A competition that celebrates
Asia's finest young instrumentalists
aged 5 - 18.
YOUNG MUSICIANS AWARD
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Hosted by NLCS (Singapore), the Young Musician of the Year 2026 celebrates artistry, dedication, and ambition in young musicians aged 5–18 across Strings, Woodwind, Brass and Piano. Selected participants will perform on a professional stage before an international panel of judges, sharing their music within a vibrant community of excellence. Winners will be invited to a gala concert and the Concerto Finalists will perform alongside a Symphony Orchestra. They will also record at Singapore’s legendary Lion Studios with Songwork International, and at the highest level, one musician will be awarded a S$5,000 scholarship in recognition of outstanding promise.
Celebrating Young Talent, Inspiring Future Excellence
Head Judge Joshua Tan is one of Singapore’s most celebrated conductors. A graduate of Juilliard and Eastman, he has led orchestras at Carnegie Hall, Philharmonie Berlin and Mariinsky Hall, and worked with luminaries like Charles Dutoit and Kurt Masur. He is currently Music Director of the Singapore National Youth Orchestra and Asia Virtuosi, with an extensive repertoire spanning symphonic, operatic and multimedia works.
Joshua Tan
British-Indonesian pianist George Harliono has performed with major orchestras including the Mariinsky and Moscow State Symphony, and won top prizes at the Tchaikovsky, Gina Bachauer and Dinu Lipatti competitions. A graduate of the Royal College of Music, he has appeared at Wigmore Hall, Royal Albert Hall and Berlin Philharmonie, establishing himself as one of the most exciting pianists of his generation.
George Harliono
Internationally acclaimed violinist Zhi Jong Wang made her solo debut at 14 under Sir Yehudi Menuhin and has won prizes at the Sibelius, Tchaikovsky and Lipizer competitions. She has performed with leading orchestras worldwide, and currently serves as Associate Professor at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music. Performing on a 1716 Stradivarius, she is recognised as a leading voice of a new generation of Asian violinists.
Zhi Jong Wang
Internationally acclaimed violinist Zhi Jong Wang made her solo debut at 14 under Sir Yehudi Menuhin and has won prizes at the Sibelius, Tchaikovsky and Lipizer competitions. She has performed with leading orchestras worldwide, and currently serves as Associate Professor at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music. Performing on a 1716 Stradivarius, she is recognised as a leading voice of a new generation of Asian violinists.
Zhi Jong Wang
Guided by esteemed judges, elevated on stage, immortalised in the studio, and celebrated with distinguished prizes
The Judging Panel
Opportunities that will Inspire, Challenge & Elevate
Junior, Intermediate, and Senior winners will appear in the Gala Concert Finale, performing on stage with some of Asia’s finest young musicians. Each category winner will also be presented with a trophy of distinction, an enduring symbol of their success.
Gala
Concert
Junior, Intermediate, and Senior winners will appear in the Gala Concert Finale, performing on stage with some of Asia’s finest young musicians. Each category winner will also be presented with a trophy of distinction, an enduring symbol of their success.
Gala
Concert
Concerto finalists will share the Concert stage with a full Symphony Orchestra, experiencing the honour of performing within a professional orchestral setting. This rare privilege is a milestone in any young musician’s journey.
Symphony Orchestra
The Concerto Prize Winner will receive a S$5,000 scholarship, awarded in recognition of exceptional promise. This prize affirms their achievement while supporting the next stage of their musical development.
Concerto
Scholarship
All category winners will record at Singapore’s legendary Lion Studios, home to countless gold and platinum records. Their performances will be produced by Songwork International under acclaimed producer Roo Pigott.
Studio Recording
Concerto finalists will share the Concert stage with a full Symphony Orchestra, experiencing the honour of performing within a professional orchestral setting. This rare privilege is a milestone in any young musician’s journey.
Symphony Orchestra
The Concerto Prize Winner will receive a S$5,000 scholarship, awarded in recognition of exceptional promise. This prize affirms their achievement while supporting the next stage of their musical development.
Concerto
Scholarship
All category winners will record at Singapore’s legendary Lion Studios, home to countless gold and platinum records. Their performances will be produced by Songwork International under acclaimed producer Roo Pigott.
Studio Recording
Video
Submission
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Color - 1A
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Color - 1B
Primary - Opposite
Accent & Specularity
Outlines 1
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Competition
Details
Students are encouraged to focus on developing confidence and stage presence. Suggested repertoire may include works
● Kabalevsky’s Clowns ● Burgmüller’s Arabesque ● Pieces from Suzuki Books 1–2 (e.g. Minuet No. 2) ● Any solo piece at approximately Grade 2–3 level
Discover the essential information about the competition — including categories, key timelines, and entry requirements.
Complete the online entry form by selecting your category and uploading a single-take performance video along with a PDF of your score. You will be asked to confirm that you have read and accepted the Rules & Regulations. We will verify your age/category and ensure that your video and documents meet the technical requirements. Entry fees are payable as outlined in the table below.
How the Competition works
Students are encouraged to demonstrate developing technical control and interpretative skills. Suggested repertoire may include
● Clementi’s Sonatina in C, Op. 36 No. 1
● Dvořák’s Humoresque ● Handel’s Sonata in F (Flute) ● Any solo piece at approximately Grade 4–5 level
Entrants are encouraged to demonstrate expressive playing and stylistic awareness. Suggested repertoire may include
● Vivaldi’s Concerto in A minor (1st or 3rd movement) ● Chopin’s Waltz in A minor ● Massenet’s Méditation ● Marcello’s Oboe Concerto in C minor ● Any solo piece at approximately Grade 5–8 level
Students are encouraged to focus on developing confidence and stage presence. Suggested repertoire may include works
For the Advanced Category, repertoire must be chosen from the approved concerto list, with the entire first movement (including cadenza where applicable) performed.
Artistic Review & Shortlisting
Our distinguished judging panel carefully reviews all eligible submissions. Performances are assessed for musicality, technical proficiency, and interpretative insight. Entrants who demonstrate the highest standard will be invited to participate in the Live Heats in Singapore, ensuring that the most talented and well-prepared young musicians advance to the next stage of the competition.
In-Person Live Heats
Shortlisted entrants will perform live before the judging panel and an audience, adhering to the rules of their chosen category and providing their own accompaniment. Judges will assess not only technical precision but also stage presence, musical communication, and overall performance artistry.
Masterclasses & Winners' Concert
On Saturday, 6th June, our distinguished panelists will lead masterclasses for the finalists, offering guidance and insight into performance and interpretation. Following the masterclasses, the winners of the Junior, Intermediate, and Senior categories will perform in a celebratory concert, showcasing their talent and development throughout the competition.
Deadline: 15 January 2026
Notifications Sent: Mid-Feb 2026
Dates: 25-26 April 2026
Date: 6 June 2026
Junior
Up to the Age of 10
Intermediate
Up to the Age of 13
Senior
Up to the Age of 16
Advanced
Up to the Age of 18
The competition is open to instrumentalists playing Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Piano, Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, French Horn, and Trumpet.
Gala Final
Advanced Concerto Performance
The top Advanced finalists will perform their concerto repertoire on Sunday, 7th June, having had the unique opportunity to rehearse with a Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Joshua Tan, Head Judge. These performances will be further enriched by appearances from our distinguished panelists, allowing the concerto finalists to share the stage with world-renowned musicians. Awards for all categories will be presented during the Gala Final, culminating in the announcement of the overall Young Musician of the Year 2026, celebrating the extraordinary artistry of some of Asia’s finest young musicians.
Date: 7 June 2026
Complete the online entry form by selecting your category and uploading a single-take performance video along with a PDF of your score. You will be asked to confirm that you have read and accepted the Rules & Regulations. We will verify your age/category and ensure that your video and documents meet the technical requirements. Entry fees are payable as outlined in the table below.
Entry Submission Deadline :
15 January 2026
Junior SGD 130
Incl. GST
Intermediate SGD 150
Senior SGD 170
Advanced SGD 210
Please download and review the Rules & Regulations before submitting your entry.
Submission of your entry confirms your agreement to these terms.
Apply Now | NLCS (Singapore) Young Musicians Award 2026
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2
Celebrating Young Talent, Inspiring Future Excellence
The Judging Panel
Head Judge Joshua Tan is one of Singapore’s most celebrated conductors. A graduate of Juilliard and Eastman, he has led orchestras at Carnegie Hall, Philharmonie Berlin and Mariinsky Hall, and worked with luminaries like Charles Dutoit and Kurt Masur. He is currently Music Director of the Singapore National Youth Orchestra and Asia Virtuosi, with an extensive repertoire spanning symphonic, operatic and multimedia works.
Joshua
Tan
Hosted by NLCS (Singapore), the Young Musician of the Year 2026 celebrates artistry, dedication, and ambition in young musicians aged 5–18 across Strings, Woodwind, Brass and Piano. Selected participants will perform on a professional stage before an international panel of judges, sharing their music within a vibrant community of excellence. Winners will be invited to a gala concert and the Concerto Finalists will perform alongside a Symphony Orchestra. They will also record at Singapore’s legendary Lion Studios with Songwork International, and at the highest level, one musician will be awarded a S$5,000 scholarship in recognition of outstanding promise.
British-Indonesian pianist George Harliono has performed with major orchestras including the Mariinsky and Moscow State Symphony, and won top prizes at the Tchaikovsky, Gina Bachauer and Dinu Lipatti competitions. A graduate of the Royal College of Music, he has appeared at Wigmore Hall, Royal Albert Hall and Berlin Philharmonie, establishing himself as one of the most exciting pianists of his generation.
George Harliono
Guided by esteemed judges, elevated on stage, immortalised in the studio, and celebrated with distinguished prizes
Opportunities that will Inspire, Challenge & Elevate
We must add atleast 10 Faqs here
A competition that celebrates
Asia's finest young instrumentalists
aged 5 - 18.
British-Indonesian pianist George Harliono has performed with major orchestras including the Mariinsky and Moscow State Symphony, and won top prizes at the Tchaikovsky, Gina Bachauer and Dinu Lipatti competitions. A graduate of the Royal College of Music, he has appeared at Wigmore Hall, Royal Albert Hall and Berlin Philharmonie, establishing himself as one of the most exciting pianists of his generation.
George Harliono
Zhi Jong Wang
Internationally acclaimed violinist Zhi Jong Wang made her solo debut at 14 under Sir Yehudi Menuhin and has won prizes at the Sibelius, Tchaikovsky and Lipizer competitions. She has performed with leading orchestras worldwide, and currently serves as Associate Professor at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music. Performing on a 1716 Stradivarius, she is recognised as a leading voice of a new generation of Asian violinists.
Opportunities that will Inspire, Challenge & Elevate
Guided by esteemed judges, elevated on stage, immortalised in the studio, and celebrated with distinguished prizes
Junior, Intermediate, and Senior winners will appear in the Gala Concert Finale, performing on stage with some of Asia’s finest young musicians. Each category winner will also be presented with a trophy of distinction, an enduring symbol of their success.
Gala
Concert
Junior, Intermediate, and Senior winners will appear in the Gala Concert Finale, performing on stage with some of Asia’s finest young musicians. Each category winner will also be presented with a trophy of distinction, an enduring symbol of their success.
Symphony Orchestra
Junior, Intermediate, and Senior winners will appear in the Gala Concert Finale, performing on stage with some of Asia’s finest young musicians. Each category winner will also be presented with a trophy of distinction, an enduring symbol of their success.
Concerto Scholarship
Junior, Intermediate, and Senior winners will appear in the Gala Concert Finale, performing on stage with some of Asia’s finest young musicians. Each category winner will also be presented with a trophy of distinction, an enduring symbol of their success.
Studio Recording
Competition
Details
Discover the essential information about the competition — including categories, key timelines, and entry requirements.
Grade 2 ABRSM (or equivalent)
up to 5 minutes.
Grade 4 ABRSM (or equivalent)
up to 7 minutes.
Grade 6 ABRSM (or equivalent)
up to 10 minutes.
Grade 8 ABRSM (or equivalent)
one movement from the Approved Concerto List.
The competition is open to instrumentalists playing Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Piano, Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, French Horn, and Trumpet.
Video
Submission
Complete the online entry form by selecting your category and uploading a single-take performance video along with a PDF of your score. You will be asked to confirm that you have read and accepted the Rules & Regulations. We will verify your age/category and ensure that your video and documents meet the technical requirements. Entry fees are payable as outlined in the table below.
Entry Submission Deadline :
15 January 2026
Complete the online entry form by selecting your category and uploading a single-take performance video along with a PDF of your score. You will be asked to confirm that you have read and accepted the Rules & Regulations. We will verify your age/category and ensure that your video and documents meet the technical requirements. Entry fees are payable as outlined in the table below.
Intermediate SGD 150
Senior SGD 170
Advanced SGD 210
Junior SGD 130
Incl. GST
Competition
Details
1
3
4
5
Junior
Up to the Age of 10
Grade 2 ABRSM (or equivalent)
up to 5 minutes.
Students are encouraged to focus on developing confidence and stage presence. Suggested repertoire may include works
● Kabalevsky’s Clowns ● Burgmüller’s Arabesque ● Pieces from Suzuki Books 1–2 (e.g. Minuet No. 2) ● Any solo piece at approximately Grade 2–3 level
Intermediate
Up to the Age of 13
Grade 4 ABRSM (or equivalent)
up to 7 minutes.
Students are encouraged to demonstrate developing technical control and interpretative skills. Suggested repertoire may include
● Clementi’s Sonatina in C, Op. 36 No. 1
● Dvořák’s Humoresque ● Handel’s Sonata in F (Flute) ● Any solo piece at approximately Grade 4–5 level
Senior
Up to the Age of 16
Grade 6 ABRSM (or equivalent)
up to 10 minutes.
Entrants are encouraged to demonstrate expressive playing and stylistic awareness. Suggested repertoire may include
● Vivaldi’s Concerto in A minor (1st or 3rd movement) ● Chopin’s Waltz in A minor ● Massenet’s Méditation ● Marcello’s Oboe Concerto in C minor ● Any solo piece at approximately Grade 5–8 level
Advanced
Up to the Age of 18
Grade 8 ABRSM (or equivalent)
one movement from the Approved Concerto List.
Students are encouraged to focus on developing confidence and stage presence. Suggested repertoire may include works
For the Advanced Category, repertoire must be chosen from the approved concerto list, with the entire first movement (including cadenza where applicable) performed.
1
2
Artistic Review
& Shortlisting
Our distinguished judging panel carefully reviews all eligible submissions. Performances are assessed for musicality, technical proficiency, and interpretative insight. Entrants who demonstrate the highest standard will be invited to participate in the Live Heats in Singapore, ensuring that the most talented and well-prepared young musicians advance to the next stage of the competition.
Deadline: 15 January 2026
Notifications Sent: Mid-Feb 2026
3
In-Person
Live Heats
Shortlisted entrants will perform live before the judging panel and an audience, adhering to the rules of their chosen category and providing their own accompaniment. Judges will assess not only technical precision but also stage presence, musical communication, and overall performance artistry.
Dates: 25-26 April 2026
4
Masterclasses & Winners' Concert
On Saturday, 6th June, our distinguished panelists will lead masterclasses for the finalists, offering guidance and insight into performance and interpretation. Following the masterclasses, the winners of the Junior, Intermediate, and Senior categories will perform in a celebratory concert, showcasing their talent and development throughout the competition.
Date: 6 June 2026
5
Gala Final
Advanced Concerto Performance
On Saturday, 6th June, our distinguished panelists will lead masterclasses for the finalists, offering guidance and insight into performance and interpretation. Following the masterclasses, the winners of the Junior, Intermediate, and Senior categories will perform in a celebratory concert, showcasing their talent and development throughout the competition.
Date: 7 June 2026
Apply Now
NLCS (Singapore)
Young Musicians Award 2026
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