The third edition of the Singapore Chinese Music Competition (SCMC) 2024 has concluded with resounding success after 18 days of breathtaking performances and fierce competition, with the “Finals for Grand Category and Prize Presentation Ceremony” held at SCO Concert Hall on 14 December. Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Finance, Mr Chee Hong Tat graced this event as the Guest-of-Honour. This year’s SCMC was a historic milestone, with 409 participants, a record-breaking turnout in the post-COVID era. Participants ranged in age from 7 to 49 years, with 198 first-time competitors, showcasing the inclusive and growing appeal of Chinese music.
The 18-day competition captured the attention of local and international audiences, streaming live via YouTube, NetEase, and WeChat Channel with a remarkable total viewership of 6,416,338. The competition comprised six categories: four solo (junior, intermediate, senior, and grand category) categories and two ensemble categories (Ensemble A and Ensemble B). After rigorous evaluation, 68 soloists from Solo categories and 6 ensemble groups emerged as winners.
Prize Winners’ concert
On 13 December, the “Prize Winners’ Concert” took place under the baton of SCO Associate Conductor Moses Gay. The evening featured stellar performances by four solo champions and two top ensembles from Ensemble A and Ensemble B categories, showcasing their award-winning pieces. Among the first-prize winners, Chan Chin Shuan (Sheng, Senior Category) captivated the audience with her breathtaking rendition of Peacock (Movements I and IV), while Zeng Canran (Erhu, Senior Category) delivered the world premiere of Trials and Tribulations, an erhu concerto composed by Phang Kok Jun. Both participants had the privilege of performing alongside the Singapore Chinese Orchestra, to conclude the evening of arts presentation.
Grand Category Finals
The three Grand Category finalists also vied for the Champion title on 14 December during the “Final for Grand Category” showcase, as they performed with the orchestra under the baton of SCO Associate Conductor Moses Gay. 23-year-old Li Yichen (Erhu) emerged as Champion with his presentation of Infinite Nothingness, where he amazed everyone with his expressive performance and techniques. In 2022, Li’s team (NAFA Chinese Ensemble 2) won the Ensemble B Category at the Singapore Chinese Music Competition. Currently the Erhu II Associate Principal of the Singapore National Youth Chinese Orchestra, he earned widespread acclaim for his captivating performance of The Sunshine on Tashkurgan at the Singapore National Youth Chinese Orchestra 'Legacy II' concert. Additionally, Sim Kee was awarded the Audience Choice Award for her outstanding performance.
Music Mentor Award
In acknowledgement of dedicated instructors who have guided at least five students to the Finals of the competition, SCMC launched a new award known as “Music Mentor Award”. Recipients of the “Music Mentor Award” were presented a trophy and certificate, as a recognition of their commitment in nurturing talents. In this inaugural year, a total of seven instructors were honored with this prestigious award.
Memorable highlights
- Sibling Victories: Brothers Ethan Wijaya and Ewan Wijaya won championships in the Intermediate and Senior Zhongruan categories; Zeng Haoran (Erhu, Intermediate Category) and Zeng Canran (Erhu, Senior Category) and also emerged as first prize winners for two of three erhu categories, showcasing their family’s musical legacy.
- Mother-Son Collaboration: SCO Erhu musician Shen Qin performed alongside her son Zeng Canran for the first time at the "Prize Winners’ Concert," presenting the world premiere of the Erhu Concerto Trials and Tribulations.
- Ensemble Highlights: Seven Sages, Beasts of Versailles, and YC Ensemble claimed top prizes in Ensemble Group A, while Reverberance Youth, NAFA Chinese Ensemble, and NAFA Guzheng Ensemble triumphed in Ensemble Group B
- Youngest SCMC Winner: At just 8 years old, Wen Ruohan became the youngest awardee in SCMC 2024 by clinching the 2nd Prize in the Erhu Junior category
Adjudicators and Dialogue Session
The 409 participants competed before a panel of renowned local and international adjudicators. An Adjudicators Sharing Session cum Dialogue session was also held on 11 December at the SCO Exhibition hall, where the adjudicators for the Finals category shared their observations from the competition and provided feedback for participants.
The biennial Singapore Chinese Music Competition, previously known as National Chinese Music Competition, seeks to provide an excellent platform to develop the performing skills of young musicians, raise musical standards, discover new talents, and connect our people by supporting their lifelong interest in the pursuit of Chinese music in Singapore. The competition has a total cash prize of $91,400, with the winners in each category receiving trophies, certificates, and cash prizes of up to $10,000.
SCO Executive Director Terence Ho remarked, “This year’s competition has been a resounding success. I believe that its artistic impact and cultural significance will continue to inspire and shape Singapore’s Chinese music scene. We look forward to witnessing even more exceptional talent emerge, driving Chinese music to greater heights in the years to come.”
Click here for the full list of participants and winners. For more information please visit SCMC’s website.
