Age Groups
Prejunior, age up to 7 (included)
Junior, age 7-15
Young Artist, age 16-22
Virtuoso, age 23-29
Professional, age 30-54
Golden Voice, age 55 and above
* If you advance to the second round, you may choose more than one repertoire categories, and a supplementary fee will apply.
Rounds and Entry Fees
The competition consists of two selection rounds:
The Preliminary Round requires an entry fee of $50.
Winter Edition registration ends on December 10th 2024, with results announced on December 15th 2024.
Spring Edition registration ends on February 28th 2025, with results announced on March 5th 2025.
The Final Round entry fee varies depending on the category:
Winter Edition registration ends on December 31st, 2024, with the results announced on January 10th.
Spring Edition registration ends on March 31st, 2025, with the results announced on April 10th 2025.
$150 for a single category. $175 for two categories in different periods.
Winner Concerts : Carnegie Hall (October 2025), Lincoln Center (August 2025).
Repertoire for the Preliminary Round
Instrumental Applicants
Please select from categories below, one movement from a larger work is acceptable.
Baroque Period: 1600–1750
Classical Period: 1750–1820
Romantic Period: 1820–1900
Contemporary Period: 1900–Present
Chinese Music
Vocal Applicants
Please feel are free to choose works from any form or period for the Preliminary Round. There are no restrictions on the style or era of the selected piece(s). You may record one or two pieces, with a total duration not exceeding 10 minutes.
Aria
Art Songs
Music Theater
Chinese Songs
Advancing to the Final Round
The competition committee will notify competitors who successfully pass the Preliminary Round.
Upon reaching the Final Round, in order to maximize fairness and impartiality,
after choosing in the age group, participants need to select instrument type, music style for voice and music periods for piano and strings from the categories.
You may record one or two pieces, with a total duration not exceeding 10 minutes.
Final Concert and Awards
Participants who pass the Final Round will be invited to perform at the Carnegie Hall / Lincoln Center Award Ceremony Concert held in the USA or Shanghai Oriental Art Center in China.
The competition reserves the right for the final interpretation of all rules and regulations.
Video Requirements
All performances must be memorized.
Record in a quiet and clean environment, with the option to include full-body or half-body shots. No post-production manipulation of sound or visuals is allowed.
Each performance should be recorded using a single device, positioned at a fixed location, capturing the entire process from the beginning to the end of the music without interruption. Acceptable recording devices include phones and video cameras. Please use landscape mode for recording, and refrain from using any beautification or adjustment features.
Performances can use live or pre-recorded instrumental accompaniment, but the accompaniment must not include the sound of the participating instrument.
Violation of the above rules in submitted recordings will result in disqualification from the competition.
Final Decision
The judges have the right to decide on vacant awards.
The judges' decisions are final and not subject to review or modification.
In the event of unforeseen circumstances, the organizers have the right to alter the event schedule.
The ultimate interpretation rights belong to CMA Opera LLC. in the United States
Registration
Submit the application form, competition video, personal resume, and photo via website.
FAQ
Q: How do I submit my video?
A: You have two options for submitting your video. Firstly, you can upload it to popular video platforms such as YouTube, Vimeo, or Youku, ensuring that the video is accessible to viewers. After uploading, provide the video link in the online application form. Alternatively, you can submit the application form without the video link and send the link separately to us via email before the competition deadline. Choose the method that suits you best, but ensure the video link reaches us on time.
Q: Do I need to show my hands in the video?
A: Certainly. For instrumentalists, it is essential that both the hands and face of the performer are visible in the video. Likewise, for singers, the face of the performer must be clearly visible. However, this particular requirement does not apply to composers.
Q: Can I use an audio background for accompaniment if I can't find an accompanist?
A: Absolutely, you are permitted to use audio background music for accompaniment.