World stature of Zhuhai's Mozart event elevated

The prestigious World Federation of International Music Competitions (WFIMC) has enlisted the Zhuhai International Mozart Competition for Young Musicians among its long list of mostly European, North American, and Asian classical music venues.

"Through competitions, musicians build stamina, prepare vast quantities of repertoire, and learn to handle public interest," states Benjamin Woodroffe, secretary general of WFIMC.

Recognized by WFIMC are the city's efforts to discover the most promising young talents in classical music that are consistent with its primary mission. The federation promotes the highest standards in competitions worldwide, and a priority is to introduce audiences "to the high-wire thrills" of competitions.

Wider global exposure will draw more competitive candidates to Zhuhai, lifting its prestige even higher, well in line with WFIMC standards, according to a spokesperson from Huafa Group, the organizer. The Mozart Competition is also a member of the Alink-Argerich Foundation, an independent information and service center for musical competitions.

WFIMC is non-profit and was founded in 1957. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, it belongs to the International Music Council founded by UNESCO in Paris and garners considerable respect within the music industry.

Zhuhai Int'l Mozart Competition 2017 [File photo]

The federation maintains a network of 128 of the world's leading music competitions in 40 countries. It exposes talented musicians to distinguished juries, general audiences, the media, and the rest of the music community. In China, it also promotes Harbin's Alice & Eleonore Schoenfeld International String Competition (this July 18-30).

Zhuhai's Mozart Competition, as the first of its kind, provides a professional stage for young pianists and violinists aged below 23 to demonstrate their skills.

The Zhuhai government sponsors it in partnership with the University Mozarteum Salzburg, one of the most celebrated music academies in Europe. Initiated in 2014, the competition was officially inaugurated in 2015 and has been held every two years ever since; the next show being in 2019.

It has received extensive attention at home and abroad, and participation is ever on the rise. Last year's event attracted 300 applicants from 39 countries and regions.

The local venue for classical music has gained considerable influence in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and has propelled many outstanding talents. For example, Mao Fujita from Japan, the winner of the 1st competition for young musicians -- Piano B (for ages 13 to 16) was a laureate at the 2017 Clara Haksil International Piano Competition, a WFIMC event held every two years in Vevey, Switzerland.