Music Singapore International Competition: A Journey of Growth and Excellence

 

Music Singapore International Piano & Violin Competition was founded in 2020 by Singapore-based music educator, Vivian Gao. When the COVID-19 pandemic swept through Singapore and the world that year, life as we knew it came to a halt. Events were canceled, businesses shuttered, and schools went online. Even monumental events like the Olympics were postponed for the first time in history. Music competitions, too, were deeply affected, forcing organizers to rethink how to sustain the industry during these challenging times.

​

Undeterred by the challenges, Vivian turned adversity into opportunity. Leveraging her expertise and strong network in the music industry, she spearheaded the launch of one of Singapore's first virtual music competitions. The first edition of Music Singapore, held entirely online, was met with overwhelming success. Talented musicians from across the globe competed, and the competition attracted partnerships with renowned organizations like Henle Verlag, the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM), and Asia Music Bookstore.

​

As the competition grew in popularity, the second and third editions introduced a hybrid model, combining physical and virtual formats to accommodate contestants from around the world. A significant milestone came in the third edition, which marked the debut of the Gala Concert and Award Ceremony, offering participants the opportunity to perform alongside prominent figures in the music industry and celebrate their accomplishments in style.

​

2024: A Year of Expansion

​

The 2024 edition saw the competition nearly double its number of contestants, attracting participants from over eight countries, further solidifying Music Singapore's international reputation. This significant growth demonstrated the global appeal of the competition and its ability to bring together talented musicians across borders.

​

2025: New Heights and Broader Horizons

​

Looking ahead to 2025, Music Singapore is expanding further with the introduction of cello and flute categories, alongside piano, violin, and other established categories. The competition has also secured invitations to collaborate with countries beyond the ASEAN region, marking an exciting new chapter in its mission to uncover and nurture young musical talents worldwide.

​

A Vision for the Future

​

Music Singapore's journey reflects its unwavering commitment to excellence and inclusivity in music. By providing a platform for extraordinary performances and facilitating global connections, the competition continues to inspire and empower the next generation of musicians.

​

The organizers remain dedicated to creating opportunities for participants to shine, whether through competitive stages, networking with esteemed music professionals, or celebrating achievements at the prestigious Gala Concert. With each edition, Music Singapore strengthens its position as a premier music competition, bridging cultural divides and fostering a global community united by the love of music.

​

Music Singapore is more than a competition—it is a movement to discover, nurture, and connect talents from Singapore and the rest of the world. From its humble beginnings as a virtual event to its current standing as a globally recognized platform, Music Singapore remains committed to its vision of shaping the future of music for generations to come.