In conjunction with Nairobi Orchestra
31st Edition Details
Entries are welcomed from solo performers on orchestral instruments, piano, guitar and orchestral percussion who have reached ABRSM Grade 4 or equivalent. Classical music ensembles of between 3 and 8 players are also welcomed.
Please read our Briefing Notes below for full information.
Entry Deadline
• Fri 15th January 2027
Preliminary Rounds
• Sat 13 February 2027
• Sun 14 February 2027
Final Round
• Sun 28 February 2027
Junior Solo
• Age range: 13 & under
• Minimum level of proficiency: ABRSM Grade 4 or equivalent
•Time limit: 8 minutes
Intermediate Solo
• Age range: 16 & Under
• Minimum level of proficiency: ABRSM Grade 5 or equivalent
•Time limit: 10 minutes
Senior Solo
• Age range: 17 to 20
• Minimum level of proficiency: ABRSM Grade 6 or equivalent
•Time limit: 12 minutes
Junior Ensembles
• Age range: 13 & under
• Minimum level of proficiency: ABRSM Grade 3 or equivalent
•Time limit: 12 minutes
Open Ensembles
• Age range: 20 & under
• Minimum level of proficiency: ABRSM Grade 3 or equivalent
• Time limit: 12 minutes
- Competitors may perform on any orchestral instrument, including piano, saxophone, classical guitar, recorder and percussion (but not drum kit).
- Competitors may enter only ONE solo instrument but may also perform in an ensemble.
- Two pieces of contrasting style should be chosen from the classical/jazz/contemporary classical repertoire of their instrument.
- At least one of the pieces should be accompanied (piano and guitar excepted).
- Competitors must provide their own accompanist.
- Ensembles must be made up of between 3 to 8 performers.
- Ensemble entries should not require accompaniment.
- Teachers should not provide accompaniment for any ensemble entries.
- Penalties will be incurred (at the discretion of the judges) for exceeding the category time limit. There is no penalty for using less than the time limit.
- Competitors should choose pieces within their capability. Music teachers have a responsibility to ensure that their student is able to play the chosen pieces competently.
- If selected for the Final, competitors must play the same pieces as those performed in the first round.
- Live accompaniment is preferred; recorded accompaniments are best avoided.
- All participants are presented with a certificate at the Preliminary rounds.
- Certificates and medals are presented to all Finalists.
- A plaque is presented to the winner of each category.
- The Richard W. Moss Memorial Trophy is presented to the Ensemble group which is awarded the highest points (from both categories).
- The Julia Moss Trophy is awarded to the best accompanist.
- Performances are assessed by a panel of adjudicators selected by the Committee for their musical experience, knowledge and understanding of classical music performance.
- Marks are awarded for technique, interpretation, style, stage presentation, ensemble (with accompanist) and choice of repertoire.
- At the Preliminary Rounds, the judges will provide a written comment for each competitor and select those to go forward to the Final.
- At the Final, the judges will select the musicians to be in 1st, 2nd and 3rd place for each category.
- No late entries will be accepted after Fri 15th January 2027.
- Once the entry form has been completed and received, competitors will be contacted via their music teachers (or the email address provided on the form).
- We will endeavour to provide competitors with their preference of day/time but please note that this may not be possible.
- Entries must be accompanied by the entry fee of Ksh.1700 for individuals and Ksh.2200 for ensembles, paid by Mpesa to 0701 647186 (name Francis Macgoye). If payment is not made by the deadline of 15th January, the competitor will not be included in the Preliminary Round programme. No refunds will be issued.
- Three hard copies of the music to be performed must be provided to YMC Competition, c/o Music Department at Kenton College by the deadline of 15th January.
- We encourage young musicians and their families to stay and listen to other performers during the Preliminary Rounds, as a source of both encouragement to the performers and to deepen musical knowledge and understanding.