We shape the future of Classical Music.
History of the Competition
Maestro Svetlanov placed great importance on handing down a musical legacy to future generations. His work was enriched by many years of experience as a conductor. It is therefore no surprise that, in his will, he expressed the wish for a conducting competition to be established — a reflection of his deep passion for music.
The Evgeny Svetlanov International Conducting Competition was founded in 2007 thanks to the dedication and contributions of Maestro Svetlanov’s spouse, Nina Svetlanova, and his impresario and friend, Marina Bower.
Marina Bower, Founder and President
Learn more about the 6th Svetlanov Competition 2026
René Koering, Artistic Director
Mission of the Competition
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.
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.
Shaping the Future of Classical Music
The Svetlanov Competition is both international and itinerant, is held in different countries, 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.
Values
The Evgeny Svetlanov International Conducting Competition upholds the core values that Maestro Svetlanov cherished:
EXCELLENCE
PASSION FOR MUSIC
Candidates and jury members are expected to embody a profound passion for music, a drive for artistic growth, and deep musical curiosity. Each edition offers the finalists a unique opportunity to conduct both a contemporary work and an orchestral piece by Maestro Svetlanov.
TRANSMISSION
INTEGRITY
For me, an ideal conductor should be dumb, but not deaf and dumb. A conductor should convey his intentions to an orchestra in other ways, using gesture, glance and mimicry. Finally, he should transmit an impulse of strong will and energy. The fewer words are spoken the better.
Evgeny Svetlanov