NZGMC 2026 Competition Regulations

Name: New Zealand Performing Arts Group – NZPAG
Address: NZ

Competition Mission

In the name of art, we serve the growth of New Zealand’s local youth, community unity, and society’s future.

NZGMC 2026 is not only an international-level music and arts competition, but also a future-oriented cultural initiative deeply rooted in New Zealand’s local communities. It is a meaningful social and cultural project dedicated to youth development, mental wellbeing support, community welfare, public benefit, and multicultural integration.

We believe:

Art should not belong only to the privileged few.
The stage should not belong only to the fortunate.

Every young person deserves the opportunity to be encouraged, to be seen, and to be heard by the world.

Competition Highlights | Azure Bird Grand Award

To further encourage outstanding young artistic talent, NZGMC 2026 will present the highest honour award across each of the four core competition divisions:

1. Piano Division

Azure Bird Grand Award – NZD $1,000

2. Vocal Division

Azure Bird Grand Award – NZD $1,000

3. Western Instruments Division

Azure Bird Grand Award – NZD $1,000

4. World Ethnic & Traditional Instruments Division

Azure Bird Grand Award – NZD $1,000

Winner Benefits

NZD $1,000 Prize Award
Prestigious Performance Opportunity at the Official Awards Concert
Opportunity to Perform Live with a Symphony Orchestra on the Grand Final Concert Night
Multi-camera High-Quality Live Performance Video Package
Official Honour Certificate and Special Recognition

Competition Structure Overview | Four Core Competition Divisions

1. Piano & Keyboard Division

Piano & Keyboard

2. Western Instruments Division

Western Instruments

3. Ethnic & Traditional Instruments Division

Ethnic & Traditional Instruments

4. Vocal Categories Division

Vocal Categories

Piano Division Regulations Eligibility Professional piano applicants only ⸻ Performance Requirements 1. Repertoire Contestants may freely select one piece that best represents their highest artistic level. Genre and style are unrestricted. 2. Repeats & D.C. Pieces with repeat signs should be performed once only; D.C. markings must be fully observed. 3. Time Limit If a contestant exceeds the time limit, adjudicators reserve the right to stop the performance without affecting the final score. 4. Multiple Entries Each contestant may register for up to three competition groups. ⸻ Included Services * Live professional adjudicator feedback after each division * Minimum two free downloadable high-definition digital photos for each contestant after the competition

Piano Division Competition Notes 1. Repertoire Selection Repertoire and genre are unrestricted. Each contestant may select one piece only that best represents their highest artistic level. 2. Repeats & D.C. If the selected piece contains repeat signs, repeats should be performed once only and do not need to be repeated further. D.C. (Da Capo) markings must be fully observed. 3. Time Limit If a contestant exceeds the time limit, adjudicators reserve the right to stop the performance without affecting the final score. 4. Multiple Entries Each contestant may register for up to three competition groups. ⸻ Additional Benefits Live Adjudicator Feedback At the conclusion of each division, adjudicators will provide live professional feedback and guidance for every contestant. Complimentary Photo Service After the competition, each contestant will receive at least two downloadable high-resolution digital photos free of charge.

Western Instruments Division Regulations Categories Strings Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass Brass Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba Woodwinds Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Oboe, Bassoon Plucked Strings Harp, Guitar, and related plucked instruments Percussion Timpani, Marimba, Glockenspiel, and related percussion instruments ⸻ Competition Rules 1. Repertoire Repertoire is unrestricted. Contestants may freely select performance pieces. 2. Repeats & D.C. Repeat signs should be performed once only. D.C. markings must be strictly observed. 3. Time Limit If a contestant exceeds the time limit, adjudicators reserve the right to stop the performance without affecting the final score. ⸻ Accompaniment Policy * Contestants may bring their own accompanist * MP3 accompaniment is permitted * Official accompanists are available upon request during registration * All accompaniment-related fees are the responsibility of the contestant

Western Instruments Division Competition Notes 1. Repertoire Selection Repertoire and genre are unrestricted. Contestants may freely select the piece that best represents their highest artistic level. 2. Repeats & D.C. If the selected piece contains repeat signs, repeats should be performed once only and do not need to be repeated further. D.C. (Da Capo) markings must be fully observed. 3. Time Limit If a contestant exceeds the time limit, adjudicators reserve the right to stop the performance without affecting the final score. ⸻ Piano Accompaniment Policy Self-Provided Accompaniment Contestants may bring their own piano accompanist, or independently submit compliant accompaniment audio files such as MP3 format for competition use. Official Competition Accompanist Request If contestants wish to use an official accompanist designated by the Organising Committee, this request must be clearly noted during the registration stage. The Organising Committee will subsequently release the official accompanist’s information and contact details, after which contestants are responsible for arranging communication directly. Accompaniment Fees Competition registration fees do not include piano accompaniment service fees. All accompaniment-related expenses must be negotiated directly between contestants and accompanists and are entirely self-funded. The Organising Committee does not charge or manage any accompaniment-related fees. ⸻ Additional Benefits Live Adjudicator Feedback At the conclusion of each division, adjudicators will provide live professional feedback and guidance for every contestant. Complimentary Photo Service After the competition, each contestant will receive at least two downloadable high-resolution digital photos free of charge.

World Ethnic & Traditional Instruments Division Regulations Categories Bowed Strings Erhu, Zhonghu, Gaohu, Banhu, Morin Khuur, Indian Violin Plucked Strings Pipa, Guzheng, Ruan, Liuqin, Yangqin, Shamisen, Sitar, Flamenco Guitar Wind Instruments Dizi, Sheng, Suona, Guanzi, Shakuhachi, Irish Bagpipes, Bansuri Percussion Chinese Traditional Percussion, Five-Tone Drum Set, Taiko, Tabla, Djembe ⸻ Competition Rules 1. Repertoire Repertoire is unrestricted. Contestants may freely select performance pieces. 2. Repeats & D.C. Repeat signs should be performed once only. D.C. markings must be strictly observed. 3. Time Limit If a contestant exceeds the time limit, adjudicators reserve the right to stop the performance without affecting the final score. ⸻ Accompaniment Policy * Contestants may bring their own accompanist * MP3 accompaniment is permitted * Official accompanists are available upon request during registration * All accompaniment-related fees are the responsibility of the contestant

World Ethnic & Traditional Instruments Division Competition Notes 1. Repertoire Selection Repertoire and genre are unrestricted. Contestants may freely select the piece that best represents their highest artistic level. 2. Repeats & D.C. If the selected piece contains repeat signs, repeats should be performed once only and do not need to be repeated further. D.C. (Da Capo) markings must be fully observed. 3. Time Limit If a contestant exceeds the time limit, adjudicators reserve the right to stop the performance without affecting the final score. ⸻ Piano Accompaniment Policy Self-Provided Accompaniment Contestants may bring their own piano accompanist, or independently submit compliant accompaniment audio files such as MP3 format for competition use. Official Competition Accompanist Request If contestants wish to use an official accompanist designated by the Organising Committee, this request must be clearly noted during the registration stage. The Organising Committee will subsequently release the official accompanist’s information and contact details, after which contestants are responsible for arranging communication directly. Accompaniment Fees Competition registration fees do not include piano accompaniment service fees. All accompaniment-related expenses must be negotiated directly between contestants and accompanists and are entirely self-funded. The Organising Committee does not charge or manage any accompaniment-related fees. ⸻ Additional Benefits Live Adjudicator Feedback At the conclusion of each division, adjudicators will provide live professional feedback and guidance for every contestant. Complimentary Photo Service After the competition, each contestant will receive at least two downloadable high-resolution digital photos free of charge.

Vocal Division Regulations Categories Children’s Vocal Children’s Voice Division Pop Vocal Popular / Contemporary Vocal Performance Folk Singing Chinese or International Folk Vocal Performance Bel Canto Classical / Operatic Vocal Performance Professional Young Artist Division Advanced Professional Vocal Category New Zealand Māori Art Song Division Māori Artistic Vocal Repertoire Choir / Ensemble Choir, Vocal Ensemble, and Group Performance ⸻ Professional Division Requirements Bel Canto One foreign opera aria or one foreign art song Folk Singing One Chinese or international folk vocal work Māori Art Song One Māori art song (Māori or Chinese language permitted) ⸻ Original Language Rule Professional division contestants must perform all repertoire in its original language. Failure to comply may result in disqualification. ⸻ Competition Rules 1. Repertoire Repertoire is unrestricted within the designated category requirements. 2. Performance Standards Contestants must present one piece that best represents their highest artistic level. 3. Time Limit If a contestant exceeds the time limit, adjudicators reserve the right to stop the performance without affecting the final score. ⸻ Accompaniment Requirements Accepted Formats * Piano accompaniment * MP3 accompaniment Additional Notes * Contestants may provide their own accompanist * Official accompanists may be requested during registration * All accompaniment-related fees are the responsibility of the contestant

Vocal Division Professional Category Competition Notes I. Repertoire Requirements 1. Bel Canto Division Contestants must perform one foreign opera aria or one foreign art song. 2. Folk Singing Division Contestants must perform one Chinese or international folk vocal work, traditional folk song, or excerpt from an ethnic opera. 3. Māori Art Song Division Contestants must perform one Māori art song. Māori or Chinese language is permitted. 4. Original Language Rule (Mandatory for Professional Division) Professional division contestants must select original operatic arias or art songs composed in Italian, German, French, Russian, English, or other original languages, and must perform entirely in the original language. Failure to comply with this requirement will be considered a direct violation and will result in immediate disqualification. ⸻ II. Piano Accompaniment Regulations 1. Accepted Accompaniment Formats Contestants may bring their own piano accompanist or independently submit compliant MP3 accompaniment audio. 2. Official Competition Accompanist Request If contestants wish to use an official accompanist designated by the Organising Committee, this request must be clearly noted during registration. The Organising Committee will later release the designated accompanist’s contact details, and contestants are responsible for arranging communication directly. 3. Accompaniment Fees Competition registration fees do not include piano accompaniment service fees. All accompaniment-related expenses must be negotiated directly between contestants and accompanists and are entirely self-funded. The Organising Committee does not charge or manage accompaniment-related fees. ⸻ III. Competition Support Services 1. Live Professional Feedback At the conclusion of each division, adjudicators will provide one-on-one live professional feedback and vocal guidance for every contestant. 2. Complimentary Official Photo Service Each contestant will receive no fewer than two downloadable high-resolution official digital photos after the competition. ⸻ IV. Video Submission Requirements 1. Video Repertoire Compliance Video-entry repertoire must fully comply with the vocal regulations of the contestant’s registered division and must consist of one eligible solo work. 2. Video Recording Standards * Horizontal or vertical recording formats are both accepted * Piano accompanist must remain visible throughout the entire performance * Video must be recorded within six months prior to submission * Editing, pitch correction, audio enhancement, or post-production effects are strictly prohibited Any violation will result in disqualification. ⸻ V. MP3 Submission Requirements 1. Submission Deadline Contestants using MP3 accompaniment must submit their audio files no later than 1 August 2026. 2. File Format All accompaniment files must be submitted in MP3 format only. 3. File Naming Format Full Name + Discipline + Competition Division + Repertoire Title 4. Email Submission Address info@nzperformingarts.org.nz 5. Email Subject Format Full Name + Discipline + Division + Repertoire Title

Online Selection & Video Submission Regulations

Online Selection & Video Submission Regulations I. Online Competition Registration Registration Fee The online selection registration fee is NZD $200 per contestant, identical to the standard in-person competition registration fee. Submission Method Contestants must submit their competition video directly to the official Organising Committee email address: info@nzperformingarts.org.nz Selection Format Submitted video performances will be presented on the main stage screen during the live event and adjudicated on-site by the official expert judging panel. Scores will be announced live. Awards & Recognition Outstanding contestants will receive the official 2026 New Zealand Global Music Competition Honour Certificate, with awards including: * Azure Bird Grand Award * First Prize * Second Prize * Third Prize * Merit Award * Azure Bird Arts Award ⸻ II. Online Performance Video Recording Requirements 1. Recording Environment The recording background must be clean, tidy, and visually professional. Choose a bright, well-lit environment with appropriate front lighting (avoid backlighting). Contestants must dress appropriately and professionally, maintain stable posture, and avoid excessive body movement. 2. Self-Introduction Requirement Contestants must include a brief spoken self-introduction before performing, including: * Full Name * Competition Division * Repertoire Title * Request for adjudicator feedback Example: “My name is [Name], I am participating in [Division], and my performance piece is [Title]. I respectfully invite the judges to provide professional feedback.” 3. Accompaniment Audio Standards If accompaniment is used, the environment must remain quiet and acoustically clean. Accompaniment audio must be clear, balanced, and professionally proportioned to ensure the contestant’s performance remains clearly audible. 4. File Format & Duration * Accepted formats: MP4 or MOV only * One self-selected piece only * Maximum duration: 5 minutes * Maximum file size: 1GB 5. Recording Device Requirements Contestants must use a standard camera or native mobile phone camera only. Strictly Prohibited: * Filters * Beauty camera apps (including Meitu, B612, BeautyCam, etc.) * Post-editing or visual enhancement software Important: Mobile phone users must activate Airplane Mode during recording to avoid interruptions. 6. Camera Position & Technical Standards * Fixed camera position only * Horizontal landscape format only * No external recording devices permitted * Minimum resolution: 720P * Aspect ratio: 16:9 7. Performance Integrity * No video editing * No camera angle changes * No audio editing * No cuts or interruptions * Performance must be continuous, complete, and audio-video synchronized 8. Repertoire Compliance Contestants must upload the exact repertoire listed in their registration. Any discrepancy between the registered repertoire and submitted video will result in disqualification. 9. Submission Deadline All video submissions must be sent to: info@nzperformingarts.org.nz Deadline: 30 July 2026 10. Judging Standards Online adjudication follows a strict 100-point scoring system. All performances will be judged solely on authentic live-level artistic quality and technical execution.

Awards & Recognition System

Awards & Recognition System To encourage artistic excellence, stage performance, and comprehensive musicianship, NZGMC 2026 proudly establishes the following official awards structure: ⸻ Azure Bird Grand Award (Grand Prize) One highest-honour recipient only in each core division Score Requirement: 95 points and above (≥95 points) Award: * Azure Bird Grand Award Certificate ⸻ First Prize Score Requirement: 90 points and above (≥90 points) Award: * First Prize Certificate ⸻ Second Prize Score Requirement: 85–89.9 points Award: * Second Prize Certificate ⸻ Third Prize Score Requirement: 80–84.9 points Award: * Third Prize Certificate ⸻ Merit Award Score Requirement: 79.9 points and below (≤79.9 points) Award: * Merit Award Certificate ⸻ Teacher Awards Contestants whose students receive the Azure Bird Grand Award, First Prize, Second Prize, or Third Prize will qualify their instructors for: Outstanding Teacher Award Award: * Outstanding Teacher Award Certificate This recognition honours exceptional teaching excellence, artistic mentorship, and contribution to the development of emerging talent.

Azure Bird Community Arts Sponsored Places

Community Sponsored Places

(5 Sponsored Places — No Registration Fee Required)

Azure Bird Community Arts Sponsored Places Community Sponsored Places (5 Sponsored Places — No Registration Fee Required) Through this initiative, NZGMC 2026 aims to directly support more young people across New Zealand, especially those facing real-life barriers and challenges, including: * Māori Youth * Pasifika Youth * Students from Low-Income Families * Youth with Special Needs * Young People Requiring Emotional Support and Personal Growth Encouragement The Azure Bird Awards are specially created for these communities. These awards do not focus primarily on professional technical ability, but instead celebrate growth, courage, self-expression, participation, and the equal opportunity to stand on an artistic stage. ⸻ Core Spirit Hope · Breakthrough · Growth · Courage · Inclusion Every child deserves to be seen. ⸻ Core Awards (One Recipient for Each Award) ⸻ 1. Azure Bird Arts Award Presented to young participants who demonstrate confidence, growth, sincerity, and authentic artistic expression. ⸻ 2. Azure Bird Voice Award / Azure Bird Performance Award Recognising outstanding stage presentation, emotional communication, and cultural artistic identity. ⸻ 3. Azure Bird Courage Award Created especially for children and young people overcoming insecurity, family hardship, social barriers, or performing on stage for the first time. This award values courage and breakthrough above technical perfection. ⸻ 4. Azure Bird Future Award Encouraging multicultural heritage, community inclusion, social responsibility, and positive youth leadership.

Final Vision

The 2026 New Zealand International Music & Arts Festival & Global Music Competition is striving to build not merely a competition brand, but a truly community-rooted:
International Youth Arts & Public Benefit Platform
Through art, we cultivate talent.
Through public service, we connect communities.
Through culture, we shape the future.
Our vision is to ensure that New Zealand’s next generation not only has dreams, but also the opportunity to be seen, heard, and recognised by the world.
Final Note
The Organising Committee reserves the final right of interpretation for all competition regulations and policies.

New Zealand Performing Arts Group

NZPAG — The New Voice of Global Classical Performance

Where Masterpieces Begin

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New Zealand Performing Arts Group (NZPAG), based in Auckland, is an internationally recognised performing arts organisation dedicated to world-class opera and musical theatre productions, international music competitions and elite artistic exchange, cultivating emerging talent and presenting original works of contemporary vision on the global stage.

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