3rd NEW ASIA INTERNATIONAL MUSIC COMPETITION (NAIMC) 

FOR PIANO, STRINGS, AND WOODWINDS

November 15-16, 2025 

Location: Theater, PianoPiano Rehearsal Studios
              37 W 65th St 4th Floor, New York, NY 10023

Please contact naimc@newasiacms.org for any questions.

RULES AND REGULATIONS

The 2025 NAIMC will be held as an in-person competition on November 15 and November 16, 2025, at Theater, PianoPiano Rehearsal Studios, New York City, culminating in a live concert and award ceremony on December 20, 2025 at Marc A. Scorca Hall, Opera America.

Application Deadline: September 15, 2025, 11:59 PM (ET)

*The New Asia Chamber Music Society reserves the right to implement any necessary changes.

MISSION statement

The New Asia Chamber Music Society is dedicated to presenting exceptional performances that celebrate the rich traditions of Western classical music while embracing the diverse and dynamic repertoire of contemporary Asian culture. 

The 3rd New Asia International Music Competition (NAIMC) for Piano, Woodwinds, and Strings was created to:

• Promote excellence in instrumental performances.

• Explore and encourage engagement with contemporary Asian repertoire.

• Highlight unique interpretations of these compositions by talented musicians. 

PARTICIPATION

The competition is open to all musicians aged 4 to 18 years for the following categories:

• Piano

• Strings (open to violin, viola, cello, and double bass)

• Woodwinds (open to flute, oboe, and clarinet)

Applicants’ age and category are determined by their age as of September 15, 2025.

Age Categories:

• Category A (Age 8 and under):

Born on or after September 15, 2017

• Category B (Age 9-11): 

Born on or after September 15, 2012, and before September 15, 2017

• Category C (Age 12-14):

Born on or after September 15, 2009, and before September 15, 2012

• Category D (Age 15-18):

Born on or after September 15, 2006, and before September 15, 2009

COMPETITION FORMAT AND PERFORMANCE GUIDELINES

The competition consists of one in-person round.

Performance Details:

• Duration: 

• Category A: 3 - 8 minutes

• Category B: 5 - 10 minutes

• Category C: 10 - 15 minutes

• Category D: 10 - 15 minutes

• Repertoire Requirements

1. Perform two or more compositions of contrasting styles (e.g., lyrical vs. virtuosic or contrasting movements).

2. Include at least one work composed or arranged by an Asian composer after 1960 or an arrangement of an Asian folk/popular song in any genre.

3. Include at least one original composition from the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, or Modern period. One movement of a Sonatina, Sonata, or Concerto counts as one piece.

Collaborative Pianist:
While not mandatory, having a collaborative pianist is highly recommended. Participants are responsible for arranging their pianist.
Pianist recommendations: Kelly Lin (646) 236-6229 / dolcekelly@gmail.com; Richarlita (646) 300-5053

AWARDS

1) Prizes: 

*The Jury reserves the right not to award prizes, and all Jury decisions are final and can not be appealed. 

2) Award Ceremony and Winners’ Concert

The Award Ceremony and Winners’ Concert will be held on December 20, 2025, 7:00 PM at Marc A. Scorca Hall, Opera America in New York City. 

Performance Opportunities:

• Winners of all categories will be invited to perform their competition repertoire.

• The Grand Prize winner may also be invited to perform chamber music with distinguished jurors.

Performance Fee:

• USD 200, payable by December 14, 11:59 pm (ET), 2025, to confirm participation in the concert.

• The fee includes:

• Reception

• Meeting the jurors

• Photos and video recordings of the performance

• Note: A collaborative pianist can be provided upon request, but their fee is not included in the performance fee. Winners must make separate arrangements to pay the collaborative pianist.

• All winners will receive certificates at the ceremony or through mail.

INTERNATIONAL JURORS:

• Piano
  TBA

• Strings
  TBA

• Woodwinds
  Carol Wincenc
  Yu-Ting Cheng
  Keve Wilson

APPLICATION PROCESS

• Application Fee: USD 100 per applicant.

• Payments must be made via credit card when completing the application form on the New Asia Chamber Music Society website.

• How to Apply:

• Submit applications online via the “Apply” button on the NACMS competition page.

• Application Requirements:

• Applications with unpaid fees or missing required documents will not be processed.

• Applications with inaccurate personal information will be deemed invalid.

• The competition repertoire cannot be changed after submission.

• Important Notes:

• The Competition Committee reserves the right to dismiss any candidate who does not meet application requirements.

• Candidates waive all legal rights to recordings and photos submitted, as well as to broadcasts made in connection with the competition. All legal rights are reserved by the New Asia Chamber Music Society, and no fee will be paid to competitors for performances, photos, recordings, or broadcasts. NACMS reserves the right to use submission materials at its discretion.

• Competitors will receive feedback from the judges.

• Application Deadline:

• September 15, 2025, 11:59 pm (ET)

WINNERS AND AWARD ANNOUNCEMENT 

The result will be announced by November 20, 2025 via email, the NACMS website, and social media platforms. Attendance of the Award Ceremony must be confirmed by December 1, 2025.

*New Asia International Music Competition reserves the right to make any changes in the rules, schedules, or other information related to the competition.