The “Prize Awarding Ceremony and Concert of the Winners” of the 24^th Macao Young Musicians Competition (MYMC), organized by the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao S.A.R. Government, was successfully held in the Macao Polytechnic Institute Auditorium on July 30. Over ten winners of MYMC performed their winning pieces during the concert to compete for two grand prices, the “Cultural Affairs Bureau Prize” and the “Virtuosity Prize”. Since there are many outstanding and talented contestants in this year’s MYMC, the judges have chosen more than one winner for each of the two prizes.

The “Cultural Affairs Bureau Prize” was awarded to Ho Ieong Cheng and Loi Hon Cheong, each receiving a scholarship of MOP$50,000.00 to study music courses in China or abroad. Ho Ieong Cheng is the winner of the violin solo advanced level competition, violin concerto competition, and the viola, violoncello and double bass concerto competition in this year’s MYMC, whereas Loi Hon Cheong is the winner of the wind concerto competition.

The “Virtuosity Prize” was sponsored separately by the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited and by the Macao Polytechnic Institute.

The “Virtuosity Prize” sponsored by the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited was awarded to Ma Chi Weng, winner of the guzheng solo (beginner level) competition, Wong Choi Si, winner of the guzheng solo (advanced level) competition, and Leong Chon Hang, winner of the violoncello solo (advanced level) competition. A scholarship of MOP$30,000.00 is divided amongst the three winners for them to attend short-term overseas music courses.

The “Virtuosity Prize” sponsored by the Macao Polytechnic Institute was awarded by Dai Ding Cheng, principal of the Institute’s School of Art, to Ao Chon Fai, winner of the clarinet solo (intermediate level) competition. The “Virtuosity Prize” sponsored by the Macao Polytechnic Institute is a MOP$30,0000.00 scholarship awarded for the winner to attend a music course in the Institute, including a remittance of first year’s tuition fee amounting to MOP$20,000.00, and a MOP$10,000.00 cash scholarship.

On the other hand, Fong Chio and Wu Iek Teng, winners of the previous MYMC, are very much appreciated by Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, U.S.A and were awarded scholarships to study music in its Department of Music. During the concert, Jackson Leung, Coordinator of Keyboard Studies at Wright State University, awarded scholarships to the two winners.

The annual MYMC has unearthed many local music talents. The establishing of grand prizes has supported local youths to further their studies in music. The successful organization of the 24^th Macao Young Musicians Competition was made possible in large part by the following organizations and sponsors: Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, Macao Polytechnic Institute, Tom Lee Music, Education and Youth Affairs Bureau, University of Macau, Wa Tai LPG Company Ltd and Hotel Ritz Macao.