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Leeds Pianoforte Competition was founded in 1961 by Dame Fanny Waterman DBE and Marion Thorpe, the former Countess of Harewood.

The competition which is held every three years is open to  professional pianists of all nationalities aged 30 and under.

The Leeds Competition remains in the league of the world's top ten piano competitions including the Tchaikovsky, Chopin and Rubinstein and America's Van Cliburn and is world renowned for being well organised and receives enthusiastic tributes for this and for its warmth, friendliness, and generosity.

The early stages and semi finals of the competition are held in The Great Hall at the University of Leeds and the two final concerts in Leeds Town Hall.