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Orchestra’s Conductor Competition 2026

Where the orchestra decides who wins

24-30 April 2026 | Vratsa, Bulgaria

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A unique concept

Conductors are chosen by the orchestra — not a jury.

In this international competition, the musicians themselves decide who advances and who wins. There is no traditional jury in the live rounds. If you’ve ever dreamed of being evaluated directly by the orchestra you conduct, this is your opportunity.

Find out more

Competition location

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Orchestra's Conductor Competition 2026

The 5th edition of the Orchestra’s Conductor Competition will take place in 24-30 April 2026 - Vratsa, Bulgaria, in cooperation with the The Vratsa Symphony Orchestra.

No age limit.
Open to all nationalities.

The competition has two phases

Phase 1

Preselection based on video materials

Phase 2

Live in Vratsa (Bulgaria)

How does it work?

In the first live round, candidates are evaluated by a string quintet, plus the president and the vice-president
In the semi-final and final, the full orchestra votes
Repertoire is provided in advance; time on the podium is strictly limited
The final round is public and broadcast online

Win prizes, conduct a professional orchestra, and get noticed.

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First Prize

3500 EUROS

One concert during the 2026/27 or 2027/28 season of the Vratsa Symphony Orchestra.

The possibility of being invited by other orchestra directors, who will attend the final round of the competition.

A diploma

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Second Prize

2500 EUROS

One concert during the 2026/27 or 2027/28 season of the Vratsa Symphony Orchestra.

The possibility of being invited by other orchestra directors, who will attend the final round of the competition.

A diploma

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Third Prize

1500 EUROS

One concert during the 2027/28 or 2028/29 season of the Vratsa Symphony Orchestra.

The possibility of being invited by other orchestra directors, who will attend the final round of the competition.

A diploma

All winners may also be invited by other orchestras whose directors attend the final round.
Finalists receive professionally filmed videos of their performance — a powerful tool for future applications.
Semi-finalists will be permanently featured on our website with a profile, photo, and links.
All participants will receive special gifts, including a competition-branded T-shirt and more surprises from our partners.
Everyone is invited to the festive final evening with the orchestra and guests — a relaxed opportunity to connect.

More opportunities

Exclusive Feedback: After the first round, all candidates receive direct feedback from Maestros Cristian Orosanu and Leonard Boga, plus the string quintet musicians.

Returning Semi-finalist? Skip Phase 1 and apply directly to Phase 2 — free of charge, for the participation in any future editions of the competition.

Feedback

Much has been said over the years about conducting competitions and the value of participating and even winning a prize. In my opinion, conducting competitions do fulfill their mission, and with the increasing number of competitions, they have more and more become a rostrum for finding not only musical talents but musical quality. And musical quality and authenticity is something universal and has nothing to do with age! The “Orchestra’s Conductor” with its no-age-limit policy is therefore an adequate arena for searching and finding these qualities!

Winning a competition is one thing but winning the “Orchestra Prize” is maybe even more important. Giving the responsibility of finding the best candidates to the orchestra itself gives this competition a unique democratic profile and a strong credibility in the international music world. I welcome the concept of the competition and I wish the organizers all the best for future editions!

Sigmund Thorp

Former conducting professor at Oslo Music Academy
Visiting Professor of Conducting at National Taiwan Normal University

This unique competition provides conductors with an opportunity to engage, on a deep and personal level, with the members of the host orchestra, in my case the wonderful Braşov Philharmonic. The warmth and musicianship of the players fuse so well with all the competing conductors and in the knowledge that it will be their decision who succeeds and theirs alone. Having taken part in ‘traditional’ competitions, this one has the most collegiate atmosphere due to the vision and creative way in which its director, Maestro Cristian Orosanu, conceived it. It stands alone in its concept and is a wonderfully democratic way to discover new talent.

It is my absolute privilege and honour to have been the inaugural winner of this wonderful competition - long may it continue.

Simon Chalk

First prize winner - 2022

Participating in the Orchestra’s Conductor competition was a liberating experience. I enjoyed making music with the musicians and focusing on communicating with the musicians without feeling the need to conduct for anyone else. The competition was very organized, with clear details and communications for each round. The musicians in the orchestra were warm, welcoming and wonderfully supportive. It was an amazing learning experience. I deeply appreciate the feedback from the musicians, the mentorship from Maestro Cristian Orosanu, and the chance to observe and learn from all the other conductors who participated.

Jiannan Cheng

Second prize winner 2024

I am very pleased and honoured to have been one of the winners of the first Orchestra's Conductor competition, which offered me a great opportunity to conduct the excellent orchestra of the Brașov Philharmonic. I was really impressed by their quality, professional attitude and positive energy.

The idea that the orchestra chooses the winners is very precious to me, because I think that the bond between the conductor and the orchestra is the most important one and that only a good synergy between us leads to a wonderful interpretation and purity of the music.

In addition to a very inspiring week of music, we were also blessed with a very supportive organisational team, not only in a professional sense, but also with warm words and sincere smiles.

The competition has opened up new possibilities for my future career path and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to build an international career.

Andreja Šolar

Third prize winner - 2022

The Orchestra's Conductor Competition is definitely a forward-looking event. Having orchestra members vote for their favourite is a unique concept that creates a special bond between orchestra and conductor. I was drawn to the close connection with the orchestra I was touched and is of great help to my performance. and I believe that this competition will continue to carry forward the spirit and discover more conducting talents.

Kin Szeto

Second prize winner - 2022

I am grateful for my experience with the Orchestra's Conductor Competition. I met conductors from around the world and made many new friends. The orchestra was welcoming and generous with their feedback and advice

Charles Latshaw

Second prize winner - 2023

As a conductor and orchestral musician I can say this competition's concept does justice to both sides. Being judged directly by the musicians and not by a Tribunal makes you care about the music more than about what Maestro A or Maestro B might want to see in a Conductor. The organisation's team is continually going over every detail to assure each competitor their fair shot. I fully recommend it.

Daniel Hasaj

Semifinalist - 2022

The Orchestras Conductor competition is the only conducting competition in the world that is judged by those who can best assess the effectiveness of one's conducting abilities - the musicians who play in the host orchestra. Rather than trying to impress a panel of judges under pressure, the conductors are free to focus on connecting with the musicians and making beautiful music in a welcoming atmosphere.

This collaborative and supportive environment allowed for a true celebration of music and conducting artistry. It was a privilege to be a part of this exceptional event, and I'm deeply grateful for the opportunity to work with such dedicated musicians and fellow conductors. I look forward to the continued growth of this competition and the connections it fosters among the global community of musicians and music lovers. Thank you for this unforgettable experience.

Libi Lebel

Third prize winner - 2023

Apply Now for Orchestra's Conductor Competition 2026

Apply now!
General information
Rules & prizes