• Registration for the biennial Singapore Chinese Music Competition (SCMC) 2026 opens on 11 June 2026 at 10am
• Competition features Solo and Ensemble categories across eight Chinese musical instruments
• Local composer Sulwyn Lok was commissioned to compose a brand-new guzheng concerto, continuing efforts to promote original Singapore Chinese orchestral works

Singapore, 11 June 2026 (Thursday) –Organised by Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO), the fourth edition of the Singapore Chinese Music Competition (SCMC) will officially open for registration on 11 June 2026 at 10am. SCMC serves as an important platform for nurturing promising Chinese music talents in Singapore. The competition aims to develop participants’ musical artistry and performance skills, raise overall musical standards, and provide opportunities for young musicians and Chinese music enthusiasts to connect through their shared passion for Chinese music.

The Competition consists of Solo and Ensemble. Under the Solo category, there are three age categories for the Dizi / Erhu / Guzheng / Pipa / Sheng/ Suona / Yangqin / Zhongruan, which are as follow:

• Junior: 12 years and below (born in or after 2014)
• Intermediate: 18 years and below (born in or after 2008)
• Senior: 35 years and below (born in or after 1991)

In addition, the Solo Grand category has no age limit. Participants may perform any Chinese musical instrument from the bowed-string, plucked-string, or wind instrument categories. (Please refer to the competition website for the full list of eligible instruments.)

The ensemble category will continue to feature two age groups:

• Ensemble A: 18 years old and below (born in 2008 or after)
• Ensemble B: No age limit

Each ensemble may comprise between 3 to 20 performers and can include any combination of Chinese musical instruments listed under the competition categories. Contrary to the 2022 and previous editions, there will be no preliminary rounds of competition for the Ensemble section. Instead, the ensemble groups will compete in finals directly. 

SCO Executive Director Terence Ho shared: “SCMC has long been an important platform for nurturing local Chinese music talents. Many former SCMC winners and participants have gone on to become accomplished composers, conductors, performers, music educators and advocates who continue to contribute actively to Singapore’s Chinese orchestral ecosystem. We warmly invite all Chinese music enthusiasts to participate in SCMC 2026 and join us in preserving, promoting and performing Chinese music.”

To recognise the dedication of music educators in nurturing young talents, the competition will continue to present the “Music Mentor Award” to instructors with at least five students from Solo category advancing to the finals. Recipients will receive a trophy and e-certificate in recognition of their contributions to music education.

Commissioned concerto works as set piece for solo senior category

From the previous edition in 2022, SCO will commission a local composer to produce a new concerto work for one of the eight instruments of the solo category for each edition. This initiative aims to promote local composers and works with strong Singaporean themes, while enriching the repertoire of Chinese instrumental concertos.

This year, SCO has specially commissioned local composer Sulwyn Lok to compose a guzheng concerto “Seeing the Kites Again” (又见风筝). More details about the work will be announced later.

The Singapore Chinese Music Competition is supported by Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, National Arts Council, Tote Board, and partners from MediaCorp & 8World, People’s Association, Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre, Singapore Chinese Music Federation and SPH Media Ltd & Chinese Media Group, Lianhe Zaobao.

Registration opens on 11 June 2026 at 10am and closes on 22 July 2026 at 5pm. For more information, please visit SCMC’s website.

Please refer to Annex A for accompany annexes on competition details and prizes.