The 23^rd Macao Youth Music Competition (MYMC) is reaching the end. The contestants made use of their last chance to prove their talents. After a series of intense competitions, winners of the remaining categories were announced. For piano Group H (Level 8) competition held last Saturday (July 2), Wong Cheok Lam, with excellent skill, won the first prize with 88 points, the second prize went to Lau Pui Kei with 86 points and Lou Cheok Lam won the third prize with 85 points.

Although the contestants of Piano Works for Four Hands (Elementary Level) competition are quite young, good preparation are shown through their serious performances with good understanding. The first prize went to To Ching Yin and Sam Wai Chi with 91 points, Lao Cheok Fan and Sou Leng Hei won the second prize with 90.5 points and the third prize went to Chan Sin and Chan I with 89.5 points. The judges commented that it is necessary to pay more attention to the songs’ rhythms since they are both in jazz style. They also emphasized that, in four hands competitions, the ability for the partners to feel the bit of the rhythm is the key to perfect performances.

Results for Piano Works by 20^th Century Composers (Intermediate Level) competition were quite similar. With only half a point’s difference, the first prize went to Lao Cheok Fan and Choi Weng Teng with 89.5 points and the second prize went to Zaneta Lo; the third prize went to Kung I Kio with 88.5 points. For Piano Works by 20th Century Composers (Advanced Level) competition, Cheong Mei Mei won the first prize with 91 points and the second prize went to Sin Weng Cheong with 88.5 points. Three contestants won the third prize (86.5 points) – they are Chan Ka Ian, Fong Chio and Sin Weng Lam.

For piano Group I (Advanced) competition, the contestants have to perform two compulsory pieces including Bach's Prelude and Fugue in C major, Fauré's Nocturne No.3 in Ab and one piece of their own choice. After a series of competition, Fong Chio won the first prize with 89.67 points, the second prize went to Sio Hoi I with 88.33 points and Lou Hei won the third prize with 86.33 points. After the competition, all three judges praised the contestants for their excellent performances. The two compulsory pieces are of different styles from different time periods. In performing the works of Bach, it is necessary to pay attention to every detail without neglecting the overall phrasing. Fauré's Nocturne No.3 in Ab is an elegant song with difficulties on its long phrase, contrast and changes. The judges advised the contestants to perform each song according to their different styles. In addition, the judges emphasized the importance to perform not merely with hands but with heart, brain and ears in order to perform well.

The last category – piano Group F (Level 6) competition will be held today (July 5) at 2:30pm in the Macao Polytechnic Institute’s auditorium. Excellent participants will be invited to perform in the “Prize Awarding Ceremony and Concert of the Winners”. Tickets priced at MOP$20 are available at the Macao Polytechnic Institute and Tap Seac Gallery. For more information, please visit the Cultural Affairs Bureau’s website: www.icm.gov.mo, or telephone 399661 or 399662.