The future of classical music lit up the stage at the National Piano & Violin Competition (NPVC) 2025, which concluded on 30 November at Victoria Concert Hall, Singapore.
Organised biennially by the Singapore Symphony Group with support from the National Arts Council, the competition awarded 26 young musicians across piano and violin disciplines, highlighting the depth of Singapore’s musical talent pool.
Gracing the Prize Presentation Ceremony was Ms Goh Swee Chen, Chairman of the National Arts Council, who acknowledged the efforts of the performers, educators, and supporters that make the competition possible.
Out of over 200 applicants, 105 participants were shortlisted to perform before a distinguished international panel of adjudicators:
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Piano: Ashley Wass, Noriko Ogawa, Ran Jia
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Violin: Kaoru Kondo, Mira Wang, Erik Heide
The Senior (21 and under) and Artist (25 and under) categories featured commissioned set pieces by Singaporean composer Koh Cheng Jin, adding a local flavour to the challenging repertoire.
Piano adjudicator Ashley Wass shared, “Experiencing such artistry in a beautiful hall has been a privilege... I commend the pianists for growing into wiser, more well-rounded musicians through this competition.” Violin adjudicator Mira Wang praised the initiative for creating “a wonderful opportunity” for young string talents to grow and shine.
Introducing the 2025 winners
Piano – Artist (25 & under)
1st prize: Toby Tan Kai Rong (also won Audience Prize)
2nd prize: Goh Kai Cheng
3rd prize: Chen Xing-Chi
Violin – Artist (25 & under)
1st prize: Ernest Syu
Joint 2nd prize: Low Peng Guan, Madeline Goh Anyi
Audience Prize: Wu Yueer Angela
Piano – Junior (11 & under)
1st prize: Angelina Xi Yuxi
2nd prize: Enzio Lim Yue Tong
Joint 3rd prize: Ham Jia Le Harry, Zhao Ziwen
Honourable Mention: Theodore Penn Hur
Piano – Intermediate (15 & under)
2nd prize: Ma Chun Yin Phyllis
3rd prize: Ooi Yi Kai
Piano – Senior (21 & under)
2nd prize: Tong Yong Kang
3rd prize: Tong Yong Jian
Violin – Junior (11 & under)
1st prize: Wu Yueer Angela
2nd prize: Khew Jing Kai Kaden
3rd prize: Wu Yifan
Honourable Mention: Wong Jun Bin Maximus
Violin – Intermediate (15 & under)
Joint 1st prize: Cathy Chen Xi, Sophia Ann Fang
3rd prize: Asher Ng An Sheng
Honourable Mention: Mason Chua Yukai
Violin – Senior (21 & under)
1st prize: Low Peng Yang
2nd prize: Kaleb Toh Yi Chao
3rd prize: Isabel Heng Ai Ping.
All winners received certificates, eco-friendly trophies, and cash prizes of up to S$5,000.
View the full winners list here. Watch the finals replay here.
