The National Piano and Violin Competition was first organised under the auspices of the then Ministry of Culture in 1980 as part of the former National Music Competition comprising both Chinese and Western instrumental categories. After the 10th Competition in 1995, the National Music Competition was restructured in two separate events, namely, the National Piano and Violin Competition first held in 1997 and the National Chinese Music Competition first held in 1998.
This biennial music competition serves as a platform for music excellence and aims to develop the performing skills of musicians in Singapore; to improve musical standards; and to identify potential music talents. It provides opportunities for young musicians to perform in a competitive situation before an international jury.
The format of the competition consists of 3 rounds: Quarter-Finals, Semi-Finals and Finals. The competition for solo piano and violin is divided into the following categories: Junior (12 years and below), Intermediate (15 years and below), Senior (18 years and below) and Artist (25 yrs old and below).
Participants are required to cover works from at least 3 stylistic periods from Baroque, Classical, Romantic or 20th Century. In line with international practices, participants in the Artist category will have to perform a concerto, introduced in the 2001 competition. Prize winners stand to win trophies, certificates and cash prizes.
Since the competition started in 1997, it has seen an increasing number of entries. The 6th National Piano and Violin Competition held from 5 -15 December 2007 attracted a total of 274 entries.
The 7th National Piano & Violin Competition will be held in 2009. Please check NAC's website www.nac.gov.sg in April 2009 for the competition details.
