The National Piano & Violin Competition is Singapore's oldest and most prestigious music competition. In its 13th edition, this biennial competition celebrates music excellence and serves as a platform to identify music talent, as well as to develop and nurture young musicians by providing them the opportunity to showcase their performing skills and musicality before international adjudicators.
The competition is open to young pianists and violinists aged 25 years and below. Participants will compete in four categories:
For more information on eligibility criteria, repertoire requirements, practice sessions and competition procedures, please download the NPVC 2021 Rules and Regulations here.
The 2021 edition will take place from 27 November to 5 December 2021 at the Victoria Concert Hall and Esplanade Recital Studio.
Important Dates:
Registration period: 3 May 2021, 10am to 23 July 2021, 5pm
Announcement of results of video screening round: 3 September 2021
Competition dates: 27 November to 5 December 2021
All participants who have progress to live rounds will be sent a link to book practice sessions online. The sessions are available on a first come, first served basis, from 17 Sep 2021, 10am – 1 Oct 2021, 5pm.
No, each participant may only book one practice session.
No, practice sessions are not compulsory.
The booking fee is strictly non-refundable. If you are unable to attend, you may contact us to reschedule, subject to availability.
No, you may not. Practice sessions will be at Esplanade Recital Studio for violin participants, and Victoria Concert Hall for piano participants.
Yes, but only one chaperone and one piano accompanist (if your programme requires) per participant is allowed.
Yes, if the chaperone and/or accompanist will be different from the one indicated on the registration form, please send your change request to npvc@sso.org.sg by 11 October 2021.
No, all sessions available for booking can be found on the site.
No, participants may only book sessions with assigned durations. Practice sessions are 30 minutes for Junior and Intermediate categories, 45 minutes for Senior category, and 60 minutes for Artist category.
The sessions cost $50 for Junior and Intermediate categories, $75 for Senior category, and $100 for Artist category.
Yes, participants may use their own phone or camera to record their practice session.
Participants in the Senior and Artist category who have progressed to the Quarter-Finals will receive the set piece by 24 September 2021.
During the hour-long session, participants may seek clarifications about the set piece from the composer. It will be held live, subject to change depending on the prevailing Safe Distancing Measures.
No, the session will not be recorded. If you are unable to make it, you may send a representative to attend in your place.
No, it is not compulsory to attend the session.
All participants, chaperones and accompanists are required to bring proof of identity (e.g. NRIC, birth certificate, passport, or student pass) for verification purposes.
Yes, each participant will be given additional time for warm up before going on stage.
Yes, if the chaperone and/or accompanist will be different from the one indicated on the registration form, please send your change request to npvc@sso.org.sg by 11 October 2021.
Yes, with the exception of violin sonatas. The set piece will also need to be performed from memory.
For the live rounds (Quarter-Finals, Semi-Finals and Finals), results will be announced on the same day on the competition website. Participants who progress to the next round will also be notified via SMS.
A limited number of participants, accompanists and chaperones will be allowed backstage each time, with high touch points wiped down frequently.
Masks must be worn at all times backstage and onstage, even during your performance.
In view of the COVID-19 pandemic, the safety of our participants, judges, staff and crew is of paramount importance. We are committed to providing a safe environment for everyone by making the following adjustments to the Competition this year:
There will be no Prize Winners’ Concert this year. Prize presentations for all prize winners will be held in person at the Victoria Concert Hall after each Final round. The prize winners’ performances in the Final rounds will be presented digitally at a later date, so that they can be showcased and celebrated publicly.
There will be no in-venue audience for all rounds of the Competition. All Competition rounds will be recorded, streamed live and free to view on the NPVC Facebook and/or SSO YouTube page.
Due to COVID-19 Safe Management Measures restrictions, the orchestra is not able to be present for the Artist Final round. In its place, all Artist category finalists will perform with piano accompaniment.
The competition will follow guidelines set out by the relevant authorities depending on how the situation is like. In the event that the competition needs to be cancelled, all registration and practice session booking fees will be refunded.
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If you have additional queries, please feel free to drop a query to npvc@sso.org.sg!
