The inaugural Youth Music Festival 2022 is scheduled to be held from the 1st to the 10th of August 2022 at the Bishops College Auditorium and the Lionel Wendt Theatre, Colombo. The competition is intended for young classical musicians who are pianists, singers and orchestral instrumentalists; and is open to candidates who are not older than 32 years of age on the 1st of January 2022. The purpose of the competition is to:

 

• Identify and promote the talent and abilities of young classical musicians;

• Expose the competitors to the requirements of professional standards as soloists and orchestral musicians;

• Develop the stage presentation and performance skills of our young talented classical musicians preparing for higher grade and diploma examinations.

 

The competition will be held in two competitive rounds and the first and the final round will take place from 1st to 10th August and will be in the format of a closed audition. Round one will be held at the Bishops College Auditorium and round two will be a public performance at the Lionel Wendt Theatre. The judges for the competition will arrive from overseas and will also conduct masterclasses and workshops for all participants.

 

The categories will include Piano, Strings, Singing, Woodwind, Brass and Musical Theatre. The age groups will be 12 years and under, 16 years and under, 21 years and under and 32 years and under. All candidates will receive a “CERTIFICATE OF PARTICIPATION” issued by the London College of Music Examinations. After judging the second round the following trophies will be awarded to each category:

 

(a)12 years and under

Piano. String. Singing. Musical Theatre.

*  Winner will receive a cash donation of Rs. 5,000 and a trophy and LCM Examination with exempted Fees

* 1st Runner-up will receive a cash donation of Rs.2,500 and a trophy 

* 2nd Runner-up will receive a trophy

 

(b)16 years and under, 21 years and under and 32 years and under

Piano. String. Singing. Musical Theatre. Woodwind. Brass 

* Winner will receive a cash donation of Rs.5,000 and a trophy 

* 1st Runner-up will receive a cash donation of Rs.2,500 and a trophy

* 2nd Runner-up will receive a trophy

 

Special Awards include: 

 

The Rohan De Silva Award for the Best Performance of a Romantic work in piano category, 

age 32 years and under, presented by Mr. Rohan De Silva in memory of his late mother 

Mrs. Primrose De Silva. A trophy and a cash donation of Rs.10,000. The Sujeewa Hapugalle Award for the Best Performance of a Classical Work in piano category, age 32 years and under, presented by Ms. Sujeewa Hapugalle in memory of her late mother Mrs. Indranee Hapugalle. A trophy and a cash donation of Rs.10,000. The Tharanga Goonetilleke Award for the best performance in the Classical Vocal category, age 32 years and under, presented by Soprano, Tharanga Goonetilleke in honor of her first voice teacher Mrs. Christine Perera.  A trophy and a cash donation of Rs.10,000. 

 

The Shyama Perera Award for the Best Performance of a Song in the Musical Theatre category, age 21 years and under, presented by Mrs. Shyama Perera in memory of her late mother Mrs. Joy Ferdinando. A trophy and a  cash donation of Rs.10,000. The ISoM Award for the Best Performance in the Woodwind and Brass category, age 32 years and under, presented by Dr. June Fileti. A trophy and a cash donation of Rs.10,000. The Ashan Peiris Award for the Best Performance of a Classical or Romantic piece in the String category, age 32 years and under, presented by Mr. Ashan Peiris in memory of his late mother Mrs. Ranjini Peiris. A Trophy and a cash donation of Rs.10,000.

 

Speaking to Daily Mirror, chief organizer of the festival and Representative – IILCM and the

Director and Artistic Director of IIMSD, Shyama Perera stated that, “it’s with great pride, as the representative of London College of Music that I present the first National Youth Competition in celebration of 135 years of music examinations of this institution. Established in 1887, the London College of Music Examinations (LCME) is one of the longest- established exam boards for the creative arts in the UK and the only one that is a part of a leading British University, the University of West London. LCM examinations are held in over one hundred countries, catering for all levels of ability, and offer a wide variety of instruments and genres, including musical theatre, jazz, drama, ensemble, church music and composition. The impact of COVID 19 on music education has certainly been beyond the classroom and in many ways we have never imagined. With an abrupt shift in teaching conditions, both teachers and students were challenged on how to effectively organize their musical teaching by respecting the new restrictions and confronting the new technological demands. Despite all the challenges, it was also a time to listen, support, reflect and find creative ways of keeping the arts alive. This Youth Competition seeks to encourage young artists to showcase their talents and is aimed at discovering, developing and promoting young artists in the field of piano, strings, woodwind, brass, voice, and musical theatre. Students taking part in the competition will be able to enjoy a wide range of repertoire that LCM offers as per the requirements of the competition. Workshop and Masterclasses will be conducted by the judges for the participants. We look forward to welcoming you and we commit to ensuring accessibility and diversity in the music community that emphasizes individual musical and personal growth, building lifelong friendships and nurturing musical talents.”

 

For more information please contact: 

International Institute of Music, Speech & Drama

No. 62, Lauries Road, Colombo 04

Tel:  0112375853 / 0114513969 / 074 274 0279

E-mail: [email protected] / [email protected]