RACC

About

President's Remarks

The Rivers Awards International Composition Competition（RACC）aims to facilitate international and domestic exchanges on music and encourages young composers in composing for Chinese and Western instruments.RACC plays a leading role in enabling cooperation between composers and performers, promotes music criticism and cultivates theoretical research in the field of contemporary music. Emphasizing cultural fusion, RACC is distinct from other musical contests both inside and outside of China.

As one might expect from the original Chinese name of the competition, we strive to be inclusive. The composers are encouraged to embrace cultural diversity into their compositions and to harmonize with the distinctive era that we live in. I would hereby like to extend to all the finalists our sincere congratulations and best wishes on their compositions' premiere！

LIAO Changyong, President Shanghai Conservatory of Music
Introduction to the Rivers Awards

Since its inception in 2009, the Rivers Awards International Composition Competition has premiered over one hundred chamber music compositions of international caliber. It has established itself as a premier platform for emerging composers from around the globe to display their talents. As one of the key events hosted by the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, it has garnered substantial recognition both in China and abroad.

The Rivers Awards offers a stage for young talents from China and beyond to showcase their capabilities. The competition provides invaluable experience to these young musicians as they evolve into educators and established composers. Looking forward, we aspire for the competition to not only highlight the musical prowess of these artists but also to foster a broader spectrum of artistic achievements. We aim to make events like the Rivers Awards a pivotal element of Shanghai's cultural scene, thereby contributing significantly to the holistic development of the Rivers Delta region and advancing the national strategy of cultivating a robust cultural identity.

2026-2027 RACC Shortlist of the Second Round

The 15th Rivers Awards International Composition Competition 2026-2027

Shortlist of the Second Round

"Centennial Echo" — 15th Rivers Awards International Composition Competition (2026–2027) The jury co-chairs are composer Ye Xiaogang and conductor Zhang Guoyong.The 15th Rivers Awards International Composition Competition (the RACC) has captured Chinese and international composers’ attention since it began in April 2026. This year, the Organizing Committee received a total of 60 compositions composed using the specified “SHCM element pitches”from 9 countries and regions in Asia, Europe, North America and South America. According to the voting situation of the competition, after careful review by 11 judges (In alphabetical order) CAI Jindong (USA), CHEN Musheng, GAO Ping, GUO Yuan, HAO Weiya, LIN Daye, LIU Qing, WU Yan, ZHANG Yi, ZHAO Xi, ZHOU Xianglin, the following 10 entries were shortlisted for the second round (In alphabetical order):

1. Bai Chuan He Ming (Sindu Raras) - For Symphony orchestra (Indonesia)

2. Bai Nian Hui Xiang (Echoes of a century)* – For a double-woodwind orchestra (China)

3. Jiu Huai Xian Ge (What the Strings Remember) – For a triple-woodwind orchestra (China)

4. Lan·Wang chuan (Lan·Wang chuan) – For Guzheng and Double-Woodwind Orchestra (China)

5. Mu Di Yu Yun (Echoes of the Shepherd’s Flute) – For Bangdi and Orchestra (the Netherlands)

6. Shang Yin De Ri Chu (Dawn Breaks over SHCM) – For a double-woodwind orchestra (China)

7. Shu Guang (Dawn) – For a double-woodwind orchestra (China)

8. Teng Wan (Teng Wan) – For a triple-woodwind orchestra (China)

9. Wu Qiang Zhi Yu (Untuned Realm) – For a triple-woodwind orchestra (China)

10. Wu Fu Tu Jing (Five Images) - For Dizi and Orchestra (the United Kingdom)

*There are two entries titled Centennial Echo in the call for works. Final shortlisted candidates shall be subject to the official notification from the Organizing Committee.

The second round of the "Centennial Echo" 2026–2027 15th Rivers Awards International Composition Competition will take place on the morning of Sunday, 22 November 2026 in Wuxi, with Sun Yifan conducting the Wuxi Symphony Orchestra for the on-site jury review. The orchestra will perform these ten works live, from which six will be selected as finalists for the 2027 final round.

Congratulations to the ten composers selected! We wish you every success in the second round.

Organizing Committee of the 15th RACC

November 2026