Birmingham - Evgeny Svetlanov International Conducting Competition

The Evgeny Svetlanov International Conducting Competition is pursuing the work of Evgeny Svetlanov, an exceptional musician whose concerts, recordings and compositions has left a lasting influence on Classical Music.

The choice of becoming a conductor is a lifelong commitment — a profession that requires many years of study, training, and personal development — which is why the competition is open to conductors up to the age of 40.

The Competition is dedicated to discovering and nurturing the next generation of talented conductors, offering them the privilege of working with world-class orchestras and supporting their artistic journey through exceptional visibility and prestigious partnerships.

The Evgeny Svetlanov International Conducting Competition upholds the core values that Maestro Svetlanov cherished: Excellence, Passion for music, Transmission and Integrity.

Since 2007, five editions of the Competition have taken place in Luxembourg, Montpellier, Paris (twice), and Monte-Carlo (Monaco). Artistic direction is led by René Koering, former Music Director of Radio France, Founder and Director of the Radio France International Music Festival in Montpellier, and a distinguished jury that is appointed for each edition.

The Svetlanov Competition is both international and itinerant, reflecting the spirit of Evgeny Svetlanov as an ambassador of Music around the world. It is organized in partnership with leading orchestras of the highest musical caliber, such as the Luxembourg Philharmonic, the Montpellier Philharmonic, the Radio France Philharmonic, the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic, and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.

Each edition welcomes eighteen conductors selected from around 350 international applications — offering them the opportunity to showcase their conducting artistry.

Remarkably, over 80% of the participants — not just the prize winners — further enjoy international careers as orchestral conductors, with numerous engagements. This track record reflects the Svetlanov Competition’s key contribution to shaping both the present and future of Classical Music.

The 6th International Conducting Competition will be held from 3 to 6 of September 2026 in Birmigham (UK) with the City of Birmigham Symphony Orchestra (Music Director – Kazuki Yamada).

The application period is from 1st of March to 15th of April 2026.

All information can be found on the competition’s web site from the end of November 2025 : svetlanov-evgeny.com