7th Singapore Performers' Festival & Chamber Music Competition 2018 - The Singapore Music Teachers' Association

Inaugurated in 2006, the biennial Performers' Festival (PF) gives musicians of all ages a public platform to showcase their talents before a live audience. It is a festival and not a competition, so you are not being compared to other performers. You have the chance to select music that you like and can play well, and perform it to the best of your ability in a professional setting before an international adjudicating panel. You are not vying for a grade - you are reaching for your personal best!

by April 30^th

Receive Email Confirmation

by June 4^th

Perform

from June 18^th - 24^th

Calling all novice and budding composers/performers of all ages

The theme for this inaugural composition category is: ‘SINGAPORE’.

Composition

Any solo or combination of instrumental ensemble work.
Vocal works are accepted. However, the lyrics must not present copyright problems.
There is no limit to the number of works performed within the registered time block.
Composers are to present at least one work that is inspired by Singapore.
Singapore sources of inspiration may include but not restricted by local history, festivals, legends, locations, nature, food or anything that is uniquely Singapore.

Arrangement

Any solo or combination of instrumental ensemble work
Arrangements may be based on local folk songs or national songs.
Participants must clear any necessary rights on their own while using national songs except the following list.
SMTA will not be liable nor responsible for any non-clearing of rights.
Composers may choose to use the following National Songs as a basis of their composition or arrangement. This is made possible through a temporary Copyright License from the National Arts Council of Singapore to be used during the Performers’ Festival.
For songs marked with asterisks **, check with the songwriter/COMPASS on whether other rights clearances are needed.
The arranger of the listed national songs shall credit the Singapore Government by inserting copyright notices with the Content: "Source: [state Content] © Government of the Republic of Singapore. Permission required for reproduction."
The arranger shall submit two copies of the arrangement to SMTA for the submission to the National Arts Council (NAC).

S/N	Song	Composer	Lyricist
1	Stand Up For Singapore	Hugh Harrison	Hugh Harrison
2	Count On Me Singapore	Hugh Harrison	Hugh Harrison
3	We Are Singapore	Hugh Harrison	Hugh Harrison
4	One People, One Nation, One Singapore **	Jeremy Monterio	Jim Aitchison
5	It's The Little Things	Patrick Seet	Ivan Chua
6	My Singapore Story **	Jeremy Monteiro	Jim Aitchison
7	Moments of Magic	Ken Lim	Ken Lim
8	Together	Ken Lim	Ken Lim
9	We Are The Ones	Clement Chow	Clement Chow
10	Shine On Me	Jim Lim	Jim Lim
11	Where I Belong	Tanya Chua	Tanya Chua
12	A Place In My Heart	Kevin Quah	Kevin Quah

Performance

The composer is also to be featured as performer of his/her own work(s). The composer may perform solo or as an ensemble player or both.
The composer is responsible for the other players and for the rehearsals of the ensemble pieces.
Participants are encouraged, but not required to perform solo works from memory.
One or more compositions/arrangements may be performed. All works should be presented within the registered time blocks. That includes instrument set up, breaks between pieces, and on-off the stage.

Scores and Write-Up

TWO copies of your score(s) including a brief write-up of each work are to be submitted for the adjudicators’ use when you report at registration on the day of your performance. The scores will be returned after the performance.
Scores may be submitted as either typeset or handwritten. Handwritten scores must be legible with a proper layout.
The title of the composition, name of participant and the instrument(s) must be clearly typed on the cover of the composition. The brief write-up appears on the next page, followed by the music score in the subsequent pages.
Bar numbers must be indicated at the start of each line.

Adjudication

Adjudication will primarily focus on the strength of the composition(s). Nevertheless, the performance standard will also be considered.
Adjudicators will select and award the best Singapore-inspired string composition/arrangement for Belcanto Award. Such work will be featured at the Gala Concert.

Dates

Venue

Categories

Day 1–5

18–22 June

(OH)

Piano Solo and Piano Duet (1 piano, 4 hands)
Session 1: Morning (9am-noon)
Session 2: Afternoon (Noon-4pm)
Session 3: Evening/Night (4pm-9pm)

Day 2

19 June

(RS)

Composition (Solo)
Composition (Ensemble)

Day 4 & 5

21 & 22 June

(RS)

Violin
Session 1: Morning (9am-noon)
Session 2: Afternoon (Noon-4pm)
Session 3: Evening/Night (4pm-9pm)

Day 5

22 June

(ER)

Viola
Cello
String Duo
Solo Voice

Day 6

23 June

(OH)

Chamber Groups (non-competitive)
Chamber Competition

Day 7

24 June
2:00-5:00/5:30pm

(CH)

GALA CONCERT & AWARDS CEREMONY

Performance Guidelines (Very Important)

Eligibility

The festival is open to the public (local & overseas, non-members & members) of all ages (children and adults) and all levels.

Duration

Duration is 10 minutes (your programme can be less than 10 minutes) which can be extended by blocks of 5 minutes.
Performers may perform for more than 10 minutes. The appropriate fees apply.
Performers can perform more than one work within the duration, during which it must include time for breaks in between each work.
The whole performance (starting from the time you enter to perform) must not exceed your booked duration. You are advised to do a run-through of your COMPLETE performance (including bowing, adjusting your seat/tuning, breaks in between pieces) to ensure that your booked duration is well sufficient.
Performers will be stopped should they exceed their booked duration.
The duration of each work (including any repeats) must be stated on the Registration Form.

Entries

Participants may enter for more than one category. Separate applications for each category.
Solo categories: Individual registrations must be made for each individual participant. (No sharing)

Scores

1 set of ORIGINAL scores (no unauthorised photocopies) must be provided on the performance day for the adjudicators' reference. Please remember to collect your scores back from the registration desk before you leave.
Bar numbers: Scores should be marked with bar numbers at the start of each line

Performance Attire & Etiquette

Musical performance is as much a visual experience as it is an aural one. As such, performance etiquette should be practiced; appropriate performance attire and footwear should be worn. Attire and performance etiquette will be taken into consideration in the adjudication

AWARDS/PRIZES

Awards

- Platinum
- Gold
- Silver
- Bronze
- Certificate of Participation

Competition Prize

Total value SG$1,600

String Award

More than US$15,000 of Paul Goh Handmade Bows

Scholarship Awards

Belcanto Awards

Cash voucher Total value $3000

PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITY

Perform with Orchestra at Victoria Concert Hall

Dakademy SCHOLARSHIP

Total value 5000€

Based on your performance, participants shall qualify for one of the five levels of awards:

Platinum
Gold
Silver
Bronze
Certificate of Participation

Trophies will be awarded to Platinum and Gold recipients during the Awards Ceremony on Day 7. Platinum and Gold recipients' names will be announced on the SMTA website.

Forte Musicademy Chamber Music Competition Prize

The TOP THREE winning groups shall receive cash prizes of $800, $500 & $300 respectively.

The 1st prize group will perform in the Gala Concert.

Handcrafted bows by Paul Goh

Judges shall propose any deserving Violin, Viola &/or Cello performer(s)* to each receive the special award of a customised hand-crafted bow (total value more than US$15,000) by Singapore's first and only Archetier, Paul Goh.

(*Only students of SMTA members OR participants who are members themselves are eligible for the consideration.)

JOIN MEMBER HERE

SMTA Scholarship Awards

Scholarships will also be awarded (not for Chamber Music Competition), at the discretion of the organisers, to selected outstanding Platinum recipients* who show potential for further development. Selected participants may receive a maximum of one scholarship regardless of the number of entries in the same category, for e.g. Solo Piano.

(*Only students of SMTA members OR participants who are members themselves are eligible to be considered for these scholarships. Music students who are already on scholarships are not eligible.)

JOIN MEMBER HERE

Academic School Membership (ASM) Academic schools* can apply as members under "Academic School Membership" (ASM). Students of the member school will be considered as students of ASM members. Please propose to your school if it is not yet a member.

*"Academic schools" refer to Primary, Secondary and Tertiary institutions, schools that offer Music Elective Programme (MEP), and music institutions such as School of the Arts (SOTA), LaSalle College of the Arts, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) and Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, NUS.

Belcanto Violinist Awards

Adjudicators will select and award two outstanding violinists a $1,000 cash voucher each to purchase instruments or bows from Belcanto Violins. https://belcantoviolins.com/about/

Belcanto String Composition Award

Adjudicators will select and award the best Singapore-inspired string composition/arrangement a $1,000 cash voucher to purchase instruments or bows from Belcanto Violins.
The Belcanto Composition/Arrangement work will be featured at the Gala Concert.

(Only students of SMTA members OR participants who are members themselves are eligible for all the above awards.)

Opportunity to Perform with Orchestra at Victoria Concert Hall

During the upcoming 7th Performers' Festival, adjudicators shall be recommending the most outstanding performer(s) to collaborate with the Kids' Philharmonic orchestra. They are the premier Orchestra for young children in Singapore led under the baton of Maestro Luo Wei (Music Director). Venue: VCH. Date: TBA.

Please note that to qualify for this opportunity, the choice of a concerto work (or any orchestra work with soloist) written in its originality must be undertaken and presented as repertoire during the festival. Such works are to be performed with piano accompaniment in lieu of the orchestra. All Pianists participants will be considered for this opportunity and have a free choice of music repertoire. (Concerto/orchestral works will not be advisable to be presented for the piano category due to having only a single piano available during the festival. However, if a pianist participant is chosen, he may present with the orchestra, a solo work with orchestra of his choice.)

All participants will receive Adjudication Reports, Certificates and Video Recordings

For the Festival, a panel of two adjudicators will adjudicate each category. You will receive constructive written feedback from internationally renowned musicians based on how well you perform your chosen music. The evaluation is not based on how you play in comparison with another performer, nor will it take into consideration the age of the performer or the difficulty of the music.

To commemorate your special moment, participants will receive a complimentary video recording of their performance which may also serve as their music portfolio or for audition purposes. (Any type of unauthorized videography, recording or photography when the Festival is in session is STRICTLY not permitted so as not to interfere with the official videography.)

For Teachers: Members will enjoy complimentary 2-year SMTA membership (2019 and 2020) when he/she registers 10 or more students for the PF. Platinum and Gold recipients’ names and their teachers’ names will be listed on the SMTA website.

Announcement of awards

Adjudication Reports - will be emailed to your registered email address (July-Aug)

Certificates - will be mailed to your address submitted on your form (July-Aug)

Video Recordings - a link will be emailed to you for download (tentatively in September)

PLEASE ENSURE YOU TYPE & CHECK YOUR DETAILS BEFORE SUBMITING YOUR REGISTRATION. SMTA will not be held responsible for any errors made by the registrant.

Only recipients' names for the following awards will be announced on the SMTA website on DAY 6. • Platinum & Gold Awards • Scholarship Awards • Paul Goh Bow Award • Chamber Music Competition Prize Winners

N.B. Participants must check their names on the SMTA website to come and receive their awards at the Awards Ceremony on Day 7.

No phone calls will be made.

A representative can come and collect on the recipient's behalf. Please inform SMTA. Any uncollected awards will need to be arranged for collection from SMTA (within one month).

Recipients of Silver, Bronze and Certificate of Participation will receive their certificates by post (July-August).

GALA CONCERT & AWARDS CEREMONY (Day 7):
Outstanding performers (contacted via phone by Day 6) and the winning group of the Chamber
Music Competition will perform in the Gala Concert on Day 7.

ADJUDICATORS

PIANO ADJUDICATORS

Dr Nopanand Chanorathaikul
Dr Dean Kramer
Dennis Lee
Dr Roger Lord
Dr Scott McBride-Smith
Dr Marc Rochester
Chee-Hung Toh
Dr Claire Wachter

STRING ADJUDICATORS

Dr Michael Hall
Li-Wei Qin
Dr Goetz Richter
Dr Elizabeth Sellars
Maestro Joshua Tan
Leslie Tan
Zuo Jun

VOICE ADJUDICATORS

Lilith Verhelst
Dr Misook Yun

COMPOSITION ADJUDICATORS

Dr John Sharpley
Eric James Watson

GUEST SPEAKER

Dr. Greg Petersen

View All Adjudicators' Profiles

ADJUDICATION PROCESS

PERFORMANCE ADJUDICATION

Based on your performance, participants shall qualify for one of the five levels of awards:

Platinum

Demonstrates a high level of technical accuracy and command of the instrument
Displays an exceptional sense of musicality, maturity and attention to musical detail
Demonstrates a strong awareness of refinement of sound
Communicates very effectively and shows strong personality, resulting in a very persuasive performance

Gold

Demonstrates a good technical command of the instrument
Displays clear musicality and sensitivity to musical detail
Consistently produces nice and beautiful sound
Produces a real feeling of performance

Silver

Demonstrates a competent technical command of the instrument (some minor inaccuracies, but no major errors)
Displays a musical approach and some sensitivity to musical detail
Adequate sense of sound production, but not always ideal
Gives some feeling of performance

Bronze

Has some technical errors within a reasonably accurate performance
Musicality and sensitivity are apparent, but not always consistent
Mildly aware of sound and tone quality
A sense of communication and performance is sometimes obscured by a preoccupation with the technical demands of the music

Certificate of Participation

Performed with score(s)
Technical weaknesses are immediately apparent
Little feeling for the spirit of the music
Sound production is not a priority
Could try to give more thought to the requirements of a performance

COMPOSITION ADJUDICATION

Adjudication will primarily focus on the strength of the composition(s). Nevertheless, the performance standard will also be considered.

Platinum

Demonstrates a high level of compositional craft (i.e. structure)
Demonstrates highly effective and innovative idiomatic writing for the instrument(s)
Displays great attention to musical detail in both the score(s) and the performance
Exhibits a fully professional quality score
Demonstrates a vivid sense of creativity and imagination
Communicates with consistent clarity and sincerity
Exhibits a high degree of originality

Gold

Demonstrates a good level of compositional craft (i.e. structure)
Demonstrates overall effective and innovative idiomatic writing for the instrument(s)
Displays good attention to musical detail in both the score(s) and the performance
Exhibits a professional quality score
Demonstrates a sense of creativity and imagination
Communicates generally with clarity and sincerity
Exhibits evidence of originality

Silver

Demonstrates a generally competent level of compositional craft (i.e. structure)
Demonstrates a reasonably effective idiomatic writing for the instrument(s)
Displays reasonable attention to musical detail in both the score(s) and the performance
Exhibits a generally professional quality score
Demonstrates some elements of creativity and imagination
Communicates generally with clarity

Bronze

Demonstrates some degree of compositional craft (i.e. structure)
Demonstrates a reasonable understanding of the instrument(s) involved
Displays some evidence of musicality and detail in both score(s) and the performance
Displays some inadequacies in the layout of the score
Demonstrates some attempt towards creativity
Communicates at some basic level

Certificate of Participation

Demonstrates a rudimentary level of compositional craft (i.e. structure)
Demonstrates a lack of understanding of the instrument(s) involved
Displays a lack of detail and in both the score(s) and the performance
Displays serious inadequacies in the layout of the score
Communication is not clear

Venue

Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music (National University of Singapore) 3 Conservatory Drive, Singapore 117376

See map

Audience & Admision