2026 Syllabus
Festival Categories
Explore all instrument sections, categories, and entry requirements for the 2026 Festival.
Download Full Syllabus (PDF)
Piano
P-01 to P-70 (70 items)
Baroque
Classical
Romantic
Impressionist
20-21st Century
Concerto
Recital
Duets
Bowed Strings
S-01 to S-42 (42 items)
Violin Solo
Viola Solo
Cello Solo
Concerto
Recital
Sight Reading & Quick Study
Ensembles
Harp
H-01 to H-24 (24 items)
Solo
Recital
Sight Reading
Ensembles
Guitar
G-01 to G-13 (13 items)
Solo
Recital
Ensembles
Woodwind
W-01 to W-35 (35 items)
Solo
Concerto
Recital
Sight Reading & Quick Study
Ensembles
Brass
B-01 to B-35 (35 items)
Solo
Concerto
Recital
Sight Reading & Quick Study
Ensembles
Recorder
R-01 to R-76 (76 items)
Baroque
Modern
Contemporary
Concerto
Recital
Sight Reading & Quick Study
Duos & Ensembles
Piano Accordion
PA-01 to PA-05 (5 items)
Solo
Recital
Ensembles
Vocal
VOC-01 to VOC-70 (70 items)
Solo
Recital
Opera
Oratorio/Cantata
Lied/Art Song
Ballads & Jazz
Musicals & Operetta
Folk/Traditional
Duets & Ensembles
Chamber Music
CM-01 to CM-04 (4 items)
Up to 8 players
Choirs
CH-01 to CH-22 (22 items)
Junior Primary Schools
Secondary Schools
Independent Choirs
Adult Choirs
Orchestras
ORCH-01 to ORCH-01 (1 items)
Orchestra
Jazz
J-01 to J-04 (4 items)
Solo Instrument
Jazz Band
SA Composers
SA-01 to SA-05 (5 items)
Required for Most Promising
Entry Fees
All fees are per entry. Late entries (after 27 March) incur a 50% surcharge.
| Entry Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Solo Sections (Instrumental & Vocal) | R220.00 |
| Concerto Sections | R300.00 |
| Recital Sections | R300.00 |
| Duets | R120.00 per player |
| Ensembles | R120.00 per player |
| Chamber Music Sections | R120.00 per player |
| Choirs | R550.00 per choir |
| Orchestras | R550.00 per orchestra |
Late Entry Surcharge: +50% fee for entries submitted between 27 March and 10 April 2026
Grading System
All participants receive a certificate with their grade. Diploma recipients are invited to perform at the Gala Concert.
Important Rules
Age Requirements
Ages are calculated as of 27 March 2026. Participants must not exceed the maximum age for their chosen category on this date.
Repertoire
All pieces must be performed from memory unless otherwise stated. Refer to the full syllabus for time limits and specific requirements for each category.
Most Promising Awards
To be considered for "Most Promising" trophies, participants must enter a minimum of 4 sections including at least 1 South African Composers section.
Accompanists
Participants must provide their own accompanist where required. Piano and playback accompaniments are available for some categories - check the full syllabus for details.