The Evgeny Svetlanov International Conducting Competition

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 2026 Svetlanov Competition

René Koering, Artistic Director

Mission of the Competition

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 has been led by René Koering, and a distinguished jury has been appointed for each competition.

Shaping the Future of Classical Music

The Svetlanov Competition is both international and is held in different countries, reflecting the spirit of Evgeny Svetlanov as an ambassador of music around the world. It is held 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 — go on to enjoy successful 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.

Lauréates of the 5th Svetalnov Competition 2022

Ценности

The Evgeny Svetlanov International Conducting Competition upholds the core values that Maestro Svetlanov cherished:

Стремление к совершенству

Excellence is the cornerstone of the competition, reflected in the rigorous selection of candidates, the expertise of the jury, the caliber of partner orchestras, and the overall quality of organization and support.

Страсть к музыке

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.

Передача знаний и традиций

Sharing musical experience with future generations was central to Svetlanov’s vision. The competition encourages the exchange of expertise and open dialogue across all dimensions of conducting — musical, technical, and artistic.

Честность и порядочность

A commitment to honesty, reliability, inclusiveness, and strong moral principles. The competition consistently upholds high ethical standards and humanist ideals.

L’art récompense ceux qui s’y dévouent corps et âme. Cela apporte le bonheur dans notre profession. Cela constitue le sens de la vie d’un musicien.

Евгений Светланов