2026 The 2nd International Yangqin Art Association Yangqin Competition
The 2nd International Dulcimer Arts Alliance Yangqin Competition
Regulations
I. Competition Objectives
The International Yangqin Arts Alliance was established in Hong Kong, China in 2024, with members from professional yangqin performers and educators around the world. This yangqin competition is specially held to promote traditional Chinese music culture, popularize and develop yangqin art in Hong Kong, strengthen connections with yangqin enthusiasts worldwide, provide a platform to showcase talent, discover and cultivate outstanding yangqin performers, and foster exchange and innovation in global yangqin art.
II. Organizing Institutions
1. Organizer: International Dulcimer Arts Alliance
2. Co-organizer: Asian Yangqin Association
3. Supporting Organizations: Professional Committee of Yangqin Art of China Musical Instrument Association, Hong Kong Tung Lam Arts Centre, Strings & Music, Wing Sing Music Education Limited, Heng Hao Innovation Limited, World Yangqin Orchestra, Hong Kong Yangqin Artists Ensemble, Hong Kong Yangqin Art Troupe, Hong Kong Sheng Yin Yangqin Orchestra, Silk Road Yangqin Orchestra
III. Competition Time and Venue
1. Application Deadline: April 20, 2026 (Online applications only)
2. Competition Mode: Live Competition
3. Competition Venue: CCC Congregational Church of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Cultural Centre
4. Competition Time: May 2, 2026 (Ensemble) and May 3, 2026 (Solo)
IV. Eligibility
1. Yangqin students, enthusiasts, or professional performers from Hong Kong, China, and worldwide are welcome to register (including full-time or part-time students from primary schools, secondary schools, kindergartens, universities, and post-secondary colleges, as well as working professionals).
2. The age limit for the Little Virtuoso Group, Elementary Group, Intermediate Group, Advanced Group, and Advanced Studies Group is 40 years old (calculated as of the competition day).
3. Participants in the Professional Group must be current students or graduates of professional institutions, with no age limit.
4. The Ensemble Group must consist of at least two members, with no age limit.
5. Participants may enter more than one competition category.
V. Repertoire Requirements
Little Virtuoso Group: One self-selected yangqin solo piece, performance duration not exceeding 3 minutes.
Elementary Group: One self-selected yangqin solo piece of Grade 3-4*, performance duration not exceeding 5 minutes.
Intermediate Group: One self-selected yangqin solo piece of Grade 5-6*, performance duration not exceeding 5 minutes.
Advanced Group: One self-selected yangqin solo piece of Grade 7-8*, performance duration not exceeding 6 minutes.
Advanced Studies Group: One self-selected yangqin solo piece of Grade 9-10*, performance duration not exceeding 6 minutes.
Professional Group: One self-selected yangqin solo piece*, performance duration not exceeding 8 minutes.
Guangdong Music Group: One self-selected Guangdong yangqin piece, performance duration not exceeding 5 minutes.
Ensemble Group: One self-selected yangqin ensemble piece, performance duration not exceeding 5 minutes.
*The repertoire must be chosen from the following textbooks (except for the Little Virtuoso Group, Guangdong Music Group, Professional Group, and Ensemble Group), and the grade level of the selected piece will be based on the classification of the chosen textbook.
|
|
|
|
|
China Musical Instrument Association Social Arts Level Examination Series Textbooks |
"Instrument Performance Ability Assessment" Volume 1 (Grades 1-7) |
Edited by China Musical Instrument Association Chief Editor: Liu Yuening |
|
China Musical Instrument Association Social Arts Level Examination Series Textbooks |
"Instrument Performance Ability Assessment" Volume 2 (Grades 8-10) |
Edited by China Musical Instrument Association Chief Editor: Liu Yuening |
|
Central Conservatory of Music Overseas Examination Repertoire (Overseas Edition) |
"Yangqin Examination Repertoire" (Grades 1-6) |
Edited by the Examination Committee of the Central Conservatory of Music Chief Editor: Gui Xili |
|
Central Conservatory of Music Overseas Examination Repertoire (Overseas Edition) |
"Yangqin Examination Repertoire" (Grades 7-9, Performance Diploma) |
Edited by the Examination Committee of the Central Conservatory of Music Chief Editor: Gui Xili |
VI. Judging Criteria (Total 100 points)
1.Technical Skills (40 points): Accuracy of pitch and rhythm, tone control, technical standards, and completeness.
2.Musical Expression (40 points): Musical understanding, emotional expression, style interpretation, artistic appeal.
3.Stage Presence (20 points): Demeanor, stage charisma, overall integrity.
VII. Awards
- Each group will award gold, silver, bronze, and excellence prizes. All participants will receive a certificate.
- Except for the Little Virtuoso Group, each group will also award champions, first runners-up, and second runners-up, who will each receive a trophy.
- Champions will receive a yangqin scholarship and will perform at the future Hong Kong International Yangqin Concert winners' concert, with the date to be announced later.
- Gold award winners will receive priority registration for future international yangqin exchange activities.
- Instructors of gold award winners will receive an "Outstanding Instructor Award."
VIII. Registration Fee (Includes competition and all festival activities)
Ensemble: HKD $780
Solo: HKD $980
Ensemble and Solo: HKD $1280
IX. Payment Method
Bank of China (Hong Kong): 012-677-21072901 (International dulcimer alliance)
X. Competition Rules and Terms
1. A 402 model yangqin will be provided on site for participants to use. Participants may also bring their own yangqin for the competition.
2. Participants must perform from memory for this competition.
3. Incomplete or unclearly filled application forms or applications without payment of the registration fee will be considered invalid.
4. Participants must ensure that the information provided is accurate; otherwise, participants may be disqualified.
5. If the standard of participants in a category does not meet the requirements, the judging panel may not award gold, silver, bronze, and excellence prizes.
6. Please adhere to the competition rules and respect the judges and staff during the competition.
7. For any participant who violates the competition rules and terms, the Alliance reserves the right to terminate and disqualify their participation and awards.
8. The competition results will be subject to the final decision of the judges, and no objections will be entertained.
9. All registration fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. Participants who are unable to participate due to personal reasons will be considered to have voluntarily forfeited their eligibility.
10. In case of any dispute, the Alliance reserves all rights to final interpretation and decision.
11. The Alliance will retain the copyright and public broadcasting rights for all audio-visual records of the competition and related activities.
12. All personal data provided by participants will only be used for the International Dulcimer Arts Alliance Yangqin Competition, and the data will be kept confidential.
13. The Alliance reserves the right to amend the competition regulations, rules and terms, awards, and list of judges.
14. By submitting the application form, the applicant and their parents or guardians agree to all competition rules and terms.
X. Contact Information
- Email: info@interdulcimer.com
- Official Website: www.interdulcimer.com
Online Registration: https://forms.gle/pfwG3YBdsjwzWDtt5