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2025
International DMasters Piano Competition

First Edition | July 24-25 and 27, 2025

About IDPC

The inaugural International DMasters Piano Competition (IDPC), held during DFestival, aims to forge a fresh path in nurturing tomorrow’s pianists by celebrating unique artistic expression and empowering emerging musicians to shape their own musical journeys. Beyond the competition stage, we seek to cultivate a supportive environment that fosters camaraderie among participants and enriches the musical community for years to come, contributing to the growth of piano arts education in China and the broader Asian region.

Winners will receive thoughtfully curated opportunities through partnerships with Hong Kong Fantasia Music Management Ltd. and Hong Kong GMC Music, including professional management contracts, concert engagements, and CD recording projects. They will also receive full scholarships or tuition discounts for the 2026 DFestival and performance opportunities during festival events.

About IDPC

The inaugural International DMasters Piano Competition (IDPC), held during DFestival, aims to forge a fresh path in nurturing tomorrow’s pianists by celebrating unique artistic expression and empowering emerging musicians to shape their own musical journeys. Beyond the competition stage, we seek to cultivate a supportive environment that fosters camaraderie among participants and enriches the musical community for years to come, contributing to the growth of piano arts education in China and the broader Asian region.

With a total prize pool worth of HKD $ 550,000 (including scholarships, money prizes and comprehensive artist management package), winners will receive thoughtfully curated opportunities through partnerships with Hong Kong Fantasia Music Management Ltd. and Hong Kong GMC Music, including professional management contracts, solo and orchestra concert engagements, CD publication and recording projects, and so forth. They will also receive full scholarships or tuition discounts for the 2026 DFestival and performance opportunities during festival events.

Everything About IDPC

Information

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Divisions

The 2025 IDPC is categorized into three distinct divisions: 

  1. Emerging Artist Division (12 years old or under)
  2. Young Artist Division (12-17 years old)
  3. Professional Division (17-28 years old)
Eligibility

A: The age requirements are based on the participant's age as of July 22, 2025:

         - Emerging Talents: 7-10 years old (born between July 22, 2015 and July 22, 2018)

         - Young Artists: 11-16 years old (born between July 22, 2009 and July 22, 2014)

         - Professional: 17-29 years old (born between July 22, 1996 and July 22, 2008)

A: No. All participants must compete in their respective age categories to ensure fair competition and appropriate repertoire requirements.

A: No. The International DMasters Piano Competition welcomes participants from all countries and regions. We embrace diversity and international participation.

A: Yes. Both students and professionals are welcome to participate in their respective age categories.

Rounds
  • First Round: Online video submission
  • Semi-Final: July 23, 2025
  • Concerto Final: July 25, 2025
  • First Round: Online video submission
  • Semi-Final: July 23, 2025
  • Concerto Final: July 25
  • First Round: Online video submission
  • Semi-Final: July 24, 2025
  • Concerto-Final: July 26, 2025
Venue

All competition rounds for all categories will be held in the Xiamen University Tan Kah Kee College Auditorium.

Repertoire

1. Preliminary Round: Video submission 

     - Repertoire requirements align with DFestival application pre-screening
     - High-quality video recording, unedited and filmed within the last 12 months

2. Semi-Final Round: 15-minute free program 

     - It is recommended to include works from at least two contrasting musical periods

3. Concerto Final: First movement of a piano concerto

     - Performed with Quintet Dadaelus
     - 8 finalists to select one concerto from the following list:

        1. J.S. Bach: Piano Concerto No. 1 in D minor, BWV 1052

        2. Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 12 in A major, K. 414

        3. Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 23 in A major, K. 488

        4. Haydn: Piano Concerto in D major, Hob. XVIII:11

        5. Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 1 in C major, Op. 15

        6. Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat major, Op. 19

Repertoire choices for all rounds must be submitted at the time of application. Any changes must be approved by the competition committee at least 30 days prior to the performance date

1. Preliminary Round: Video submission 

     - Repertoire requirements align with DFestival application pre-screening
     - High-quality video recording, unedited and filmed within the last 12 months

2. Semi-Final Round: 20-minute program 

     - Must include works from at least two contrasting musical periods

3. Concerto Final: First movement of a piano concerto

     - Performed with Quintet Dadaelus
     - 5 finalists to select one concerto from the following list:

        1. Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 12 in A major, K. 414

        2. Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 23 in A major, K. 488

        3. Mozart: Piano Concerto in E-flat Major, K. 271, "Jeunehomme"

        4. Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 1 in C major, Op. 15

        5. Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat major, Op. 19

        6. Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 3 in C minor, Op. 37

        7. Chopin: Piano Concerto No. 1 in E minor, Op. 11

        8. Grieg: Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 16

Repertoire choices for all rounds must be submitted at the time of application. Any changes must be approved by the competition committee at least 30 days prior to the performance date

1. Preliminary Round: Video submission 

     - Repertoire requirements align with DFestival application pre-screening
     - High-quality video recording, unedited and filmed within the last 12 months

2. Semi-Final Round: 45-50 minute program 

     - Must include works from at least two contrasting musical periods

     - The final piece of the program must be the first movement of a chamber work, performed with Quintet Dadaelus. Contestants must choose from the following list:

        1. Brahms: Piano Quintet in F minor, Op. 34

        2. Schumann: Piano Quintet in E-flat major, Op. 44

        3. Schubert: Piano Quintet in A major, D. 667 "Trout"

3. Concerto Final: Full Concerto

     - Performed with Quintet Dadaelus
     - 3 finalists to select one concerto from the following list:

        1. Mozart: Piano Concerto in E-flat Major, K. 271, "Jeunehomme"

        2. Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 3 in C minor, Op. 37

        3. Beethoven: Piano Concerto No.4 in G major, Op.58

        4. Chopin: Piano Concerto No. 1 in E minor, Op. 11

        5. Grieg: Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 16

        6. Schumann: Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 54

        7. Saint-Saëns: Piano Concerto No. 2 in G minor, Op. 22

Repertoire choices for all rounds must be submitted at the time of application. Any changes must be approved by the competition committee at least 30 days prior to the performance date

Jury
Adjudication
I. Jury Structure and Governance
  • First Round:

To be announced

  • Semi-Final & Final Rounds:

International Jury Panel consisting of 6 members (To be announced):

        - 1 Jury Chairman

        - 5 Distinguished Jury Members

  • Jury members must declare any current or recent students (within past 2 years)
  • Jury members cannot evaluate their own students; scores will be averaged from remaining jury members
  • Jury members must attend all performances in their assigned categories
II. Category-Specific Procedures

Voting Options

Each jury member must vote one of:

    - Yes (Advance)

    - Maybe (Under Consideration)

    - No (Do Not Advance)

  •     No abstentions permitted
  •     All votes are binding once submitted

Vote Submission

  • Independent voting by each jury member
  • No discussion during voting process
  • Votes submitted through paper
  • No vote changes permitted after submission

I. Emerging Talents Division

Semi-Final Round

1.Scoring Process:

    -  Number of "Yes" votes received

    - "Maybe" votes considered for tie-breaking

    - Participants ranked from highest to lowest number of "Yes" votes

2. Finalist Selection:

      - Top 8 highest-scoring participants advance to finals

3. Final Scoring:

      - Performance: First movement of selected concerto with Quintet Dadaelus

      - Single chamber music score out of 100 points from each jury member

      - Highest and lowest scores eliminated

      - Final ranking based on average of remaining scores

-----------------------------------

II. Young Artists Division

Semi-Final Round

  1. Scoring Process:

   -  Number of "Yes" votes received

    - "Maybe" votes considered for tie-breaking

    - Participants ranked from highest to lowest number of "Yes" votes

2. Finalist Selection:

      - Top 5 highest-scoring participants advance to finals

3. Final Scoring:

      - Performance: First movement of selected concerto with Quintet Dadaelus

      - Single piano concerto score out of 100 points from each jury member

      - Highest and lowest scores eliminated

      - Final ranking based on average of remaining scores

-----------------------------------

III. Professional Division

Semi-Final Round

  1. Scoring Process:

-  Number of "Yes" votes received

    - "Maybe" votes considered for tie-breaking

    - Participants ranked from highest to lowest number of "Yes" votes

2. Finalist Selection:

      - Top 3 highest-scoring participants advance to finals

3. Final Scoring:

      - Performance: Selected full concerto with Quintet Dadaelus

      - Single piano concerto score out of 100 points from each jury member

      - Highest and lowest scores eliminated

      - Final ranking based on average of remaining scores

III. Final Authority
  1. All decisions of the Jury Panel are final
  2. No appeals will be considered
  3. No correspondence regarding results will be entertained
  4. Competition Committee reserves right to modify rules as needed
Prizes
I. Emerging Talents Division

HKD $20, 000 worth of scholarships, cash prizes, and artist development package 

  • Cash Prize: HKD 1, 000
  • Full scholarship for 2026 DFestival (one-week)
  • One special performance opportunity at the 2026 DFestival
  • Featured in a shared recital managed and organised by Hong Kong Fantasia International Music Management Ltd. with the 2nd prize and 3rd prize winners (date to TBD).
  • Professional portrait photography session
  • Award certificate and trophy
  • Name featured on the DFestival official website's wall of honor

HKD $15, 000 worth of scholarships, cash prizes, and artist development package 

  • Cash Prize: HKD 800
  • 30% scholarship for 2026 DFestival (one-week)
  • Featured in a shared recital managed and organised by Hong Kong Fantasia International Music Management Ltd. with the grand prize and 3rd prize winners (date to be decided).
  • Award certificate and trophy
  • Name featured on the DFestival official website's wall of honor

HKD $10, 000 worth of scholarships, cash prizes, and artist development package 

  • Cash Prize: HKD 800
  • 20% scholarship for 2026 DFestival (one-week)
  • Featured in a shared recital managed and organised by Hong Kong Fantasia International Music Management Ltd. with the grand prize and 3rd prize winners (date to be decided).
  • Award certificate and trophy
  • Name featured on the DFestival official website's wall of honor
II. Young Artists Division

獎學金、獎金和藝術家發展配套總值港幣$120,000元

  • 現金獎:港幣$3,000元
  • "A-CAD"(進階藝術家發展)配套:

    1. 與香港幻樂國際樂有限公司簽訂一年藝術家合約,並建立藝術家宣傳頁面
    2. 在2025/26樂季舉辦一場獨奏音樂會 + 一場與管弦樂團合作的音樂會
    3. 專業錄音製作(視頻和音頻)和專輯發行(CD製作並在國內外流媒體平台發行)
    4. 免費專業藝術家肖像攝影專輯
    5. 免費專業藝術家個人網站製作
    6. 2026 年 DFestival 全額獎學金(兩週全程)
    7. 2026 年 DFestival 特邀獨奏音樂會
    8. 參與 DFestival 精選大師班的機會

  • 獎狀和獎盃
  • 獲獎者名字和演奏視頻將在 DFestival 官方網站榮譽牆上展示

 

*更多藝術家發展配套和跨機構演出機會將稍後直接與簽約藝術家聯絡

獎學金、獎金和青年演奏家發展配套總值港幣$70,000元

  • 現金獎:港幣$2,000元
  • 與香港幻樂國際樂有限公司簽訂一年青年演奏家合約,並建立演奏家宣傳頁面
  • 在 2025/26 樂季舉辦一場獨奏音樂會
  • 免費專業藝術家肖像攝影專輯
  • 2026 年 DFestival 半額獎學金(兩週全程)
  • 參與 2026 年 DFestival 精選大師班的機會
  • 獎狀和獎盃
  • 獲獎者名字和演奏視頻將在 DFestival 官方網站榮譽牆上展示

*更多青年演奏家發展配套和跨機構演出機會將稍後直接與簽約青年演奏家聯絡

獎學金、獎金和青年演奏家發展配套總值港幣$50,000元

  • 現金獎:港幣$1,000元
  • 與香港幻樂國際樂有限公司簽訂一年青年演奏家合約,並建立演奏家宣傳頁面
  • 在 2025/26 樂季舉辦一場獨奏音樂會
  • 免費專業藝術家肖像攝影專輯
  • 2026 年 DFestival 30% 獎學金(兩週全程)
  • 參與 2026 年 DFestival 精選大師班的機會
  • 獎狀和獎盃
  • 獲獎者名字和演奏視頻將在 DFestival 官方網站榮譽牆上展示

*更多青年演奏家發展配套和跨機構演出機會將稍後直接與簽約青年演奏家聯絡

III. Professional Division

HKD $160, 000 worth of scholarships, cash prizes, and artist development package 

  • Cash Prize: HKD $6, 000
  • Comprehensive Artist Development Package:

 

   1. Two-year contract as a signed artist with Hong Kong Fantasia International Music Management Ltd. and creation of an artist promotion page
   2. Two solo concerts + one concert with orchestra collaboration in 2025/26 and 2026/27 seasons
   3. Professional recording production (video & audio) and album release (CD production and release on domestic and international streaming platforms)
   4. Free professional artist portrait photography album
   5. Free professional artist personal website creation
   6. Full scholarship for 2026 DFestival (whole duraton)
   7. Special invitation for a solo concert at 2026 DFestival
   8. Opportunity to participate in selected masterclasses at DFestival

  •  Award certificate and trophy
  •  Name featured on the DFestival official website's wall of honor

 

*More artist development packages and cross-institutional performance opportunities will be communicated directly to the signed artist at a later date

HKD $90, 000 worth of scholarships, cash prizes, and artist development package 

  • Cash Prize: HKD $3,000
  • Comprehensive Artist Development Package:

 

   1. One-year contract as a signed artist with Hong Kong Fantasia International Music Management Ltd. and creation of an artist promotion page
   2. One solo concert in the 2025/26 season
   3. Professional recording (video & audio) production and album release (CD production and release on domestic and international streaming platforms)
   4. Free professional artist portrait photography album
   5. Half scholarship for 2026 DFestival (whole duraton)
   6. Special invitation for a solo concert at 2026 DFestival
   7. Opportunity to participate in selected top-rated masterclasses at DFestival

  •  Award certificate and trophy
  •  Name featured on the DFestival official website's wall of honor

 

*More artist development events and cross-institutional performance opportunities will be communicated directly to the signed artist at a later date

HKD $60, 000 worth of scholarships, cash prizes, and artist development package 

  • Cash Prize: HKD $2, 000 
  • Comprehensive Artist Development Package:

 

   1. One-year contract as a signed artist with Hong Kong Fantasia International Music Management Ltd. and creation of an artist promotion page
   2. One solo concert in the 2025/26 season
   3. Free professional artist portrait photography album
   4. 30% scholarship for 2026 DFestival (whole duraton)
   5. Opportunity to participate in selected top-rated masterclasses at DFestival

  •  Award certificate and trophy
  •  Name featured on the DFestival official website's wall of honor

 

*More artist development events and cross-institutional performance opportunities will be communicated directly to the signed artist at a later date

 

Rehearsal

A: Each participant will receive a scheduled rehearsal time in the competition venue before the live rounds (specific date and time to be confirmed):

Allocated rehearsal times by category:

         - Emerging Talents: 15 minutes

         - Young Artists:  20 minutes

         - Professional:  minutes

  • Rehearsal schedule will follow the competition performance order
  • Practice on competition Steinway D-274 concert grand piano

A: Rehearsal arrangements vary by competition stage and category:

  1. Professional Category Semi-Finals Rehearsal:

         - 30 minutes rehearsal time to rehearse selected chamber piece

  1. Final Round Rehearsals:

Emerging Talents & Young Artists:

         - 30 minutes to rehearse selected concerto first movement

Professional Category:

         - 60 minutes to rehearse complete concerto

Rehearsal times scheduled after finalist announcement

No additional rehearsal time can be requested

Terms

1.1 Jury Composition

         - The jury comprises internationally acclaimed pianists, conservatory professors, and distinguished music educators

         - Jury members are specially invited by the Competition Committee to ensure professional and authoritative adjudication

         - The jury is led by an appointed Chairperson who oversees the adjudication process

1.2 Adjudication Principles

        - Each jury member votes independently using a three-option system: Yes (Advance), Maybe (Under Consideration), or No (Do Not Advance)

    - Jury members must declare and recuse themselves from evaluating categories in which their students are competing

    - Rankings are determined primarily by the number of "Yes" votes received, with "Maybe" votes serving as tie-breakers

    - No discussion among jury members is permitted during the voting process

    - All votes are submitted through papers and are irreversible once submitted

2.1 Performance Standards

- All competition repertoire must be performed from original editions; unauthorized arrangements or pirated scores are strictly prohibited

- Contestants must perform all works from memory

- Repeats are at the discretion of the performer, provided the total performance time remains within prescribed limits

2.2 Application Requirements

- Detailed repertoire information must be submitted at registration, including: work titles, composers, keys, and opus numbers

- Repertoire changes must be submitted in writing three weeks prior to the competition 

- Contestants must submit complete application materials within the specified deadline, including valid identification, recent artistic photograph, musical biography, and all documents required to submit in the application form

3.1 Venue Protocol

- Competition venues are accessible only to authorized personnel, including contestants, staff, and ticket holders

- Each contestant may be accompanied by one support person in the preparation area

- Audio recording, video recording, and photography are strictly prohibited during the competition

- Contestants and their accompanying persons must refrain from any communication with jury members

3.2 Time Management

- Contestants must arrive at the registration desk according to the Committee's schedule

- Failure to appear at the designated performance time may result in disqualification

- Performances exceeding the time limit may affect scoring

4.1 Audio-Visual Rights

- All audio and video recordings of the competition are the property of The International DMasters Piano Competition Committee (hereinafter IDPCC)

- The IDPCC retains exclusive rights to competition broadcasts, including live streaming, television broadcast, internet distribution, and audio-visual publication rights

4.2 Image Rights

- Prize winners are required to perform in the laureates' concert without remuneration

- The IDPCC reserves the right to use contestants' photographs, videos, and related materials for promotional purposes

5.1 Financial Policy

- Registration fees are non-refundable

- In case of force majeure cancellation, the Committee will arrange alternative accommodations or process accordingly

5.2 Disciplinary Guidelines

- Contestants must adhere to all venue management regulations

- Submission of false documentation will result in disqualification

- Violation of competition rules may result in immediate termination of participation

5.3 Dispute Resolution

- Disputes arising during the competition shall be adjudicated by the IDPCC

- The IDPCC's decisions are final - Contestants must respect and accept the IDPCC's rulings

6.1 Rights of Interpretation

- The IDPCC retains final interpretative authority over these rules

- The IDPCC reserves the right to modify rules when necessary

6.2 Implementation

- Submission of an application constitutes acceptance of all terms and conditions

-These rules take effect from the date of publication