The 3rd Zhuhai International Mozart Competition for Young Musicians promises to be the best yet, says Mozarteum University Professor Paul Roczek, director of violin art. It will take place from Sept 10 to 22, at Zhuhai Huafa & CPAA Grand Theatre in Shizimen.

Tryouts were recently conducted at Mozarteum University of Salzburg, Austria with 116 pianists and violinists from 16 countries being shortlisted, it was announced at an Aug 8 press conference. More than 50 are from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, including winners of the International Tchaikovsky Competition and Yehudi Menuhin International Competition for Young Violinists.

Launch ceremony

This year's competition is open to young musicians under the age of 23, regardless of nationality, race, or gender. The contestants are separated into Group A for those 12 and younger, Group B – 13 to 16 years old, and Group C – ages 17 to 23.

For example, violinist He Ziyu, 19, of Qingdao and now of Salzburg, Austria, took part in the 1st Zhuhai International Mozart Competition. He was crowned at the 2016 International Mozart Competition Salzburg, the youngest champion of the event since its inception in 1975.

And then, Chloe Chua of Singapore was 11 years old in the Violin A Group of the 2nd Zhuhai International Mozart Competition for Young Musicians. She won first place in the junior group of the 2018 Yehudi Menuhin event.

A special evaluation team with 10 students from non-music conservatories will be a highlight in Zhuhai. They will help select the top contestants. Meanwhile, contenders will get help developing their academic and professional careers by playing on famous pianos, performing on large stages, and being guided by renowned concert performers and music critics. 

Art director introduces new features of the 3rd Zhuhai International Mozart Competition for Young Musicians [Photos by Zhu Xi / Zhuhai Daily]

Approved by the Ministry of Culture & Tourism of China and Guangdong Provincial Department of Culture & Tourism, the competition discovers talented musicians from across the globe, promotes music and cultural exchanges internationally, and creates distinctive cultural brands that enhance Zhuhai's cultural aura.

It is the only youth music event named after composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and involving both piano and violin. 

Due to its global influence, professionalism, and development potential, the Zhuhai Mozart Competition has joined the World Federation of International Music Competitions and Alink-Argerich Foundation making it the only city in China accredited both by both organizations.