On Wednesday 6 November, the UISG Performing Arts department hosted the International Schools Music Association of Guangzhou (ISMAG) Piano Competition 2024.
The UISG Admin Hall grand piano was ‘put through its paces’ by 24 of the finest young pianists representing five ISMAG schools: UISG, AISG (American International School of Guangzhou), BSG (British School of Guangzhou), CIS (Canadian International School of Guangzhou) and Clifford International School.
We were thrilled to invite back as our adjudicator, Professor Nicole Liu – Deputy Director of the Performance Department, Associate Professor of Piano and Master Tutor at the School of Music and Dance, Guangzhou University.
Pianists were registered in one of two categories: Primary (8-12 years old) and Secondary (13-18 years old). Each participating school could send up to three representatives per category. All competitors were awarded a ‘School Representative Award’, as they had been selected through their own school piano competitions. Six trophies were on offer for the top three placings in each category.
Our six UISG representatives had been selected from the eleven UISG Piano Competition candidates, who had entered our October piano competition through either live audition or video submission.
UISG would like to extend our congratulations to all the young pianists who represented their schools. Adjudicator Professor Liu commented on the high standard of performance and dedication shown by the performers, and thanked competitor’s families for all their support of their young musicians.
The six trophies were ultimately awarded, with all students receiving a ‘School Representative’ certificate and the six trophy winners receiving a second certificate acknowledging their first, second or third placing.
This year competitors from the American International School of Guangzhou (AISG) were placed first and second in the Secondary Category, with third place going to a UISG Year 11 DP Music student. In the Primary Category, Clifford International School won first place, a UISG Year 6 student won second place, and AISG took third place.
The International Schools Music Association Guangzhou (ISMAG) is a group of international schools who collaborate to create inter-school music activities and events. Along with the ISMAG Piano Competition, annual events include the Rock Music Festival, SingUp! Choir Festivals and the Primary ‘Crash Bang Wallop’ Instrument Festival.
Mr Malcolm Mawhinney
UISG Head of Performing Arts (K-12)
UISG ISMAG Representative (Secondary)
