THE 2025 SINGAPORE INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION
January 13 – 19, 2025
 
CEO Ms. May Zhang
President, Global International Musicians Association
 
Artistic Director Mr. Xiaohan Wang
Head of Piano, The Tianjin Juilliard School, China
 
Jury Panel Mr. Danwen Wei (Jury Chair)
Head of Piano, Central Conservatory of Music, China
 
Mr. Adam Gatehouse
Artistic Director, Leeds International Piano Competition
 
Mr. Piers Lane
Artistic Director, Sydney International Piano Competition
 
Ms. Noriko Ogawa
Jury Chair, Hamamatsu International Piano Competition
 
Ms. Katarzyna Popowa-Zydroń
Jury Chair, International Chopin Piano Competition
 
Mr. Albert Tiu
Head of Piano, Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, Singapore
 
Mr. Xiaohan Wang
Head of Piano, The Tianjin Juilliard School, China
 
Administrative Director Mr. Yiran Liu
Board Member, Global International Musicians Association
 
Special Guest Artist Mr. Ning Feng
World-renowned Violinist
First Prize Winner of the 2006 International Paganini Competition
 
Orchestra Partner Metropolitan Festival Orchestra (Singapore)
 
 
Rules and Regulations
 
Prizes and Awards
 
         First Prize
 
         Second Prize
         Third Prize
         Special Prize for Best Bach Performance
         Special Prize for Best Chamber Music Performance
         Jury Discretionary Award
USD 30,000
Concerts in Asia
USD 15,000
USD  5,000
USD  1,000
USD  1,000
USD  500
 
 
Eligibility

  • Open to pianists of all nationalities, age 16 to 32 (born between January 1, 1993 and January 1, 2009).
  • First-prize winners of previous editions of the SIPC are not eligible to apply.
 
Pre-selection
Application materials to be submitted

  • Your full biography including schools and teachers (if applicable), achievements and awards.
  • A copy of your photo ID, passport or birth certificte showing your name and date of birth.
  • Two different professional portratis photos in high resolution (minimum 1.5 MB).
  • Recommendation letters from two professional musicians preferbably of international standing (your own teacher may be included). The letters may be sent by email either directly from the commending musicians or fowarded by the applicant.
  • 15 to 20 minutes video of free repertoire but music include at least one virtuosic étude and one lyrical piece (slow movement of a classical sonata is permitted).
 
Video Requirements

  • All pieces must be played from memory.
  • The performance must be played on a well-tuned grand piano.
  • The video must be recorded with one single camera, and the camera must be placed at a distance and at an angle which clearly shows the entire side profile of the pianist from the top of the head to the feet and including the fingers on the keyboard. The camera must be completely static at all times.
  • The entire pre-selection round must be recorded in one continuous take. No cut or editing will be accepted.
  • Upload the video on Youtube.
  • Failure to record in accordance with the above requirements will be disquallified.
 
Application Fee

  • A nonrefundable application fee of USD 200 to be paid to the following account:
 
Bank Name: United Overseas Bank
Account Name: Global Classical Stage Pte. Ltd.
Account No: 3493382568
Bank Address: 80 Raffles Place, 1 UOB Plaza, Singapore 048624
Bank Code: 7375
Swift Code: UOVBSGSG
Branch Code: 028
 

  • Please present wire transfer or deposit receipt together with all other application materials.
 
Application Submission

  • Please scan the QR code below to submit all application materials:

 
 
Key Dates
Application Deadline: September 30, 2024
Pre-selection Result: October 16, 2024
 
Advancement Structure
24 competitors will be selected to the Preliminary Round. The jury will advance 6 competitors to the Semifinal Round, and 3 competitors to the Final Round.
 
Repertoire Requirements

  • Pieces played in the pre-selection video may not be used in the main competition rounds.
  • Pieces performed in the preliminary and semifinal rounds may not be repeated.
  • All pieces must be played from memory, except for the chamber music works.
  • Repeats are at the discretion of the competitor to ensure compliance with the time limit.
 
Preliminary Round (24 competitors)
Duration of performance: 40 to 45 minutes

  • One major work by J. S. Bach
  • Free choice of one or more pieces.
 
Semifinal Round (6 competitors)
The Semifinal Round will be divided into two parts: Solo Performance and Chamber Music Performance. Each competitor will perform with the renowned violinist Mr. Ning Feng.
 
Solo Performance
Duration of performance: 50 to 60 minutes

  • One complete sonata by Haydn, Clementi, Mozart, Beethoven or Schubert
  • Free choice of one or more pieces.
 
Chamber Music Performance

  • One of the following:
Johannes Brahms             Violin Sonata No. 3 in D minor, Op. 108
César Frank                         Violin Sonata in A major
Richard Strauss                 Violin Sonata in E-flat major, Op. 18
        AND

  • One of the following:
Niccolo Paganini              Cantabile
Edward Elgar                      Salut d’Amour
Fritz Kreisler                        Liebesleid
 
 
Final Round (3 competitors)

  • One compete piano concerto selecting from the following list:
 
Mozart  Piano Concerto No. 20 in D minor, K. 466
Piano Concerto No. 22 in E-flat major, K. 482
Piano Concerto No. 25 in C major, K. 503
Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 4 in G major, Op. 58
Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-flat major, Op. 73
Chopin Piano Concerto No. 1 in E minor, Op. 11
Piano Concerto No. 2 in F minor, Op. 21
Brahms Piano Concerto No. 1 in D minor, Op. 15
Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat major, Op. 83
Schumann Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 54
Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 1 in F-sharp minor, Op. 1
Piano Concerto No. 4 in G minor, Op. 40
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43
Prokofiev Piano Concerto No. 2 in G minor, Op. 16
Ravel Piano Concerto in G major
 
 
Travel Support
Competitors shall be responsible for their individual travel costs. However, the following competitors will receive travel support as detailed below:

  • Non-Singaporean competitors residing in Asia: SGD 400 towards travel expenses
  • Non-Singaporean competitors residing outside Asia: SGD 850 towards travel expenses
  • Singaporean competitors residing outside Singapore: 50% of the above-stated travel support
  • Competitors residing in Singapore: Not eligible for travel support
 
Competitors holding dual nationality will receive travel support based on their current country of residence.
Competitors are required to promptly notify the Organizing Committee of any change in residence that occurs after the submission of their application.
 
 
Accommodation Support
The SIPC Organizing Committee will cover the accommodation expenses of the competitors only if they stay at the hotel designated by the Organizing Committee from the day of competitor registration until the specified dates:

Preliminary Round competitiors Until the morning of January 16, 2025
Semifinal Round competitors Until the morning of January 18, 2025
Final Round competitors Until the morning of January 20, 2025
 
 
Piano Practice
Commencing on January 14, 2025, practice rooms will be provided to competitors at no charge for the duration outlined below:

Preliminary Round competitiors A minimum of 3 hours per day
Semifinal Round competitors A minimum of 5 hours per day
Final Round competitors
 
The SIPC Organizing Committee will make every effort to accommodate any specific requests concerning the practice schedule. Nevertheless, competitors are required to adhere to the final decisions made by the committee.
 
 
Video Publication Policy
The SIPC Organizing Committee reserves the right to publish all performance videos on its website and social media platforms.
 
 
Final Interpretation Statement
The Singapore International Piano Competition Organizing Committee reserves the ultimate right to interpret all provisions and rules outlined in these regulations. In instances where matters are not addressed or disputes arise, the committee will render a final decision based on principles of fairness and justice. By registering for the competition, participants are deemed to have agreed to all the rules in these regulations and to accept the final interpretation by the committee. We assure that all decisions will be made with the utmost commitment to ensuring the seamless progression of the competition, upholding fairness, and respecting the rights of all participants.
 
 
 
About SIPC
The Singapore International Piano Competition (SIPC) is a premier event in the world of classical music, renowned for its commitment to discovering and nurturing exceptional pianistic talent. Established to provide a global platform for young and emerging pianists, the SIPC attracts participants from all corners of the world, offering them the opportunity to perform in front of an audience of esteemed musicians, industry professionals, and passionate music lovers.
Held biennially in the vibrant and culturally rich city of Singapore, the competition not only showcases extraordinary musical talent but also fosters international cultural exchange and appreciation. With a distinguished jury panel comprising leading artists and a substantial prize fund, including concert engagements in Asia for the top winner, the SIPC stands as a beacon of excellence and a significant stepping stone for future stars of the classical piano world.
 
 
About GIMA
Established in 2017, the Global International Musicians Association (GIMA) brings together performers, educators, and music industry entrepreneurs through a diverse array of competitions, concerts, and master classes. Dedicated to promoting collaboration within the international music community, GIMA strives to elevate teaching skills and broaden horizons, fostering a positive musical environment rich with opportunities. By nurturing a new generation of musical talent, GIMA continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the global music landscape.