Competition Divisions

Four Divisions

From classical piano to the world's ethnic traditions — four core divisions, each carrying the Azure Bird Grand Award.

i.

Piano & Keyboard Division

Eligibility

Professional pianists. Free choice of repertoire — one work that best represents your highest artistic level.

Rules

Repeat signs played once only; Da Capo markings observed in full.
Over-time performances may be stopped without affecting scores.
Each entrant may register for up to three categories.

ii.

Vocal Categories Division

Seven Groups

Art song · Opera · Musical theatre · Folk song · Pop vocal · Children's voice · Choral.

Accompaniment

Bring your own accompanist, or submit a compliant MP3 backing track.
Official accompanist available on request at registration.
All accompaniment costs borne by the entrant.

iii.

Western Instruments Division

Five Families

Strings Violin · Viola · Cello · Double Bass
Brass Trumpet · Horn · Trombone · Euphonium · Tuba
Woodwind Flute · Clarinet · Saxophone · Oboe · Bassoon
Plucked Harp · Guitar
Percussion Timpani · Marimba · Glockenspiel

Rules

Free choice of repertoire.
Repeats once only; DC markings strictly observed.
Adjudicators may stop over-time performances.

iv.

World Ethnic & Traditional Instruments

Four Families

Bowed Erhu · Morin Khuur · Indian violin
Plucked Pipa · Guzheng · Sitar · Shamisen
Wind Dizi · Sheng · Shakuhachi · Bansuri
Percussion Taiko · Tabla · African drum

Cultural Mission

This division honours the musical traditions of the world's peoples, encouraging multicultural heritage and cross-cultural dialogue.

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