Hallé announces second Siemens-Hallé International Conductors Competition

The Hallé has announced that the second Siemens Hallé International Conductors Competition will take place in spring 2023. The competition winner will receive a minimum two-year engagement as assistant conductor of the Hallé as well as guest conducting appearances.

Following the competition’s initial success in February 2020, the competition’s second edition will take place over three days in March 2023 in both Hallé St Peter’s and The Bridgewater Hall, where the final will be held on 14 March 2023. The final will for the first time be a public event and will include the announcement of the competition winner.

David Butcher, chief executive of the Hallé, said: ‘The Hallé’s assistant conductorship has a track record for impacting the lives of rising stars, many of whom have gone on to great commercial and critical success… A huge thank you to Siemens for their support and for extending this opportunity to global audiences, bringing the very best and brightest musical talent to Manchester.’

The competition’s first edition attracted 287 candidates across 55 countries. Its winner and the Hallé’s current Assistant Conductor, was Delyana Lazarova and past assistant conductors have included Edward Gardner, Andrew Gourlay, Ewa Strusińska and Jamie Phillips.

The Hallé’s music director Sir Mark Elder will mentor the competition’s winner and is also on the competition’s judging panel. The panel also includes Professor Dr Stephan Frucht, artistic director of the Siemens Arts Programme; David Butcher, chief executive of the Hallé and Anna Hirst, head of artistic planning for the Hallé.

Details of the competition and an online application form are available from here.