Organized by the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao S. A. R. Government, the 23rd Macao Youth Music Competition (MYMC) began last Saturday in the Macao Polytechnic Institute. Over a hundred of local participants contended for different prizes.

Contestants of piano group C competition held on the first day (June 25) are quite young amongst the competitors. They were accompanied by their parents to the competition venue and were very much supported by their family members. After two hours of competition, Ngai Hoi Ian won the third prize with 90.5 points. Iu Chon Man, performed smoothly and skilfully, received the second prize with half a point lesser than the champion, Wong Tat Hang, who won the first prize with 92 points by performing Mozart's minuet ensemble.

Due to the degree of difficulty, competition became less intense in the category of Mendelssohn Piano Works. Chan Wai Man won the champion with 91.5 points while the second and third prizes went to Wong Cheok Lam and Poon Ho Suet respectively. Su Pin from Shanghai Conservatory of Music, one of the judges, pointed out that since the compulsory pieces of this event are quite difficult, contestants have to possess high performing ability. He demonstrated with explanation on the correct positions of the wrists and legs, providing the contestants with valuable knowledge for future performances.

The atmosphere was fairly intense on June 26 with numerous contestants in piano group A competition. After a series of discussions amongst the judges, the third prize went to Wong Lok Io and Kou Sio Lou. Three contestants, Chang Hok Wai, Tong Hei Man and Kwan Keng Chon, won the second prize, and the first prize went to Pui Sin Lei with 90 points.

In the above competitions, contestants have shown their efforts not only in music performance but also in grooming; meticulousness was shown in their ties and suits, scarves and dresses. Contestants who lacked experience or were too nervous have performed below their usual standard and were a bit frustrated. Members of the jury pointed out that it is quite surprising to see so many piano learners in such a small city like Macao. It is great that the overall performance level of the contestants was good and some even excellent.

The 23rd MYMC includes only piano events. Lectures will be organized after each competition for the judges to present their comments to the contestants. Entrance is free. All are welcome to attend the competition. All participants need to sign in at the competition venue with their Macau SAR Resident Identity Cards 20 minutes before the beginning of the performance. Failure to do this shall be regarded as an automatic forfeiture of a participant’s right to compete. The 23rd MYMC’s schedule is now posted onto the Cultural Affairs Bureau’s website: www.icm.gov.mo. For more information, please telephone 3996621 or 3996620 (office hours).