This year marks the 25^th anniversary of the Macao Young Musicians Competition (MYMC). The competition will be held from June 23 to July 5 and the registration period is from March 15 to 18.

The annual MYMC is organised by the Cultural Affairs Bureau (the Organizer) of the Macao S.A.R. Government with the aim of advancing musical arts in the territory and enhancing the training and performance abilities of young local musicians. Over the past quarter-century, MYMC has given thousands of young people the opportunity to gain precious stage experience, and thus has played a vital role in the improvement of the musical skills of Macao’s youth.

For many years, MYMC has succeeded in fostering the professional development of many local music learners. Other than scholarships, the Organizer subsidizes, supports and concerns for talented musicians unearthed during the competition. For example, Lio Kuok Man, Hong Si Man, Vong Ka, Wong Hio Teng, Fong Chio and Wu Iek Teng are now studying music lessons in America or Australia; Lio Kuok Wai, Ma Pou Mang, Mio Pek Kei and Long I Ian entered the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Art; and Sou Man Ieong and Leong Tek Ka have furthered their studies in Beijing and Shanghai respectively. Some of them have even won grand prizes in International music competitions.

The 25^th MYMC will take place between June 23 and July 5, 2007 and will consist of 22 piano categories, including Piano Solo, Sonatina for Piano, Schubert Piano Sonata, Piano Concerto, Piano Works by 20^th Century Composers, Piano Works by Chinese Composers, Piano Works by Macao Composers and Piano Works for Four Hands. An elementary level competition will be added to Piano Works by Macao Composers to spread its popularity in different age groups.

Moreover, learning from past experience, the Organizer will broaden the age group for accompanists to make it easier for competitors to find a suitable accompanist. Also, no information regarding the accompanist is needed during the registration, giving the contestants more time for preparation.

In each category, along with the regular prizes, the Organiser will continue to award “Special Prizes” to support young musicians who show outstanding talent or potential to further their studies in Macao or abroad. Prizes to be given this year include the “Cultural Affairs Bureau” Prize, the “Virtuosity Prize” and a four-year scholarship awarded by the Wright State University of the United States of America.

The competition’s regulations and application forms are now available at the Macao Central Library and on the Cultural Affairs Bureau’s website: www.icm.gov.mo. Applicants must be holders of Macao Resident’s I.D. Card and born after 23 June 1986 whereas accompanist must be born after 23 June 1977. The registration period is from March 15 to 18, everyday from 9am to 7pm (inclusive of lunch time), at the Cultural Affairs Bureau’s Cultural Events Department (Rua do Campo, No: 78, Edifício Comercial Chung Kin, 8 andar A).

Interested parties may access the scores of the required pieces at the Macao Central Library, whereas the score for Piano Works by Macao Composers can be obtained from the Cultural Affairs Bureau.

For more information on the 25^th Macao Young Musicians Competition, please telephone 3996602, 3996608, 3996621 or 3996620, fax to 28366808, or email to: cjmm@icm.gov.mo, or telephone 28335140 during application period.