One of the most important international competitions for young conductors, The Mahler
Competition, is about to commence. The Mahler Competition 2020 will take place from 29 June to
5 July 2020 in Bamberg. The event, hosted by the Bamberg Symphony, will see the most exciting
and talented young conductors taking part.
Due to the current situation, this year’s competition will be different from the previous contests.
Still, comprehensive safety and hygiene measures will enable all participants to concentrate on
the most essential element: the music.
This year’s competition programme poses superb challenges for the musicians and conductors.
Candidates are to give their artistic interpretations of new commission by Miroslav Srnka, as well
as pieces by Helmut Lachenmann, Anton Webern and Mozart.
The highlight of the repertoire is undoubtedly Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 4. The Bamberg
Symphony Orchestra has mastered the musical and organizational challenge of staging and
performing Mahler’s Symphony in these challenging times.
While there will be few spectators able to watch the live performances this year, the entire
competition will be available to stream on the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra Website and social
media channels.
The number of candidates will gradually decrease as the competition progresses up until the
grand finale on 5 July. A winner will then be crowned, who will receive €30,000 and a multi-year
career coaching which will provide them with the unique opportunity to grow as a conductor and
artist.
A total of nearly 350 applicants from 54 nations applied for these finals. For previous competition
winners, the Mahler Competition was a great platform from which to begin exceptional careers.
Previously, stars such as Gustavo Dudamel and Lahav Shani were discovered at the competition.
This summer, it’s time to begin the search for the extraordinary stars of tomorrow!
The Mahler Competition
A competition for young conductors hosted by the Bamberg Symphony
From 29 June until 5 July in the Concert Hall, Bamberg
Programme:
Gustav Mahler Symphony No. 4 G-Major for Soprano and Orchestra
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Symphony No. 26 Es-Major KV 184
Anton Webern Variations for orchestra Op. 30
Helmut Lachenmann “Tableau”
Miroslav Srnka World premiere of a commissioned piece
www.themahlercompetition.com
www.bamberger-symphoniker.de