Harbin competition to cement reputation as ‘Music City’

The second Harbin International Music Competition (IMCH) will be held in Harbin, Northeast China's Heilongjiang province, from Aug 31 to Sept 10, according to information released at a press conference for the second Harbin International Music Competition in Harbin, Heilongjiang province, on March 18.
Harbin, which is famous for its Russian influences, is also known as "China's Music City" and regularly holds world-renowned cultural events.

IMCH, comprising of singers and musicians, was jointly founded by the government of Harbin and Harbin Conservatory of Music.
Once it was initiated in January 2018, the competition was widely recognized by the music field for its professionalism and authority.

This year's competition is divided into two stages: qualifier (pre-selection) and the final. After the pre-selection, which is based on video materials submitted by contestants –– 30 pianists, 30 violinists, 35 vocalists and six composers will be invited to Harbin to participate in the final and compete for multiple awards over a 10-day period.

The top three in each competition group will receive award certificates and a prize of $50,000 (first place), $20,000 (second place) or $10,000 (third place).

The jury for the competition will consist of prestigious art directors and brokers from leading opera houses around the world, including from the Metropolitan Opera House in New York, the Paris Opera, Royal Opera House in London and Moscow Grand Theatre.

Registration for the competition opened in October 2018 and will close on May 1.

The event aims to highlight new musical talent, provide high-quality entertainment for visitors, and raise Harbin's profile as China's Music City.

Guan Jian, Party secretary of Harbin Conservatory of Music, delivers a speech at a press conference for the second Harbin International Music Competition in Harbin, Heilongjiang province, on March 18. [Photo/people.cn]

Souvenirs for the second Harbin International Music Competition are launched at a press conference held in Harbin, Heilongjiang province, on March 18. [Photo/people.cn]

Ying Feng, general secretary of the art committee of the second Harbin International Music Competition, introduces the event schedule at a press conference held in Harbin, Heilongjiang province, on March 18. [Photo/people.cn]