1. Purpose

Starlight Dunhuang

The Starlight Dunhuang series is an important part of the “Dunhuang” cultural brand initiative, launched by Shanghai No.1 National Musical Instruments Factory. It is dedicated to uniting and serving Chinese traditional music communities worldwide, and to building a platform for the preservation, promotion, and development of Chinese traditional instrumental and musical culture.

The program aims to inspire public interest in Chinese traditional music, provide performance opportunities for young musicians with aspirations, and support their future artistic development. It also promotes the dissemination of Chinese music culture, advances traditional instrumental performance, and identifies and nurtures emerging musical talent.

2. Participants

Starlight Dunhuang

Guzheng enthusiasts and learners from Australia and New Zealand.

3. Organising Bodies (Australia & New Zealand Region)

Guiding Organisation
Shanghai No.1 National Musical Instruments Factory

Presenters
Australia Dunhuang Arts Academy
Australian Association of Chinese Traditional Music

Supporting Organisations
Shanghai Yunyue Culture Communication Co., Ltd.
Beijing Huaxia Xuanyin Arts Communication Centre

Co-organisers
Australian Guqin Society
Sydney Miya Chinese Music Academy
Sydney M&D Art Academy
Music Time School

(More organisations to be announced)

4. Categories & Repertoire Requirements

Categories

Amateur Division

• Children A (Born on/after 1 January 2019)

• Children B (1 Jan 2017 – 31 Dec 2018)

• Children C (1 Jan 2015 – 31 Dec 2016)

• Junior A (1 Jan 2012 – 31 Dec 2014)

• Junior B (1 Jan 2009 – 31 Dec 2011)

• Youth (1 Jan 1981 – 31 Dec 2008)

• Ensemble (No age limit, 2–20 performers per group)

Repertoire Requirements

Preliminary Round

• One free-choice piece

• Live performance limited to 5 minutes

• Judges reserve the right to stop the performance or request excerpts (this will not affect scoring)

• Video submissions must be full-length performances

National Final Showcase

• One free-choice piece

• Solo repertoire must be different from the preliminary round

• Ensemble repertoire may be the same as the preliminary round

• Full-length performance required

Important Notes

• All dates follow the Gregorian calendar

• Final round performances must be presented in full

• No accompaniment of any kind is allowed

5. Schedule (Australia & New Zealand Region)

Performance Format

Guzheng Solo and Ensemble

Timeline

• Registration & video submission: Now – 26 June 2026 (23:59)

• Preliminary (Live, ANZ Region): 27 June 2026
  Location: Australia Dunhuang Arts Academy

• Announcement of finalists: 5 July 2026

• National Final registration: 5 – 10 July 2026

Participation Methods

Onsite Participation
Participants residing in Melbourne must attend the live preliminary round.

Video Submission
Participants residing outside Melbourne (including New Zealand, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, etc.) may submit video entries if unable to attend in person.

National Final Showcase

• Date: August 2026

• Location: Shanghai, China

• Format: Online registration with offline adjudication

(Exact dates will be announced in mid-July)

6. Fees

Preliminary Round (ANZ Region)

• Solo: AUD $128 per person

• Ensemble: AUD $88 per person

National Final Showcase

• Solo: RMB ¥980 per person

• Ensemble: RMB ¥550 per person