Orchestra’s Conductor Competition 2026

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