REGISTRATION OPEN — 2026

Sydney · Australia · International

Let the World
Hear You

Sydney International Music & Fine Arts Festival

This is more than a competition. Performance · Education · Cultural Exchange · International Opportunities

让世界听见你的声音

Apply Now Explore the Festival
SydneyArtistic home
InternationalConnected worldwide
PerformanceConcerts & competitions
EducationMasterclasses & learning
ExchangeCross-cultural collaboration
4th YearNew international phase

About the Festival

A Sydney-born platform for performance, learning & exchange

The Sydney International Music & Fine Arts Festival is an international platform where music performance, education and cultural exchange come together.

Founded in Sydney and now entering its fourth year, the Festival brings together young musicians, soloists, ensembles, educators, artists and institutions from Australia, China, New Zealand, Europe and beyond. Participants do not simply enter a competition — they enter a Festival pathway that can include professional evaluation, stage performance, masterclasses, chamber music, concerts, artistic exchange and international opportunities.

Our long-term vision is to build an annual Sydney-centred international music education and performance platform with partner programs and artistic collaborations in multiple regions.

01

Perform

Take the stage in concerts, showcases and competition streams with professional standards.

02

Learn

Grow through masterclasses, workshops and direct feedback from artists and educators.

03

Connect

Meet peers, teachers and artists across Australia, China, New Zealand, Europe and beyond.

04

Be Seen

Step into finals, winner concerts, showcases and international opportunities.

Festival Experiences

More than a competition

Seven connected experiences make up the Festival — each one open to young artists, students, adult participants, teachers, families and international partners.

Compete

Competition & Performance

Adjudicated solo and ensemble performance streams across instruments and voice.

Showcase

Concerts & Showcases

Festival concert series and winner concerts presented on the Sydney stage.

Learn

Masterclasses

Intimate sessions with renowned artists and pedagogues for participants and observers.

Ensemble

Chamber Music

Small ensembles, string quartets and chamber groups brought together for collaboration.

Workshops

Education & Workshops

Educational workshops and lectures that deepen musical understanding and stage craft.

Exchange

Artistic & Cultural Exchange

Cross-cultural exchange between Australian and international artists, schools and festivals.

Recognition

Awards & Recognition

Acknowledgement of achievement through adjudication, awards and celebratory ceremonies.

Your Festival Path

From application to international stage

A clear journey from your first application through performance, learning and onward opportunities.

01

Apply

Submit your application, repertoire and supporting materials for the 2026 Festival.

02

Preliminary & Selection

Take part in evaluation and selection rounds designed for your category and level.

03

Perform & Learn

Join masterclasses, workshops, concerts and chamber music sessions.

04

Finals & Showcase

Advance to finals, winner concerts and curated Festival showcases.

05

International Opportunities

Connect with artists, festivals and institutions beyond Sydney.

Start Your Application

The Artistic Home

Sydney

Sydney is the artistic home and principal international gathering point of the Festival.

Sydney gives the Festival its stage and its spirit: a world-class harbour, celebrated concert halls and a creative city at the crossroads of the Asia-Pacific. Past Festival activity has been presented in proximity to leading Sydney music institutions and cultural landmarks.

While the Festival grows internationally, Sydney remains its headquarters and the home of its Global Final.

  • Sydney — the Festival's artistic home and Global Final host city
  • World-class venues, institutions and a UNESCO-listed harbour
  • A gateway between Australia, China, New Zealand, Europe and beyond
Explore the International Network

Participate from Australia

Your path through the Festival

Australian participants can join the Festival through competition, performance, masterclasses, chamber music and education streams — with pathways toward finals, showcases and international opportunities.

1

Apply now

Complete the 2026 application with your details, repertoire and supporting materials.

2

Prepare & be selected

Participate in the evaluation and selection process suited to your level and discipline.

3

Perform & connect

Take the stage, join masterclasses and meet artists from across the Festival network.

4

Reach further

Outstanding participants may be invited into Festival showcases and international opportunities.

Specific dates, venues, awards and rules for the 2026 program will be published as they are finalised. Confirmed details are communicated directly to applicants.

Apply Now

International Festival Network

From Sydney to the world

The Festival is growing from its Sydney home into a connected international network. Sydney remains the artistic home and headquarters of the Festival. Participants have already joined from Australia, China, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Europe, North America and other regions. International participation is not limited to those who can travel to Sydney — through suitable Festival pathways, including online participation where available, as well as opportunities connected to the Sydney Festival programme, artists and communities can connect with the Festival from different parts of the world.

Sydney New Zealand China Europe North America Other Regions
Festival Home

Australia

Sydney anchors the Festival — its artistic home, headquarters and Global Final host.

Developing

New Zealand

Connections forming across the Tasman. Coming soon.

Developing

China

Cultural exchange and partnerships in development. Coming soon.

Developing

Europe

Includes the United Kingdom. Artist and festival relationships growing.

Developing

North America

Growing participation and partnerships, supported by the Festival's Executive Director, North America.

Expanding

Other Regions

The network continues to expand internationally.

Sydney

SYDNEY - A WORLD-CLASS STAGE FOR MUSIC & THE ARTS

Experience one of the world's great cultural cities

Sydney brings together world-renowned cultural landmarks, leading music institutions and one of Australia's most distinguished university environments. As the home city of the Sydney International Music & Fine Arts Festival, it offers an inspiring cultural setting for artists, educators and participants from Australia and around the world. The Festival Organising Committee is considering a range of leading Sydney locations for its 2026 programs and events, with final venues to be announced following confirmation.

Sydney Opera House — proposed Sydney cultural location

Sydney Opera House

An internationally recognised symbol of Australia and one of the world's great performing arts landmarks, the Sydney Opera House represents the artistic spirit and international character of Sydney.

Sydney Conservatorium of Music — proposed Sydney music location

Sydney Conservatorium of Music

Located in the heart of Sydney, the Sydney Conservatorium of Music is one of Australia's leading institutions for music education and performance, bringing together generations of outstanding musicians, educators and emerging artists.

University of Sydney — proposed Sydney educational location

University of Sydney

Australia's oldest university and one of the country's leading higher-education institutions, the University of Sydney combines academic distinction, historic architecture and a rich cultural environment.

Venue Notice: The locations presented in this section are proposed or representative Sydney cultural, music and educational locations and should not be interpreted as confirmed venues for the 2026 Festival. Final venues will be determined by the Festival Organising Committee according to individual program requirements and will be officially announced following final confirmation.

Artistic Leadership

Led by artists & educators

The Festival is shaped by a team of established artistic, academic and organisational leaders.

Manfay Zhao — Executive Chair, Sydney International Music & Fine Arts Festival

Manfay Zhao

Executive Chair, Sydney International Music & Fine Arts Festival

  • Principal, Sydney School of Music & Fine Arts
  • President, Australian International Music & Fine Arts Association
  • Executive Chair, Sydney International Music & Fine Arts Festival Organising Committee
Dr Goetz Richter — Artistic Director & Chair of Jury, Sydney International Music & Fine Arts Festival

Dr Goetz Richter

Artistic Director & Chair of Jury, Sydney International Music & Fine Arts Festival

  • Head of Strings, Sydney Conservatorium of Music
  • One of Australia’s influential string educators
  • Artistic Director, Sydney School of Music & Fine Arts
  • Founder & Artistic Director, Kendall National Violin Competition (Australia)
  • Holds a PhD in interdisciplinary studies spanning music and philosophy
  • Internationally recognised for excellence in academic research, music education and performance
Emma Jardine — Executive Director, Sydney International Music & Fine Arts Festival

Emma Jardine

Executive Director, Sydney International Music & Fine Arts Festival

  • Violinist · Chamber Musician · Music Educator
  • Head of Chamber Music, Sydney School of Music & Fine Arts
  • Artistic Director, Oberon Chamber Music Festival
  • Founder & Artistic Director, Blue Mountains Chamber Music Festival
  • Founding Member & Violinist, Streeton Trio
Paul Jarman — Artistic Advisor, Sydney International Music & Fine Arts Festival

Paul Jarman

Artistic Advisor, Sydney International Music & Fine Arts Festival

  • National Cultural Ambassador of Australia
  • Conductor and composer in contemporary music
  • One of the most commissioned choral composers worldwide
  • Works acclaimed by institutions including the White House and Oxford University
  • Recognised as a leading modern composition master across the Southern Hemisphere

Expert Jury & Adjudication Team

Distinguished musicians, educators & artists

The Festival brings together a distinguished panel of musicians, educators and performing artists with expertise spanning instrumental performance, vocal studies, composition, conducting and music education. Together, the jury brings extensive professional, academic and international performance experience to the Festival, supporting a thoughtful, professional and artistically informed adjudication process for participants from different disciplines and backgrounds.

Dr Charlotte Merz — Mezzo-Soprano

Dr Charlotte Merz

Mezzo-Soprano

  • Contracted singer at the Sydney Opera House.
  • Holds doctoral and master's degrees from the Manhattan School of Music; trained at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.
  • Award-winning educator; voice and choral lecturer at the Manhattan School of Music.
Dr Anke Hoeppner — Vocal Studies

Dr Anke Hoeppner

Vocal Studies

  • Professor of Vocal Studies at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music; Doctor of Vocal Performance.
  • Distinguished German vocalist trained under Renate Faling; active on the international stage.
  • Renowned for exquisite vocal technique and profound musical artistry.
Ms Rachel Siu — Cello

Ms Rachel Siu

Cello

  • Rising-star cello mentor at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music; Head of Cello at the Sydney School of Music & Fine Arts.
  • Graduate of the Juilliard School; the only Australian cellist to share a stage with Yo-Yo Ma.
  • Has performed solo at Carnegie Hall, the Sydney Opera House and the Golden Hall of the Vienna Musikverein.
Mr Mauro Colombis — Piano

Mr Mauro Colombis

Piano

  • Head of Piano Instruction at the Sydney School of Music & Fine Arts.
  • Master of Classical Piano Performance; Bachelor of Drama, Arts and Music Studies.
  • Featured performer in Italian music and arts festivals; guest performer at film festivals across Australia, China and Thailand.
Mr Frank Celatambis — Clarinet

Mr Frank Celatambis

Clarinet

  • Rising-star clarinet instructor at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music; Head of Wind Instruments at the Sydney School of Music & Fine Arts.
  • Associate Principal Clarinet of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.
  • Artistic Director of the Australian International Symphony Orchestra Academy.
Dr Nicholas Ng — Composition & Ethnomusicology

Dr Nicholas Ng

Composition & Ethnomusicology

  • PhD in Music Composition and Ethnomusicology.
  • Associate Lecturer of Chinese Traditional Orchestra at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music; coordinator and mentor of the Rising Star Program.
  • Founder of the Chinese Classical Orchestra at the Australian National University.
Mr Ilya Isakovich — Violin

Mr Ilya Isakovich

Violin

  • Head of Strings at the Sydney School of Music & Fine Arts; violin soloist and chamber musician.
  • Member of the Israel Young Philharmonic Orchestra.
  • Current Principal Violinist of the Australian Chamber Orchestra (ACO) in Sydney.
Ms Esmeralda Tintner — Violin

Ms Esmeralda Tintner

Violin

  • Violin mentor at the Sydney School of Music & Fine Arts; children's music education specialist.
  • From a distinguished musical family; has performed with Australia's top symphony orchestras.
  • Composer whose works have been performed at the Sydney Opera House.
Mr Yoram Levy — Trumpet

Mr Yoram Levy

Trumpet

  • Head of Brass Department and Trumpet Professor at the Australian National Music Academy.
  • Former Principal Trumpet of the Tasmania Symphony Orchestra; former member of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra.
  • Active on the international stage; regarded as one of the most influential trumpet performers and educators of contemporary times.
Mr Sebastian Mansell — Cello

Mr Sebastian Mansell

Cello

  • Australian young cello soloist and music educator.
  • Cello mentor at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music High School and at the Sydney School of Music & Fine Arts.
  • Graduated with First Class Honours from the Elder Conservatorium of Music; one of Australia's most prominent young cellists.

History & Experience

Built through real Festival practice

Over its first years, the Sydney International Music & Fine Arts Festival has brought together performers, educators, students, artists and communities in Sydney. Masterclasses, performances, awards and shared learning form the foundation of its next international phase.

Festival award ceremony with artistic leadership and young participants holding certificates
Awards & Recognition — celebrating the achievements of young Festival participants.

The Festival's history is shaped by real moments: artists and participants on stage, educators working with young musicians, award ceremonies that recognise achievement, and performances that reflect diverse musical traditions. These experiences continue to inform the Festival's identity as it grows from Sydney into an international network.

From concert performances and masterclasses to community gatherings and cross-cultural exchange, each year the Festival creates space for young artists, adult participants, teachers and families to perform, learn and connect.

Festival performance and audience in a Sydney concert hall
Performance — bringing artists and audiences together in Sydney.
Vocalist and pianist during a Festival performance with Festival banner
Artistic Exchange — vocal and piano performance.
Erhu performer representing diverse musical traditions at the Festival
Diverse Traditions — Chinese instrumental performance.
Festival educator with students in a Sydney studio with Festival banners
Education & Community — learning and connecting through music.

News & Stories

From the Festival

Real updates from the Festival: registration announcements, artist stories and event recaps.

Announcement

2026 Registration is now open

The Festival enters its fourth year and a new international phase. Apply now to take part in competition, masterclasses, concerts and exchange.

Apply now →
Artist Story

Why young artists belong on the main stage

Voices from participants who found their confidence through performance, learning and cultural exchange at the Festival.

Read more →
Chamber music at the Festival — a collage of masterclasses, professional coaching, chamber-music rehearsal, ensemble work and instrumental teaching with the interaction of professional musicians, teachers and students
Recap

Chamber music, up close

Reflections on a season of ensembles, collaboration and shared discovery.

Read more →
REGISTRATION OPEN

Your Stage Is Waiting

Perform with courage. Learn with curiosity. Connect through art.
Let the world hear you.

Apply Now Explore the Festival