Frequently Asked Questions
about the 6th Evgeny Svetlanov International Conducting Competition
Dates and Application
When will the Competition take place?
From 3 to 6 September 2026 in Birmingham, United Kingdom — at CBSO Centre (Preliminary Round) and Symphony Hall (Semi-finals and Finals).
Until what date is the registration period open?
The registration period is open until 15 April 2026.
Applications can be completed online between 1 March and 15 April 2026 via svetlanov-evgeny.com.
When will the results of the selection be announced?
The results of the preselection will be announced between 1 and 5 June 2026 on the Competition’s website and by e-mail.
I submitted my application and received no confirmation of receipt — what should I do?
If you haven’t received confirmation after submitting your form, please contact us at competition@svetlanov-evgeny.com.
Eligibility and Application
Who can apply?
Conductors of all nationalities with confirmed professional training, conductors born between 1986 and 2006 inclusive (aged under 40).
What documents are required for the application?
Applicants must provide:
- Administrative information (name, date of birth, nationality, contact details)
- A recent photo (taken within the last 6 months)
- A biography (education, teachers, achievements, prizes)
- A conflict of interest declaration
- Video recordings (YouTube or WeTransfer links)
- Choice of pieces for each round (see Competition Programme)
How much is the application fee?
The registration fee is €250, payable online by Visa, MasterCard, or PayPal.
It is non-refundable, except in the event of cancellation of the Competition.
Orchestra and Jury
Which orchestra will perform during the Svetlanov Competition 2026?
The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (Music Director – Kazuki Yamada) is the official orchestra.
Who are the members of the Jury?
The Artistic Director, René Koering, decides admission to the Preliminary Round after reviewing applications.
The Jury is chaired by Bertrand de Billy and includes international figures such as Mauro Bucarelli, Christophe Ghristi, Matthias Goerne, Paul Hughes, Ion Marin, Matthias Naske, Deborah Polaski, and Kazuki Yamada.
What language can I speak with the musicians of the orchestra once I am selected for the Preliminary Round?
You should communicate in English.
Interpreters are not allowed during rehearsals or performances.
Can I receive feedback from the Jury?
Yes — candidates eliminated after a round may request feedback.
Those still competing must not contact Jury members until after the Competition.
Video Recordings
What musical works should I send on video to apply?
You may choose any orchestral works, but your recordings must meet these requirements:
- Only recordings made after 1 January 2022 will be accepted.
- You must send at least 30 minutes of music (1–2 works) and no more than 2 hours (3–4 works).
- You may send up to 4 videos.
- Clearly indicate the titles, orchestra, venue, date, and duration in your application form.
- The recording must show you conducting and the musicians. Ideally, you should be filmed full-face (as seen from the orchestra).
- The ensemble must be a symphony orchestra, chamber orchestra, or instrumental ensemble of at least 15 musicians.
- The Competition guarantees that your recordings will be used exclusively for selection purposes.
Does the video have to be a concert performance, or can it be a rehearsal?
Both are accepted. Rehearsal footage is allowed, especially if concert recordings are not available.
Should I send videos of complete works? Can I include excerpts or single movements?
You must include at least one complete work, or 1–2 movements, or an excerpt.
You may send no more than 4 videos, totaling at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours of music.
Once I’ve filled out the registration form, should I send the Youtube video links by e-mail?
No — you don’t need to send links separately by e-mail.
Competition Programme and Scores
What repertoire will candidates conduct?
The repertoire includes works by Beethoven, Mozart, Wagner, Tchaikovsky, and others.
Each round features specific requirements:
- Preliminary Round: one work chosen from the official list
- Semi-finals: all works are compulsory
- Finals: one Svetlanov work, one contemporary piece, and one symphony chosen by the Jury from three proposed by each finalist
Would the scores be provided during the Competition?
Candidates must bring their own conductor’s scores.
The score of Evgeny Svetlanov’s Symphony (3rd movement) will be sent by e-mail to all participants.
The contemporary work for the Finals will be provided 1 hour and 30 minutes before the performance.
The orchestra will have its own scores.
Does the Svetlanov Competition host conducting master classes?
No. The Competition does not organize master classes during the event, though this may be considered in future editions.
Selection
How many candidates are selected?
Eighteen (18) conductors will be invited to participate in the Preliminary Round.
Eight (8) conductors will advance to the Semi-finals.
Four (4) conductors will advance to the Finals.
Prizes
What are the main prizes?
- First Prize: €20,000
- Second Prize: €10,000
- Third Prize: €5,000
Additional awards include the Orchestra Prize, Audience Prize, Online Vote Prize, and Musical Partners’ Prizes (concert engagements).
Are all prizes awarded?
Not necessarily. The Jury may decide not to award all prizes.
In the event of a tie, the prize shall be awarded in full to each Laureate.
Travel and Accommodation
Are travel and accommodation covered for participants of the Svetlanov Competition?
- Travel: candidates are responsible for their own travel to Birmingham (UK).
- Accommodation: provided by the organizers from 2 to 7 September 2026.
- Meals: breakfast and lunch are included.
Do I need a visa?
Yes, if required by UK regulations. Candidates must obtain it in advance.
The United Kingdom introduced Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETAs) for short-stay incoming visitors who do not already have a UK immigration status.
Visitors can apply directly online. Please note that the application can take a maximum of 3 working days.
Broadcasting and Media
Will the Competition be broadcast or recorded?
Yes. The Semi-finals and Finals will be broadcast live on Radio France, medici.tv, Mezzo, and the Competition’s official website and YouTube channel.
Participants agree to appear in all media coverage without compensation.
Official Terminology, Social Media & Hashtags
What are the official titles used by the Competition?
- The 6th Evgeny Svetlanov International Conducting Competition 2026
- The Evgeny Svetlanov International Conducting Competition
- The Svetlanov Competition
- Evgeny Svetlanov — conductor, composer, and music leader
- Preliminary Round (First Round)
- Semi-finals (Second Round)
- Finals (Final Round)
- Applicants (those who submit applications)
- Candidates (the 18 selected participants)
- Laureates (the 4 finalists)
- Winner / Winners: Prize recipients
What are the official social media accounts of the Competition?
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/evgenysvetlanovinternational
(Please note: another page named “Evgeny Svetlanov International Conducting Competition” was hacked. Use only “Evgeny Svetlanov International.”) - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/evgeny-svetlanov-international-conducting-competition
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@evgenysvetlanovcompetition
What are the official hashtags of the 6th Evgeny Svetlanov International Conducting Competition?
- #svetlanovcompetition2026
- #svetlanovcompetition
Data and Privacy
How is my personal data used?
All data is securely stored and used solely for the Competition’s administration.
Information about selected candidates may appear online and in the media for at least five years.
To request data removal or unsubscribe from updates, contact competition@svetlanov-evgeny.com.
Contact
Who can I contact for more information?
Please use the contact form on svetlanov-evgeny.com or write to competition@svetlanov-evgeny.com