The 22nd Macao Youth Music Competition will be held from May 1 to 9. People interested in participating in this competition may register between March 1 and 7.

As the organiser has implemented new arrangements for the competition since last year's programme, now there will be music for string, wind and percussion instruments, Chinese music and vocal groups.

The Macao Youth Music Competition is organised annually by the Cultural Institute. The purpose of the competition is to promote the development of local music, enhance artists' refinement and the performing standard of young people.

During the past 21 years this competition has given young people a precious arena to provide a learning opportunity and to gain experience. It has had a positive effect in improving the music standard of the youth of Macao.

The organiser has made some changes to the format of the Macao Youth Competition in 2003, separating piano music from Western musical instruments and vocal groups, and establishing a biennial competition for other categories.

Piano music was featured in the 21st Macao Youth Music Competition in 2003. This year the competition will feature Chinese music, Western musical instruments and vocal groups.

Renowned professors from music academies from the Mainland and Hong Kong will be invited to serve on the judging panel in an attempt to raise the performing standards of the participants. Two or three judges will be assigned to each category and group.

In order to enable participants to focus solely on the competition, this year's event has been organised to be held in early May so as to avoid a conflict with school examinations, which are usually held at the end of May and early June.

The organiser will continue to present the "Cultural Institute Award" and "Potential Award". These awards provide young people with an opportunity for short-term or long-term study overseas.

It will hold a series of workshops for the public, on musical instruments and vocal performances, from the middle of March to late April.

Macau and overseas performers and vocalists will host the workshops. Speakers will explain the characteristics of the competition programme, performing style and techniques, and will analyse pieces of music.

It is hoped that through these workshops participants will make significant gains in honing their performing abilities. Dates and registration for these workshops will be announced at a later date.