Rising Ukrainian violinist Georgii Moroz emerged as the First Prize winner at the Singapore International Violin Competition (SIVC) 2026, at the Grand Finals at Esplanade Concert Hall on 7 February. The second and third place prizes went to Danish violinist Michael Germer and Chinese violinist Zou Meng respectively.
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 (SSO), 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.
24-year-old Moroz performed Bartók's Violin Concerto No. 2 in the Grand Final. Having previously competed in the 2022 edition of SIVC, where he reached the Semi-Finals, Moroz has since made his mark in the international competition scene, earning accolades at the Munetsugu Angel Violin Competition 2023, the Alberto Lysy International Violin Competition 2024 and Queen Elisabeth Violin Competition 2024.
Germer graduated from the Royal Danish Music Conservatory, while both Moroz and Zou Meng are alumni of the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music at the National University of Singapore.
"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."
"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."
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.
The Award Ceremony was graced by Guest-of-Honour Mr Baey Yam Keng, Minister of State, Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth & Ministry of Transport, who presented the First Prize award.
SIVC 2026 Laureates
Top 6 Prizes
First Prize: Georgii Moroz (Ukraine)
Second Prize: Michael Germer (Denmark)
Third Prize: Zou Meng (China)
Fourth Prize: Karisa Chiu (USA)
Fifth Prize: SongHa Choi (South Korea)
Sixth Prize: Qingzhu Weng (China)
Special Prizes
Best Performance of Bach: Zou Meng (China)
Best Performance of Ysaÿe: Zou Meng (China)
Best Performer of Commissioned Work Supported by Kris Foundation: Michael Germer (Denmark)
Chamber Music Prize Supported by Ms Vivien Goh: Georgii Moroz (Ukraine)
Goh Soon Tioe Violin and Piano Recital Prize: Zou Meng (China)
Beyond the Grand Finals, finalists had the opportunity to collaborate in chamber performances with the internationally acclaimed Shanghai Quartet, while semi-finalists premiered a newly commissioned work, Soliloquy, by Singaporean violinist David Loke.
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 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.
