Sofia International Conducting Competition
22.02.2026 – 01.03.2026
Organizers and partners
The Sofia International Conducting Competition – Sofia (SICC) is the stage where the next generation of maestros steps into the spotlight. Celebrating artistic excellence, the competition opens doors to prestigious guest conducting engagements and propels careers to new international heights.
Jury
Artistic Director
Nayden Todorov
Nayden Todorov is a celebrated conductor and the driving force behind the Sofia International Conducting Competition. With a distinguished international career, he has led orchestras across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, bringing to life both classical masterpieces and contemporary works. Through SICC, Todorov champions emerging conductors, offering them a platform for professional growth and global recognition.
Head of International Relations
Soon-Deog Kwon
Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, and all who hold a deep love for music, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to you for being here today.
Today, we gather to celebrate the meaningful inauguration of the Sofia International Conducting Competition. This competition has been conceived not merely as a contest, but as a platform to discover future musical leaders and to contribute to the continued advancement of the global music community.
A conductor is an artist who weaves together every breath of the orchestra into a single unified language. This competition aspires to become a stage where young conductors with such artistic vision can fully express their musical identity, as well as an international platform where they may learn, share, and grow together.
We are committed to providing participants with an exceptional experience through fair and transparent judging, a wide-ranging repertoire, and collaboration with world-renowned musicians. Furthermore, we will strive to establish this competition as a sustainable cultural festival that will remain closely connected with the global music world for years to come.
I would like to express my deepest appreciation once again to everyone who has joined us today despite your busy schedules. We look forward to supporting and witnessing the journeys of the new artists who will emerge from this stage.
Best regards,
Soon-Deog Kwon
Head of International Relations of SICC.
CEO of IMK Vienna www.schwingungen.at
Jury members
Participants
Prizes
Grand Prix
Concerts with various orchestras in different countries in season 2026/2027 and season 2027/2028.
First Prize
€ 15 000
Second Prize
€ 5 000
Third Prize
€ 2 000
Special Prizes:
- Prize of the Orchestra – “Sasha Popov”
- Prize of the Public
- Prize for the performance of Bulgarian work
Rules
Eligibility
The competition is open to conductors of all nationalities, born between 1986 and 2005.
Application
Applications must be submitted in digital format only. All required documents, links, and files should be sent via the form below
Required materials:
- Completed application form
- Video link
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Current photo
- Proof of payment of the registration fee
Schedule
- Application Deadline: 18 January 2026
- Selection of 12 finalists: 1 February 2026 (based on video auditions and document review)
- Registration in Sofia: 22 February 2026, Bulgaria Hall
- Final rounds: 23 February – 1 March 2026
Fees
- Registration fee: €50
- The fee is non‑refundable except in cases of force majeure.
- Payment must be made by bank transfer to the Sofia Philharmonic’s account:
Name of the Bank: UniCredit Bulbank
Address of the Bank: Sofia, Sveta Nedelya 7 Sq.
Account holder: Sofia Philharmonic
BG65UNCR96603120372819
SWIFT/BIC: UNCRBGSF
Travel & Accommodation
Travel and accommodation expenses are the responsibility of the candidates. The Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra can assist with hotel and transfer arrangements upon request.
Media Rights
By applying, candidates transfer all rights to video and audio recordings made during the competition to the Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra, as well as all photos taken on and off stage. Candidates also grant permission for their names and photos to be used in press releases.
Important Information
- Participation implies full acceptance of these rules.
- The Sofia Philharmonic reserves the right to amend rules or procedures in cases of force majeure. Candidates will be notified of any changes.
- Jury decisions are final and not subject to appeal. Jury members may, but are not obliged to, provide explanations about the decisions taken.
- The registration fee will not be refunded except in the event of cancellation of the competition.
- The official language of the competition is English.
- After the performances in the Gala concert on March 1, the jury will vote for the three prizes.
- The jury may decide not to give a First Prize.
- The prizes are indivisible.
- The jury may decide, but is not obligated to give a Grand Prix.
- The jury may decide to give a Prize for the best performance of the Bulgarian work.
- After the performances in the Gala concert on March 1, the orchestra will vote for the Prize of the Orchestra “Sasha Popov”.
- After the performances in the Gala concert on March 1, the audience will vote for the Prize of the Public.
Preselection
The first phase is based on video recordings. There is no limit to the number of applicants. Candidates must submit one video link of their choice, demonstrating conducting skills with any ensemble of at least two performers (e.g., two pianists).
A committee of three musicians will select 12 finalists to participate in the final rounds in Sofia. By applying, candidates agree to the recording and broadcast of all competition rounds.
The Final Rounds
Quarter Final
12 candidates are chosen for the Quarter Final.
- February 22 – registration of the candidates, draw for the order of participation.
- February 23 – each candidate receives up to 25 minutes of work with the orchestra
- February 24 - each candidate receives up to 25 minutes of work with the orchestra
- February 24 – announcement of the six semi-finalists, draw for the order of participation.
The candidate chooses one of the following symphonies, the jury chooses which movement the candidate should work with the orchestra:
- Joseph Haydn – Symphony No.104
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – Symphony No.41
- Ludwig van Beethoven – Symphony No.2
Semi Final
6 candidates are chosen for the Semi Final
- February 25 – each candidate receives rehearsal with the chamber orchestra up to 25 minutes
- February 26 – each candidate receives a rehearsal up to 25-minutes
- February 27 – each candidate receives a rehearsal up to 25-minutes
- February 27 – announcement of the three finalists, draw for the order of participation.
Each candidate must prepare for the rehearsal on February 25 an obligatory work. The candidates decide which movement they want to work with the orchestra. The work to be prepared is: Dmitri Shostakovich – Chamber Symphony, Op.110a.
Each candidate chooses one of the following symphonies for rehearsal on February 26, the jury chooses which movement the candidate should work with the orchestra:
- Franz Schubert – Symphony No.5
- Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy – Symphony No.4
- Sergei Prokofiev – Symphony No.1
Each candidate must prepare for the rehearsal on February 27 an obligatory work. The work to be prepared is: Giuseppe Verdi – Aria of Violetta Act I from the Opera "La Traviata" (E strano, e strano...Sempre Libera)
Final
3 candidates are chosen for the Final
- February 28 – each candidate receives up to 30 minutes of work with the orchestra
- February 28 – each candidate receives up to 30 minutes of work with the choir and orchestra
- March 1 (in the morning): Dress rehearsal – each candidate receives 45 minutes
- March 1 (in the evening): Gala concert of the finalists and voting by the jury. Announcement of the awards
Each candidate must prepare for the morning rehearsal on February 28 an obligatory Bulgarian work. The work can be send to all candidates, who passed the preselection on February 1. The work to be prepared is: Veselin Stoyanov – Festive Overture
Each candidate must prepare for the afternoon rehearsal on February 28 one part by own choice and one obligatory part with choir and orchestra from the obligatory work. The obligatory work is: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – Requiem (Obligatory part – Lacrimosa)
Each candidate chooses one of the following symphonies for the dress rehearsal and the Gala concert on March 1, it will be chosen with a draw which movement the candidate should work and perform with the orchestra. The jury may decide to eliminate some movements from the draw. The symphonies for the candidates to choose from are:
- Johannes Brahms – Symphony No.1
- Johannes Brahms – Symphony No.4
- Antonín Dvořák – Symphony No.8
- Antonín Dvořák – Symphony No.9
- Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky – Symphony No.4
- Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky – Symphony No.5