National Piano & Violin Competition
Singapore’s most prestigious and oldest music competition - serving as a platform to celebrate musical excellence and identify young classical music talents in the nation
About the competition
Organised by the Singapore Symphony Group, the National Piano & Violin Competition 2025 is its 15th edition, tracing its history back to 1997 under the auspices of the National Arts Council. The biennial competition identifies and shines a spotlight on young musical talents in Singapore, providing them the opportunity to perform before a panel of Singapore and international professional artistes/adjudicators.
The competition is open to young pianists and violinists aged 25 years and below. Participants will compete in four categories:
- Artist 25 years and below
- Senior 21 years and below
- Intermediate 15 years and below
- Junior 11 years and below
The competition will be held from 20 to 30 November 2025 at Victoria Concert Hall.
Registration opens on 5 May 2025, at 10am and closes on 14 July 2025, at 5pm.
Hear from the Past Winners and Adjudicators
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Competition Procedure
Participants are advised to read through the NPVC Rules and Regulations thoroughly before application.
All participants, chaperones and accompanists must bring proof of identity (e.g. NRIC, passport, student pass) for verification purposes.
Yes, but the request for change must be made before 14 July 2025. Do send your request to npvc@sso.org.sg.
Yes, you will be allocated warm-up time on your instrument before performance. The organisers will determine the warm-up duration, dependent on your instrument category and round.
You are required to perform your entire repertoire from memory, with the exception of set pieces and violin-piano sonatas that can be performed with scores.
Participants in the Senior and Artist category who have progressed to the Quarter-Finals will receive the set piece by 19 September 2025.
For all Quarter-Finals, Semi-Finals and Finals live rounds, results will be released on the same day on the competition website, and participants progressing onwards will be notified via email.
Practice Session
All participants who have progressed to live rounds will be sent a link to book practice sessions. All available sessions are as listed on the link, no further dates. Booking is available on a first-come-first-served basis, from 19 September 2025, 10am to 3 October 2025, 5pm.
All practice sessions for Piano and Violin category participants will be held at the Victoria Concert Hall.
No, practice sessions are not compulsory, and you may only book one session from the dates available.
Yes, but only one chaperone (either parent/teacher) and one piano accompanist (where required by repertoire) per participant is allowed.
Yes, you may use your own phone or camera to record your session.
No, the duration of a practice session is fixed for each participation category - 30 minutes for Junior and Intermediate, 45 minutes for Senior, and 60 minutes for Artist.
Booking fees are strictly non-refundable and non-transferable. Subject to availability, you may contact us to arrange for a reschedule.
Meet-The-Composer Session
During the hour-long live session, participants may seek clarifications about the set piece from the composer. 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.
Masterclass & Prize Presentation Ceremony
NPVC masterclasses are an exclusive opportunity for participants of the competition
The Prize Presentation Ceremony is a closed-door event, prizewinners and their families will be extended invitations.
Audience Prize
Details of the Audience Prize voting mechanism will be announced on this page closer to the competition.
Have Additional Queries?
If you have additional queries, please feel free to drop a query to npvc@sso.org.sg.