Pazardjik International Conducting Competition & Masterclass

Monday 22 March – Thursday 25 March, 2026

LOCATION: “Maestro Georgi Atanasov” Concert Hall Pazardzhik Center, bul. “Bulgaria” 2, 4400 Pazardzhik, Bulgaria

TUITION: 1800 Euros

REPERTOIRE: Der Fledermaus Overture [STRAUSS II]; Symphony 35 [MOZART], Symphony 7 [BEETHOVEN]; Violin Concerto [TCHAIKOVSKY] featuring guest soloist Michelle Bushkova

1st Prize: 5000 Euros OR 1 full concert conducting the Pazardjik Symphony Orchestra in the 2027-2028 concert season—winner’s choice.

Honorable mention certificate awarded to audience favorite.

All 12 selected conductors will conduct all four days and also on the final concert.

Winner decided by orchestra vote after the dress rehearsal.

In case of a tie one masterclass teacher, chosen by chance, will vote to break the tie.

Minimum of 50 minutes of uninterrupted podium time with the Pazardjik Symphony.

Video review session after every rehearsal.

Each candidate gets two (2) one-to-one private coaching sessions during the week. One with each masterclass teacher.

DAILY SCHEDULE

Monday through Wednesday: 10:00-13:00 Rehearsal; 14:30-15:30 Video review session & Roundtable Discussions; 15:30-16:30 One-to-one private coaching sessions [30 minutes each]

Thursday: 10:00-11:30 One-to-one private coaching sessions; 13:00-14:30 One-to-one private coaching sessions; 15:30 General rehearsal; 18:30 Concert; 20:45 Awards Ceremony

COMPETITION RULES

• No minimum or maximum age requirement
• Each day, candidates will be assigned by lottery a movement of MOZART, BEETHOVEN, or TCHAIKOVSKY or STRAUSS II.  Each day the announcement of the assignment will be given on the spot.
• The candidate will have 12 minutes of uninterrupted podium time these three days.
• The candidates will be assigned a movement to conduct for the final concert which they will also get to rehearse at the general rehearsal (also uninterrupted). The candidate will be informed of their assigned movement a day in advance so that they can adequately prepare.
• The orchestra will use the approval voting system to declare a winner.

Masterclass Teachers