Singapore’s top music and arts organisations have announced details of a major new violin competition.
The Singapore International Violin Competition will be held for the first time next year, with the finals scheduled to take place from 10-21 January.
Aspiring professional violinists aged between 17 and 30 will be able to apply from 1 July.
Following pre-selection, shortlisted competitors will be flown to Singapore for four live rounds. Three artists will reach the final, and will perform alongside the Singapore Symphony Orchestra at the Esplanade Concert Hall. The winner will receive USD50,000 (€37,000) along with a series of international engagements.
Read: Max Hole: Asian music markets show ‘the future’ of the industry
The competition’s jury includes several internationally renowned violinists, including award-winning violinist Qian Zhou (who will chair the panel), Pierre Amoyal and Shmuel Ashkenasi.
Hosted by the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music at the National University of Singapore, the competition is supported by the Far East Organization, Hong Leong Foundation, Lee Foundation, prominent violin collectors Mr & Mrs Rin Kei Mei and the National Arts Council Singapore.
Kathy Lai, CEO of National Arts Council Singapore, said: ‘I am delighted with this initiative to create a platform for musical talents in our region to compete, and further their development and careers. I am especially thankful for the generosity of the private and corporate sponsors that have stepped forward to render their support to the host of the competition.’
The competition will form part of the Festival of Strings, which will include outreach events across the city.
Image: Esplanade Concert Hall