9th Singapore Performers’ Festival 2026

PERFORMANCE REPERTOIRE & REQUIREMENTS

Please read carefully

This page summarises the official repertoire and performance requirements for PF 2026.

1. Repertoire

  • Free choice of repertoire.
  • Own compositions, well-arranged musicals and movie themes / TV series music are accepted.
  • Any number of work(s) for Solo Piano, 1 Piano 4 Hands within your booked duration.
  • Any number of work(s) for Violin, Viola, Cello or Double Bass within your booked duration.
    • Solo and/or with piano accompaniment.
    • Works composed with piano accompaniment must be performed together with the pianist.
Tip: Plan your full running order within your booked time.
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Repertoire for These Special Awards

Awards Repertoire Duration
Bach Concerto Soloist Prize 1st movement of J.S. Bach A minor Violin Concerto or
1st movement of J.S. Bach E major Violin Concerto

Your whole program may include other composers.
Within your booked duration
Chopin / Liszt Award One or more piano works from Chopin and/or Liszt must be featured in your overall program.

Your whole program may include other composers so long as Chopin/Liszt is included.
Within your booked duration
Churen Prize Download the commissioned pieces from https://www.smtasingapore.com/9th-performers-festival-pf-award#churen-prize.
Debussy Award One or more piano works from Debussy must be featured in your overall program.

Your whole program may include other composers so long as Debussy is included.
Within your booked duration
FIMA Scholarship Award (Piano) Minimum two contrasting pieces.
Total playing time: minimum 8 minutes.
As stated
FIMA Scholarship Award (Strings) Minimum two contrasting pieces.
Total playing time: minimum 8 minutes.
As stated
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2. Duration

  • Duration is 10 minutes (your programme can be less than 10 minutes). It can be extended by blocks of 5 minutes (fees apply).
  • Performers can perform more than one work within the duration, during which it must include time for breaks in between each work.
  • Your booked duration includes: entering, walking, bowing, adjusting seat, tuning, breaks between pieces, fixing & removing your own pedal extender if required, and exiting.
  • Performers may be stopped at the adjudicator’s discretion if they exceed their booked duration.
  • The duration of each work (including repeats) must be stated on the registration form.

* Please bring your own pedal extender and footstool if needed.

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3. Music Scores

  • Provide one set of ORGINAL scores (no unauthorised photocopies) for the adjudicators on performance day.
  • Public domain scores (e.g., IMSLP) or digital sheet music is accepted.
  • For own composition / play-by-ear music: provide a clear handwritten score or typeset score.
  • Scores must be marked with bar numbers at the start of each line for ease of reference.
  • Please write your name on your scores and collect them back before leaving.
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4. Memorisation, Repeats

  • Solo Piano participants: must perform from memory.
  • Solo String participants: must perform from memory, including concerto movements and unaccompanied works (e.g., J.S. Bach Suites for Solo Cello). Exception: Sonatas for string instrument & piano may be performed with scores.
  • PARTICIPANTS WHO PERFORM WITH SCORES (EXCEPT FOR THE EXCEPTIONS) WILL BE AWARDED “CERTIFICATE OF PARTICIPATION” regardless of how well they had performed.
  • Repeats are optional. D.C. and D.S. should be adhered.
Optional memorisation & reminders
  • 1 Piano 4 Hands participants: need not perform from memory.
  • Churen Prize commissioned works: need not perform from memory.
  • FIMA piano & string scholarship participants: need not perform from memory.
  • Piano accompanists: need not perform from memory.
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5. Piano Accompanists

  • String participants must provide their own accompanists if needed.
  • SMTA shall not be held responsible if performers engage their accompanists BEFORE the participants’ schedule is announced.
  • Only live accompaniment is accepted. Minus-1 recordings / backing tracks are not allowed.
  • The quality of the whole performance, including the accompanist’s part, is considered in the adjudication.
  • For concerto movements, accompanists may make appropriate cuts in orchestral tutti passages—please indicate clearly on the score.
  • At reporting time, submit one copy of the accompaniment score for adjudicators’ reference.
  • If there’s ONE copy of original for either the adjudicators or accompanist’s use, the other copy can be a photocopy. Photocopies will be destroyed after use.
  • Piano is tuned to A442 Hz (subject to change without prior notice).
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6. Entries

  • Participants may enter more than one category.
  • Separate applications must be made for different categories.
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7. Performance Attire & Etiquette

  • Performance is a visual and aural experience—appropriate attire and etiquette should be practiced.
  • Formal wear recommended (e.g., shirt with long pants; dress or skirt; pedal-friendly shoes).
  • Attire and etiquette will be taken into consideration in adjudication.

Performers’ Waiting Area

  • Each group of performers will be ushered to the waiting/performing area and exit together after the group finishes.
  • The adjudicator will give verbal feedback at the end of each group.
  • No parents or teachers are allowed at the waiting area.
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Masterclasses

Participants selected by adjudicators will be contacted by the end of Day 3 (Jun 26).

Piano Masterclass

  • Date: Jun 27, 2026 (Sat)
  • Time: TBA
  • Venue: Forte Musicademy Recital Hall, 10 Winstedt Road, #03-08, Singapore 227977
  • Nearest MRT: Newton Station (Exit B)
  • Nearest bus-stop: Opposite Newton Food Centre or before Winstedt Road

Venue supporter
Forte Musicademy
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String Masterclass

  • Date & time: TBC
  • Venue: Recital Hall (Level 5), NAFA Campus 3, 151 Bencoolen Street, Singapore 189656
  • Piano accompaniment is not compulsory unless the repertoire is a sonata.
  • Map: NAFA Campus Map  |  Virtual Tour: 360 Virtual Tour
  • Parking: limited basement parking

Venue supporter
NAFA / University of the Arts Singapore
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Observers’ Pass

  • $20 for family members or public observers.
  • Payment via PayNow at the registration counter during the festival.
  • Complimentary for participants (as observer or masterclass participant).
  • Participants are welcome to attend any sessions regardless of instrument.
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String Ensemble Workshop (for String Participants)

String Ensemble

All solo string performers are required to participate in the String Ensemble Workshop on Jun 25, 26, 27 & 28, 2026. Please reserve all four dates.

To help facilitate the groupings of participants, participants are required to submit their video recording of the ORCHESTRA EXCERPTS (see below) during their application:

Video Submission Recording info & Guideline

Your Video Submission:

  • Please ensure that the applicant’s face and arms are clearly seen in the video recording.
  • The video is to be recorded in one continuous take without any kind of editing. Editing of any kind may result in the applicant’s disqualification.
  • Upload the applicant’s video as “unlisted” on YouTube. Ensure that the YouTube link is in working order before copying the link into your application form.
  • String youtube

Video Submission Recording info & Guideline for String Ensemble Workshop

  • There will be a total of three excerpts of varying levels of difficulty for each instrument: Violin, Viola, Cello, and Double Bass.
    • One (1) excerpt is designated for the Junior level.
    • Two (2) excerpts are designated for the Senior level.
    • (Please refer to the excerpt list below.)
  • Applicants are required to select and submit one (1) excerpt only for their video submission.
  • The excerpt selected will indicate the applicant’s preferred String Ensemble level. For e.g., an applicant who submits a Junior-level excerpt indicates a preference to join the Junior String Ensemble.
  • N.B. The final ensemble placement will be determined by the SMTA Committee after reviewing the submitted video recording.
Excerpt list (download links + metronome + bars)

Junior level

  • Loreta Fin – Fruit Salad
  • Download: Google Drive folder
    Metronome: Crotchet = 75

    • Violin 1 / 2 / 3 / Viola: Beginning to bar 10
    • Cello / Double Bass: Bar 11 to bar 18

Senior level

  • Chris Wilson – Suite for Strings (Rigaudon, last movement)
  • Download: Google Drive folder
    Metronome: Minim = 88–100

    • Violin 1 / 2 / Viola / Cello: Beginning until before Trio (no repeat)
    • Double Bass: Coda

  • Respighi – Antique Dances and Airs, mvt. IV (Passacaglia)
  • Download: Google Drive folder
    Metronome: Crotchet = 90–112

    • Violin 1 / 2 / Viola / Cello: Fig. 14 to first beat of Fig. 15
    • Double Bass: Fig. 13 to end of 1st ending

Follow SMTA: Facebook  •  Telegram

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1. Repertoire
  • Free choice of repertoire.
  • Own compositions, well-arranged musicals and movie themes / TV series music are accepted.
  • Any number of work(s) for Solo Piano, 1 Piano 4 Hands within your booked duration.
  • Any number of work(s) for Violin, Viola, Cello or Double Bass within your booked duration.
    • Solo and/or with piano accompaniment.
    • Works composed with piano accompaniment must be performed together with the pianist.
Tip: Plan your full running order within your booked time.
Back to top
Repertoire for Special Awards
Awards Repertoire Duration
Bach Concerto Soloist Prize 1st movement of J.S. Bach A minor Violin Concerto or
1st movement of J.S. Bach E major Violin Concerto

Your whole program may include other composers.
Within your booked duration
Chopin / Liszt Award One or more piano works from Chopin and/or Liszt must be featured in your overall program.

Your whole program may include other composers so long as Chopin/Liszt is included.
Within your booked duration
Churen Prize Download the commissioned pieces from www.smtasingapore.com.
Debussy Award One or more piano works from Debussy must be featured in your overall program.

Your whole program may include other composers so long as Debussy is included.
Within your booked duration
FIMA Scholarship Award (Piano) Minimum two contrasting pieces.
Total playing time: minimum 8 minutes.
As stated
FIMA Scholarship Award (Strings) Minimum two contrasting pieces.
Total playing time: minimum 8 minutes.
As stated
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2. Duration
  • Duration is 10 minutes (your programme can be less than 10 minutes).It can be extended by blocks of 5 minutes (fees apply).
  • Performers can perform more than one work within the duration, during which it must include time for breaks in between each work.
  • Your booked duration includes: entering, walking, bowing, adjusting seat, tuning, breaks between pieces, fixing & removing your own pedal extender if required, and exiting.
  • Performers may be stopped at the adjudicator’s discretion if they exceed their booked duration.
  • The duration of each work (including repeats) must be stated on the registration form.

* Please bring your own pedal extender and footstool if needed.

Back to top
3. Music Scores
  • Provide one set of original scores (no unauthorised photocopies) for the adjudicators on performance day.
  • Public domain scores (e.g., IMSLP) or digital sheet music is accepted.
  • For own composition / play-by-ear music: provide a clear handwritten score or typeset score.
  • Scores must be marked with bar numbers at the start of each line for ease of reference.
  • Please write your name on your scores and collect them back before leaving.
Back to top
4. Memorisation & Repeats
  • Solo Piano participants: must perform from memory.
  • Solo String participants: must perform from memory, including concerto movements and unaccompanied works (e.g., J.S. Bach Suites for Solo Cello).Exception: Sonatas for string instrument & piano may be performed with scores.
Optional memorisation & reminders
  • 1 Piano 4 Hands participants: need not perform from memory.
  • Churen Prize commissioned works: need not perform from memory.
  • FIMA piano & string scholarship participants: need not perform from memory.
  • Piano accompanists: need not perform from memory.
  • Repeats are optional. D.C. and D.S. should be adhered.

Participants who perform with scores (except for the stated exceptions) will be awarded a Certificate of Participation.

Back to top
5. Piano Accompanists
  • String participants must provide their own accompanists if needed.
  • SMTA shall not be held responsible if performers engage their accompanists BEFORE the participants’ schedule is announced.
  • Only live accompaniment is accepted. Minus-1 recordings / backing tracks are not allowed.
  • The quality of the whole performance, including the accompanist’s part, is considered in the adjudication.
  • For concerto movements, accompanists may make appropriate cuts in orchestral tutti passages—please indicate clearly on the score.
  • At reporting time, submit one copy of the accompaniment score for adjudicators’ reference.
  • If there’s ONE copy of original for either the adjudicators or accompanist’s use, the other copy can be a photocopy. Photocopies will be destroyed after use.
  • Piano is tuned to A442 Hz (subject to change without prior notice).
Back to top
6. Entries
  • Participants may enter more than one category.
  • Separate applications must be made for different categories.
Back to top
7. Attire & Etiquette
  • Performance is a visual and aural experience—appropriate attire and etiquette should be practiced.
  • Formal wear recommended (e.g., shirt with long pants; dress or skirt; pedal-friendly shoes).
  • Attire and etiquette will be taken into consideration in adjudication.

Performers’ Waiting Area

  • Each group of performers will be ushered to the waiting/performing area and exit together after the group finishes.
  • The adjudicator will give verbal feedback at the end of each group.
  • No parents or teachers are allowed at the waiting area.
Back to top
Masterclasses

Participants selected by adjudicators will be contacted by the end of Day 3 (Jun 26).

Piano Masterclass

  • Date: Jun 27, 2026 (Sat)
  • Time: TBA
  • Venue: Forte Musicademy Recital Hall, 10 Winstedt Road, #03-08, Singapore 227977
  • Nearest MRT: Newton Station (Exit B)
  • Nearest bus-stop: Opposite Newton Food Centre or before Winstedt Road

Venue supporter
Forte Musicademy

String Masterclass

  • Date & time: TBC
  • Venue: Recital Hall (Level 5), NAFA Campus 3, 151 Bencoolen Street, Singapore 189656
  • Piano accompaniment is not compulsory unless the repertoire is a sonata.
  • Map: NAFA Campus Map  |  Virtual Tour: 360 Virtual Tour
  • Parking: limited basement parking

Venue supporter
NAFA / University of the Arts Singapore

Observers’ Pass

  • $20 for family members or public observers.
  • Payment via PayNow at the registration counter during the festival.
  • Complimentary for participants (as observer or masterclass participant).
  • Participants are welcome to attend any sessions regardless of instrument.
Back to top
String Ensemble Workshop

String Ensemble

All solo string performers are required to participate in the String Ensemble Workshop on Jun 25, 26, 27 & 28, 2026. Please reserve all four dates.

To help facilitate the groupings of participants, participants are required to submit their video recording of the ORCHESTRA EXCERPTS (see below) during their application:

Video Submission Recording info & Guideline

To help facilitate the groupings of participants, participants are required to submit their video recording of the ORCHESTRA EXCERPTS (see below) during their application:

Your Video Submission:

  • Please ensure that the applicant’s face and arms are clearly seen in the video recording.
  • The video is to be recorded in one continuous take without any kind of editing. Editing of any kind may result in the applicant’s disqualification.
  • Upload the applicant’s video as “unlisted” on YouTube. Ensure that the YouTube link is in working order before copying the link into your application form.
  • String youtube

Video Submission Recording info & Guideline for String Ensemble Workshop

  • There will be a total of three excerpts of varying levels of difficulty for each instrument: Violin, Viola, Cello, and Double Bass.
    • One (1) excerpt is designated for the Junior level.
    • Two (2) excerpts are designated for the Senior level.
    • (Please refer to the excerpt list below.)
  • Applicants are required to select and submit one (1) excerpt only for their video submission.
  • The excerpt selected will indicate the applicant’s preferred String Ensemble level. For e.g., an applicant who submits a Junior-level excerpt indicates a preference to join the Junior String Ensemble.
  • Please note that the final ensemble placement will be determined by the SMTA Committee after reviewing the submitted video recording.
Excerpt list (download links + metronome + bars)

Junior level

  • Loreta Fin – Fruit Salad
  • Download: Google Drive folder
    Metronome: Crotchet = 75

    • Violin 1 / 2 / 3 / Viola: Beginning to bar 10
    • Cello / Double Bass: Bar 11 to bar 18

Senior level

  • Chris Wilson – Suite for Strings (Rigaudon, last movement)
  • Download: Google Drive folder
    Metronome: Minim = 88–100

    • Violin 1 / 2 / Viola / Cello: Beginning until before Trio (no repeat)
    • Double Bass: Coda

  • Respighi – Antique Dances and Airs, mvt. IV (Passacaglia)
  • Download: Google Drive folder
    Metronome: Crotchet = 90–112

    • Violin 1 / 2 / Viola / Cello: Fig. 14 to first beat of Fig. 15
    • Double Bass: Fig. 13 to end of 1st ending

Follow SMTA: Facebook  •  Telegram

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