Let the deliberations begin!
27 competitors from 6 schools have entered the ISMAG Piano Competition 2022 hosted by UISG. Despite ongoing restrictions, the event was not postponed or cancelled, instead it was moved online in a ‘virtual asynchronous’ format. Student competitors have submitted their performance videos to an official competition flip platform. These videos are now being watched by our Head Judge, based in New Zealand! A truly international affair. Results will be announced by 9 December.
The International Schools Music Association Guangzhou (ISMAG) is a group of international schools who collaborate to create inter-school music activities and events. UISG hosts the ISMAG Piano Competition annually in November and took on the challenge again this year, except this challenge became greater as October turned into November!
There has been a very positive response from participating ISMAG schools, even though we could not gather for a live event as planned. By not postponing or cancelling the event and pushing ahead with the ‘virtual asynchronous’ format, the intense preparation put in by competing students has been rewarded.
“ It is so great to be able to have this event – a bright spot – especially when so much is not going well around us! Thank you once again!” – ISMAG member school Music teacher.
Of the 27 competitors, there are 14 students entered in the Primary Category (8 to 12 years old) and 13 students entered in the Secondary Category (13 to 18 years old). Each competitor was required to play 2 pieces, presenting 1 piece from the Baroque/Classical Era (by composers such as J.S. Bach, Scarlatti, Haydn and Mozart) and 1 ‘free choice’ piece in a contrasting style, from the Romantic, 20th Century or Contemporary Eras (such as Schubert, Chopin, Debussy, Sun Yi Qiang and Hisaishi).
The UISG ISMAG representatives, Ms Jessie Chen (Primary) and Mr Malcolm Mawhinney (Secondary), have been working behind the scenes to ensure the event runs as smoothly as possible, including pivoting from a live event to an online event. Some fast finger work was required on computer keyboards and not just on piano keyboards!
Mr Malcolm Mawhinney
Head of Performing Arts (K-12)
Secondary Arts (Music, Theatre) – TOK – 11U
