Seoul - Korean National Symphony Orchestra International Conducting Competition

In just a short period, the competition has established itself as a gateway for the next generation of maestros. The 2nd competition in 2024 attracted 224 applicants from 44 countries, a 34% increase from the first edition. Notably, conductors affiliated with world-renowned orchestras such as the Hamburg Symphony, BBC Philharmonic, and Philadelphia Orchestra have participated in the finals, significantly elevating the competition’s international prestige. As such, the KNSO International Conducting Competition is expanding its spectrum of participating countries and contestants, growing into a platform for next-generation conductors to launch onto the world stage.

The 1st prize winner of the first competition, Elias Peter Brown (USA), served as the KNSO’s Associate Conductor (2022–2023) and was later selected as a fellow to Esa-Pekka Salonen (San Francisco Symphony). Hankyeol Yoon, who received 2nd prize and the Audience Award from that same competition, gained global recognition after receiving the 2023 Herbert von Karajan Young Conductor Award at the Salzburg Festival. The 2nd competition winner, Simon Edelmann (Germany), is currently the principal conductor of the Vogtland Philharmonie.

Each competition features renowned conductors and prominent figures from around the world as jury members, reinforcing its fairness and expertise. The KNSO’s Artistic Director (AD) has served as the chair of the jury, a role held by Chi-yong Chung (6th AD, Republic of Korea) and David Reiland (7th AD, Belgium). Jury members from around the world—including Christian Ehwald (Germany), Florian Riem (Germany), Sigmund Thorp (Norway), Colin Metters (UK), Curtis Stewart (USA), Kristjan Järvi (Estonia), Michael Becker (Germany), Michelle Kim (USA), Nicolás Pasquet (Uruguay), and Sian Edward (UK)—have participated, enhancing the competition’s credibility.