2025 Oriens Chamber Music Competition

Mission

The Oriens Music Competition inspires the younger generation to explore and perform music with Asian influences, fostering appreciation within communities and across the global cultural landscape.

Important Dates

February 1 - 28, 2025: Early registration, $90 per ensemble
March 1 - 16, 2025: Regular registration and video submission
April 1, 2025: Preliminary results announced via email and on Facebook
April 26, 2025: Final round and award ceremony at the Culture Center of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Houston, Texas.

Note: Videos submitted on or after March 17, 2025, will be disqualified from the competition.

Winner Awards

First Place: $500
Second Place: $300
Third Place: $200

Application Rules

Please thoroughly review this document and gather all required information before beginning the online registration.

Contestants must be 18 or younger on April 26, 2025.
Contestants are permitted to be part of multiple ensembles.
Each ensemble entry should consist of 3 to 6 musicians.
Ensembles may include multiple players but are limited to one piano per ensemble.
Instrumentation comprises violin, viola, cello, string bass, and piano. Contact us if your instrument isn't listed; we will confirm eligibility via email.
Ensemble must maintain consistent instrumentation for both music selections.
No personnel changes allowed after entry submission.
All registration fees are non-refundable.
Failing to meet all the requirements will result in disqualification.

Rating Criteria

Participants will be evaluated on their musical interpretation, technical clarity and precision, collaborative harmony and unity (ensembles only), performance presentation, and overall artistry.
An audition panel will review all submissions. Their decisions are final, and feedback will be provided upon request.

Video Recording Requirements

Two public YouTube links, one for each music selection.
Unedited recordings: movements recorded in one take, audio from the same take.
Continuity: movements recorded entirely but breaks allowed between them. Attacca movements with timestamps.
No editing: videos must not be edited or spliced.
Quality: use of an external microphone is allowed.
Ensemble performance: all members must be visible together in the same space throughout the recording.
Visuals: stationary picture without panning, close-ups, or school affiliations.
Resolution: minimum 1280x720 (720p).
Please upload your videos to YouTube and include the links during registration. The video title starts with "Oriens 2025," followed by the ensemble name, composer name, work, and movement. For example:
Oriens 2025: Texas Piano Trio, Beethoven, Piano Trio in C major, Op. 1 No. 1, Mvt I.
File retention: please keep your original videos; they may be requested later.

Required Repertoire

Each ensemble must perform two pieces:

1. Music with Asian Influences: Select a piece that incorporates distinct elements of Asian music, such as traditional melodies, rhythms, or instrumentation, or one inspired by Asian musical styles and traditions.

2. Free Choice Piece: No specific requirements; contestants may choose any piece that fits within the competition guidelines.

Fill out the registration form HERE

Our judge panel (TBA)