The BMI International Conducting Masterclass & Competition, a prestigious event that brings together aspiring conductors from around the world, has concluded its fifth edition with resounding success, surpassing all expectations.
Held in Bucharest, this event provided a unique platform for emerging conductors to showcase their talent, learn from esteemed faculty, and engage in a fierce yet friendly competition. In partnership with Classeek Music, the second round of the Competition featured world class, Classeek Ambassador Program artist, the pianist Giorgi Gigashvili.
The masterclass and competition witnessed an overwhelming number of participants, with applications pouring in at an unprecedented rate in the four days of masterclass and three days of competition, far exceeding all previous editions. The competition jury was overjoyed to welcome such a passionate and talented group of musicians, eager to leave a mark in the world of conducting.
„We were truly impressed by the sheer talent and dedication displayed by the participants throughout the event,” said Alexandru Dutulescu, Head of Communication for the BMI International Conducting Masterclass & Competiton. „The heightened interest in this edition motivated us to enhance the allure of the competition by increasing the prize amount and incorporating additional concerts for the winners.”
The competition’s expansion to accommodate 70 aspiring conductors to work with the Bucharest Symphony Orchestra in the first round allowed each participant a golden opportunity to compete and learn from their peers. This decision was met with overwhelming appreciation from all involved, and the organizing committee ensured that the extension of the orchestra and jury’s efforts was a testament to their commitment to creating an extraordinary experience for the participants.
Throughout the masterclass and competition, esteemed conductor, professor and President of Jury, John Axelrod provided expert guidance and mentorship to the participants, enriching their musical knowledge and skills.
The event culminated in a mesmerizing sold-out concert held at the historic Romanian Athenaeum, where the talent and artistry of the winners were showcased to a captivated audience. The concert received enthusiastic acclaim from attendees and served as a celebration of the transformative power of music.
„We extend our deepest gratitude to all the participants, jury, and audience members who made this event truly remarkable,” Catalin Opritoiu, Bucharest Symphony Orchestra Association President added. „Their collective passion and support contributed to the immense success of the BMI International Conducting Masterclass and Competition.”
Furthermore, the prize winners of the competition, taking first, second, and third place, were rewarded with substantial cash prizes and a remarkable opportunity to conduct major orchestras in Romania. In addition, they had the honor of conducting the renowned Bucharest Symphony Orchestra during the concert at the Athenaeum.
BEETHOVEN – THE TITAN, the sold-out concert held at the Romanian Athenaeum featured a captivating performance by the internationally acclaimed pianist, Giorgi Gigashvili, as the soloist. The synergy between the exceptional conducting talents, Bucharest Symphony Orchestra and the virtuoso performance by Giorgi Gigashvili created an unforgettable musical experience for everyone in attendance.
The Bucharest Symphony Orchestra also expressed their gratitude to the dedicated team members who worked tirelessly to ensure the smooth execution of the event. Their attention to detail and commitment to excellence played a pivotal role in making this edition an overwhelming success.
As the curtains close on this memorable chapter, the Bucharest Music Institute International Conducting Masterclass & Competition and Bucharest Symphony Orchestra looks forward to the continued growth and achievements of all the participants. Their exceptional performances have left an indelible mark on the event’s legacy and will undoubtedly inspire future generations of conductors.
About Bucharest Music Institute
The Bucharest Music Institute (BMI) offers the best conducting education in Romania. We provide aspiring conductors with the necessary resources and experience to achieve their goals and learn how to lead an orchestra.
Our mission is to provide performing artists with opportunities to train, develop their craft, achieve excellence, and advance orchestral conducting careers.
The BMI International Conducting Masterclass & Competition is a prestigious event that aims to nurture and showcase the talents of aspiring conductors from all corners of the globe. Through expert guidance from renowned faculty members and an enriching competition experience, participants receive a unique opportunity to grow and develop their conducting skills.
About Bucharest Symphony Orchestra
The Bucharest Symphony Orchestra (BSO) was founded in 2007 and is a leading Romanian ensemble. Under the direction of principal conductor John Axelrod, starting in 2022, the orchestra is made up of the most talented musicians in Romania and offers music lovers the opportunity to connect with high quality music.
The Bucharest Symphony Orchestra has distinguished itself by developing original and innovative musical concepts, brought together in the season Salute CULTURE! Reputation and recognition have been achieved through an impressive series of concerts and events held both in traditional concert halls and unconventional outdoor spaces. The orchestra’s repertoire is diverse, including classical music, film music, pop/rock and crossover.
The mission of the Bucharest Symphony Orchestra is to promote excellence in music and attract young people to concert halls. As Official Ambassador of Romanian Culture, the orchestra performed in 2013 and 2017 in seven of the most prestigious concert halls in South America, such as Teatro Colón and Teatro Coliseo Palazzo Italia in Buenos Aires, Teatro El Circulo in Rosario/Argentina, Sala São Paulo in São Paulo/Brazil, Teatro El Occitane in Trancoso/Brazil, Corpartes 660 in Santiago/Chile, Gran Teatro Nacional in Lima/Peru and Teatro Solís in Montevideo/Uruguay.
International artists with whom the orchestra has collaborated include sopranos Elena Moșuc, Angela Gheorghiu, Sarah Brightman, tenors Alessandro Safina, Mario Frangoulis, conductors Alexandre Bloch, Jin Wang, violinists Sarah Chang, Daishin Kashimoto, Svetlin Roussev, pianists Gabriela Montero, Eduard Kunz, and cellists Claudio Bohorquez, Rodin Moldovan and Răzvan Suma.
Since 2018, in collaboration with BMI Conducting Academy, the Bucharest Symphony Orchestra organizes the Bucharest International Conducting Competition. The orchestra has also participated in prestigious national and international festivals, such as the „George Enescu” International Festival, the „Clara Haskil” International Festival – Sibiu, the Bucharest Music Film Festival, the „Dilema Veche” Festival and the „Rencontres de Calenzana” Festival – Corsica/France.
Under the baton of Austrian conductor Jin Wang, the Bucharest Symphony Orchestra was invited to perform 20 concerts during its first tour in China. In 2015, the Bucharest Symphony Orchestra had a second major tour in China, consisting of 8 gala concerts, including in Beijing and Harbin.
In 2018, the Bucharest Symphony Orchestra gave an extraordinary concert in the Yehudi Menuhin Hall of the European Parliament. In 2022, the Bucharest Symphony Orchestra had a premiere concert in Hanoi, becoming the first European orchestra to tour Vietnam. In 2023, the OSB performed in Dalat, Vietnam, as part of the Hoa Sen Sound Festival.
