Competition cum Masterclass
Unlike traditional competitions, the Competition cum Masterclass engages participants through instant feedback at the end of each choir’s performance. Adjudicators will come onstage for mini-coaching sessions, actively engaging with the choir, conductor, and the audience. Each choir is then encouraged to perform their piece again, incorporating the comments and suggestions received from the adjudicators. Through this exchange, both the choir and the audience can benefit from the adjudicators’ constructive comment, encouraging attendees to learn from different perspectives, creating a valuable learning experience for all.
To stress the importance of mutual music appreciation and collective drive for excellence, the Competition cum Masterclass eliminated the conventional ranking system. By replacing this with gold, silver, and bronze awards categories, we hope to create an engaging and enjoyable environment, drawing away from the competitive nature and focusing on collaborative learning and self improvement.
Adjudicators and Presenters
Events List
application
New Components (Optional)
Meet the Jury
As a new initiative in HKICF2024, a “Meet the Jury” will be arranged for each choir after the competition, where interested conductors will have the chance to meet online with a member of the adjudicating panel to ask for more in-depth comments on their performances and exchange views with each other. This is an optional component that will be available to you in the application form.
Performance Highlights Package
The package includes high-resolution performance photos without watermark and a full competition performance video of the choir(s) with comments from adjudicators. This is an optional component that will be available to you in the application form.
Rules and Regulations
1.1. By registering to participate in the Competition, a choir represents that it has thoroughly reviewed all rules and regulations relating to the Competition and agrees to strictly adhere to them.
1.2. Emails to participating choirs and notices and procedures pertaining to the Competition published on the HKICF website and/or social media platforms form part of the Competition’s rules and regulations.
1.3. The HKICF reserves the right to modify the Competition rules and regulations from time to time. All such changes, along with all Competition-related notices, will be published on the HKICF website and/or social media platforms.
1.4. A participating choir in breach of the Competition rules and regulations may be disqualified from the Competition.
1.5. Any breach of the Competition rules and regulations by a teacher or student of a participating choir may also result in the participating choir’s disqualification from the Competition.
2.1. Upon registration, participating choirs are required to ensure the accuracy of all information on the registration forms and any other information as required by the HKICF from time to time.
2.2. HKICF may from time to time request additional information from the participating choirs. The participating choirs shall provide such information in a timely and accurate manner.
2.3. HKICF shall not be responsible for any delay or mistake in communication with the participating choirs due to a lack of required information or mistake(s) in the information provided.
3.1. Based on ensemble size and performance length, participating choirs will be assigned to different sessions. Each session will be independently adjudicated and scored.
3.2. The HKICF will finalize all competition items’ dates, times, appearance order, and locations without input from the participating choirs.
3.3. The HKICF reserves the right to transfer, modify, or cancel any Competition-related arrangement.
3.4. For participating choirs that cannot attend the allotted competition timeslot, the HKICF may at its sole discretion decide whether to allot an alternative timeslot to such choirs.
3.5. If a Competition is cancelled for any reason, the HKICF may at its sole discretion decide whether an alternative Competition session(s) will take place.
4.1 HKICF will announce detailed arrangements for on-day registration at a date closer to the Competition.
4.2. Participating choirs should arrive at the competition venues to report to the event assistant in accordance with their registration time.
5.1. Participating choirs which violate copyright laws by using photographic copies without permission will be disqualified.
5.2. The adjudicators are entitled to not give a mark or award if the music played by a participating choir is not the music submitted for the Competition.
5.3. On the day of the Competition, participating choirs are required to submit two copies of the music score to the event assistant for evaluation. If the choir will perform with piano accompaniment, then the score must also contain the piano part. If there are other instruments, the instrumental scores must also be provided for evaluation. The HKICF reserves the right to keep such scores for record. Failure to submit scores will negatively affect the choir’s marks.
5.4. The participants should perform according to the submitted music score. The adjudicator will decide whether any adaptations that deviate from the score will affect the performance.
5.5. Participating choirs must separately arrange for an accompanist if accompaniment is necessary. Since vocal and instrumental parts complement one another, the performance of accompaniment will affect the overall score of the contestants.
6.1. Each participating choir’s first performance will be assessed. The adjudicators will subsequently give comments and feedback. The participating choir may interpret the music selection once more if time permits.
6.2. Each participating choir is provided with at least 10 minutes of performance time, which also includes time given to adjudicators for scoring and feedback.
6.3. Prior to performing, each participating choir needs to choose at least 1 student representative to give a 1-minute introduction of the choir and performance piece prior to performing.
6.4. If a participating choir fails to perform at an acceptable level, the adjudicators have the right to stop the performance.
6.5. If the adjudicators believe that a participating choir can already be given a grade or rating during its performance, the adjudicators have the right to stop the performance.
6.6. The Competition prohibits the use of loudspeakers, electronic musical instruments, synthesizers and audio-visual equipment at competitions.
6.7. Only a piano is provided at the venue. All other instruments must be provided by the participating choir.
6.8. All performances and accompaniment must be performed live.
6.9 As a new initiative in HKICF2024, an optional “Meet the Jury” session is available to contestants. It will be a separate video conference of 10-15 minutes after the date of the Competition where the conductor of a participating choir may seek further comments and feedback on its performance from a member of the adjudicating panel. This is an optional component for the participants. The schedule for the online meeting via Zoom will be released in due course. Due to constraints in scheduling, we will only accept for schools to swap their scheduled timeslots based on mutual consensus, subject to HKICF’s written approval. A penalty of HKD 500 for school choirs failing to show up without prior approval from HKICF.
7.1. Adjudicators will assess contestants’ performance based on:
(1) Appropriateness of the chosen piece(s)
(2) Technique – timbre, intonation, rhythm, etc.
(3) Interpretation – style mastery, imagination, etc.
(4) Contestants’ musical abilities
(5) Contestants’ expressiveness and ability to resonate with the audience
7.2. Adjudicators shall retain final discretion on all artistic matters.
8.1. Participants will receive their comment sheet at the end of their Competition session.
8.2. Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Certificate of Merit awards are not subject to any quota in any Competition session.
8.3. Awards will be given based on the following classification:
Gold 85 points or above
Silver 75 – 84 points
Bronze 65 – 74 points
Certificate of Merit 60 – 64 points
8.4. A contestant receiving 59 points or below will be awarded a “Certificate of Participation”.
8.5. Certificates will be distributed at the HKICF office on a designated date to be announced after the Competition. Schools are responsible for sending their representatives to collect their certificate on such designated date.
8.6. Certificates, once collected, will not be reissued if damaged or lost.
9.1. All participants and members of the audience must adhere to the venue rules imposed by the venue.
9.2. Students of participating choirs will be given seating priority at the venue. The HKICF reserves the right to deny entry of accompanying teachers or parents if space is not available.
9.3. During the Competition, participating choirs, including: accompanying teachers and parents, will only be allowed to enter and leave the competition venue at the beginning and end of the Competition’s session.
9.4. Young children under age 3 are not permitted in the competition venue.
9.5. The event assistant reserves the right to finalize seating arrangements according to the restrictions by the venue and at the request by the adjudicators.
9.6. Rehearsal is strictly prohibited at all competition venues and nearby areas.
9.7. Participating choirs should not alter the setting of the venues under all circumstances. The HKICF reserves the right to seek damages from concerned parties.
9.8. One music stand, piano and piano stool will be provided. Unless otherwise stated, no other equipment, such as: props, stage sets or power, will be provided at the competition venue.
9.9. All participants and team members are responsible for making arrangements for handling musical instruments and articles while entering the venue and moving on and off stage. The venue and competition staff will not provide any related assistance.
9.10. Any assistance given by venue or competition staff on the handling of musical instruments or articles will be solely voluntary in nature. The HKICF is not responsible for any related damage or loss.
9.11. Any individual, including the participants and members of the audience, who causes nuisance at the venue will be asked to leave and their related participating choir may be disqualified.
9.12. No electronic and communications devices may be used at the venue without permission.
9.13. The organizer is the sole authorized photographer for the venue. Unless otherwise permitted, photography, audio or video recording of any part of the competition (including the granting of comments and the announcement of the results). Violators will be asked to leave the venue.
9.14. All who attend the Competition are responsible for their own personal belongings. The HKICF will not be liable for any loss.
9.15. Public parking spaces will not be provided by any competition venues.
10.1. For matters not covered by any provision of the competition rules, a final decision will be made in the interpretation of the competition rules by the executive committee of the HKICF.
10.2. In the case that the Education Bureau announces the suspension of classes due to infectious diseases/weather and participating choirs are required to cancel all activities, Competition session(s) may be cancelled and there will be no re-scheduling of the Competition session(s). The HKICF will also not make any further announcement with regard to the cancelled competition session(s).
10.3. The HKICF will not provide a refund under any circumstance.
10.4. The HKICF retains the discretion to disallow any individual or group from participating in the competition and related activities due to public health concerns.
10.5. Photos and videos of contestants, competition information or award-related materials etc. may be uploaded onto the relevant websites or publicity materials for publicity. The HKICF does not have to inform participants and their families in advance or pay any related fees.
10.6. Rights to all competition-related photography, as well as video and sound recording, are owned by the Hong Kong Virtuosos Chorus.
11.1. Inquiries, complaints or comments must be made in writing by the teacher/principal responsible for registration and submitted to the HKICF (email: [email protected]) on or prior to the date of the final event of this competition.
11.2. These inquiries, complaints or comments will be dealt with after the Competition is concluded. The relevant teacher will receive a written reply and be informed of the follow-up result.
11.3. The letter containing the inquiries, complaints or comments must include the following:
(1) Be signed by the school principal or responsible teacher;
(2) Display the official school chop
11.4. No reply will be given for any communication that fails to comply with the above format. The HKICF will not respond to any complaints made by other means.
Time to take action
Frequently Asked Questions
Participating choirs should arrive at the competition venues to report to the event assistant in accordance with their registration time. Prior to performing, each participating choir needs to choose at least 1 student representative (max 2) to give a 1-minute introduction of the choir and performance piece prior to performing. Each participating choir’s first performance will be assessed. The adjudicators will subsequently give comments and feedback. The participating choir may interpret the music selection once more if time permits. Each participating choir is provided with about 15 – 20 minutes of performance time, which also includes time given to adjudicators for scoring and feedback.
At the time of registration, participating choirs are required to submit two copies and a copyright declaration form to be handed over to the event assistant for evaluation. If this score is to be performed with accompaniment, then accompaniment sheet music must also be provided. HKICF will keep the two copies of the score for record. The participating choir must provide all instruments needed for the performance other than the piano, which will be provided by the venue.
One music stand, piano and piano stool will be provided. Unless otherwise stated, no other equipment, such as: props, stage sets or power, will be provided at the competition venue. All other instruments must be provided by the participating choir. The Competition prohibits the use of loudspeakers, electronic musical instruments, synthesizers and audio-visual equipment at competitions.
Participating choirs must separately arrange for an accompanist if accompaniment is necessary.
No electronic and communications devices may be used at the venue without permission. The organizer is the sole authorized photographer for the venue. Unless otherwise permitted, photography, audio or video recording of any part of the competition (including the granting of comments and the announcement of the results). Violators will be asked to leave the venue. Rights to all competition-related photography, as well as video and sound recording, are owned by the Hong Kong Virtuoso Chorus.
Participating choirs are required to submit the original score or a letter of copyright declaration along with the two copies of the music to be handed over to the event assistant for evaluation upon registration. If the copyright cannot be cleared, participants must provide a letter of copyright declaration stating the failure to obtain copyright clearance of the music, and the school will bear all responsibilities. Participating choirs which violate copyright laws by using photographic copies without permission will be disqualified.
Participating choirs will be assigned to different sessions based on ensemble size and performance length. HKICF will finalize all competition items’ dates, times, appearance orders, and locations without input from the participating choirs.
For participating choirs which cannot attend the allotted competition timeslot, HKICF retains the discretion to decide if another time slot should be allotted to such participating choirs.
In the case that the Education Bureau announces the suspension of classes due to infectious diseases/weather and participating choirs are required to cancel all activities, Competition session(s) may be cancelled and there will be no re-scheduling of the Competition session(s).
HKICF will also not make any further announcements with regard to the cancelled competition session(s). If a competition session is cancelled, HKICF retains the discretion to decide if alternative competition session(s) will be organised. HKICF reserves all rights to transfer, modify, or cancel any competition-related arrangements when needed. HKICF will not provide a refund under any circumstance.
There are no set pieces for the competition. Schools may choose their own repertoire, in any language, voicing (including unison), and length. Original pieces are acceptable. HKICF aims to give schools as much freedom as possible in choosing their repertoire to best showcase the talents of the participating choir.
HKICF will not provide a refund under any circumstance.
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