Ukrainian violinist Georgii Moroz wins the Singapore International Violin Competition 2026
Ukrainian violinist Georgii Moroz emerged as the winner at the Singapore International Violin Competition (SIVC) 2026, following the Grand Finals at Esplanade Concert Hall on 7 February. Presented by the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music (YST) at NUS, the competition awarded second prize to Danish violinist Michael Germer and third prize to Chinese violinist Zou Meng.
Both Moroz and Zou are YST alumni, while Germer graduated from the Royal Danish Music Conservatory.
This edition’s laureates were determined following two weeks of qualifying rounds, including the Grand Final where the three Grand Finalists each performed a complete concerto with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra under the baton of conductor Joshua Tan. The performances were carefully evaluated by an international jury of distinguished pedagogues and performers, chaired by SIVC Artistic Director and YST Head of Strings Professor Qian Zhou.
"The overall level of excellence and artistry among candidates was higher this time round compared to previous editions," shared returning jury member Paul Roczek, an Austrian violinist and Professor Emeritus at Universität Mozarteum Salzburg. "The differences between competitors were minimal; each demonstrated exceptional skill and finesse in their performance. As a result, the competition came down to nuances in technique, considerations of musical interpretation across diverse cultures and traditions, and, ultimately, the players’ ability to engage the audience," he added.
“What has been most moving in this year’s edition is seeing young artists who do more than play beautifully,” said Professor Qian Zhou. “On stage, they shone not just as competitors, but as musicians with individuality, sensitivity, sincerity and true virtuosity – exactly the qualities SIVC seeks to nurture.”
“SIVC forms part of a broader artistic collaboration with Singapore’s musical community to showcase and promote our laureates, through its presenting institution, the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, as well as its various venue, award and performance partners. Their collective efforts enable this competition to serve as a meaningful platform to support deserving artists at the start of their careers locally and beyond our shores,” Prof Zhou said.
This edition of SIVC saw a total of 29 candidates representing over 10 nationalities competing for over US$110,000 in prizes. In addition to cash prizes, prizewinners receive concert engagements with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra, Macao Orchestra and Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, as well as three-year fine violin loans from the Rin Collection.
Since its launch in 2014, SIVC has grown into one of Asia’s leading international violin competitions. Now in its fourth edition, the competition continues to benefit from YST’s position within NUS, Singapore’s flagship university, providing a prestigious platform that attracts global talent, fosters artistic dialogue and connects young musicians with professional opportunities on an international stage, reinforcing Singapore’s role as a dynamic hub for the arts in the region.
Read the full press release here.
