan Yu's opening night performance the main Tyalgum Hall program will feature the Young Virtuoso Concert on the morning of Saturday September 8, and the medieval and contemporary folk music of Pastance and traditional classics performed by The Lunaire Collective on Saturday afternoon.

Renowned Australian virtuosos David Pereira on cello and Timothy Young on piano will perform on Saturday night when the concert will include a 'fashion segment' showcasing the work of Murwillumbah designer Chandra Ellis.

Sunday's program includes the Queensland Conservatorium Brass Band and the festival's grand finale will feature the world premiere of David Pereira's work 'Tyalgum Solace', starring the Camerata of St John's led by violinist Brendan Joyce.

In Accordance with the festival's theme 'Music, Art and Nature in Australia's Green Cauldron', the event will include:

• The Caldera Art Exhibition
• An artist in residence program
• The Bright Sparks Music Program for young local musicians
• Guided nature walks
• Community Spring Fair and Music Carnavale - a free family day held at the Tyalgum Public School.

Tickets at $275 for the entire weekend or from $25 to $50 per individual performance are available online at www.tyalgumfestival.com.au or phone (02) 6679 2244.