III International Ferenc Fricsay Conducting Competition

1.1. The Third International Ferenc Fricsay Conducting Competition (hereinafter “the Competition”) is open to conductors of all ages.

1.2. The Competition consists of two phases: an online Qualifying Phase and a Live Phase in Szeged.

1.3. The dates of the Qualifying Phase will be announced on the Competition website. The results will also be published there. Admitted applicants will be informed by email.

1.4. The Live Phase takes place from Sunday, 29 August, to Sunday, 5 September 2027. The venues are the Korzó Music Hall (Korzó Zeneház) and the Szeged National Theatre (Szegedi Nemzeti Színház).

The schedule is as follows:

Round 1:
Sunday, 29 August – Wednesday, 1 September 2027
(number of participants to be announced)

Round 2:
Thursday, 2 September 2027
(number of participants to be announced)

Semi-Final:
Friday, 3 September 2027
(number of participants to be announced)

Final:
Sunday, 5 September 2027
(number of participants to be announced)

1.5. Session times and the stage time for each round will be announced on the Competition website.

1.6. The official language of the Competition is English.

2.1. To apply, please complete the application form on this website. The application includes a curriculum vitae, performance videos and your repertoire choices.

2.2. Applicants choose one piece for each round: Round 1, Round 2, Semi-Final and Final. All pieces must come from the official repertoire list published on this website. Any piece on the list may be chosen for any round. The choice becomes final once the application has been submitted.

2.3. The jury evaluates the application materials online using a Yes / Maybe / No vote. The combined votes determine which applicants proceed to the Live Phase.

2.4. The application fee will be announced on the Competition website. The fee is refunded only if the Competition is cancelled. It is not refunded if an admitted applicant is unable to attend.

3.1. Performance videos may feature music from any period. They must be available for both streaming and download.

3.2. Frontal videos are preferred. If none are available, recordings filmed from the audience or from another angle are equally welcome.

3.3. A full orchestra is not required. We know that not every talented conductor has immediate access to one. This should never be a barrier to applying. Applicants may submit videos conducting: a full orchestra, two pianos or a piano reduction, or one of each.

Recordings with two pianos are fully accepted and evaluated with the same attention and care.

3.4. Videos may feature instrumental or vocal ensembles. Recorded piano rehearsals are also accepted. A video may contain more than one movement or section of the same work.

3.5. The jury reviews up to two performance videos per applicant. Videos may be viewed in part.

4.1. Applicants admitted to the Live Phase pay a participation fee. Its amount will be announced on the Competition website. The fee is refunded only if the Competition is cancelled. It is not refunded if a participant is unable to attend.

4.2. In every round, participants conduct the full Hungarian National Symphony Orchestra Szeged in front of the jury.

4.3. Within the stage time of each round, participants may rehearse the selected piece and perform it more than once.

5.1. The Competition is judged by an international jury of renowned conductors and orchestra directors.

5.2. The members of the jury, including the President of the Jury, will be announced on the Competition website.

5.3. In each round of the Live Phase, the jury decides which participants advance to the next round. In the Final, the jury determines the prizewinners.

5.4. The decisions of the jury are final and binding.

6.1. The prizes of the Competition will be announced on the Competition website.

7.1. By applying to the Competition, applicants give their informed consent to the processing of their personal data in accordance with applicable law. This data includes, among other things, their surname, given name, image and voice. It also covers any other information provided during the application and participation process.

7.2. Applicants also consent to being photographed and filmed throughout the Live Phase. They agree to the live streaming of their performances. They further agree that the organisers may use all photo, audio and video material from the Competition.

7.3. This material may be used for informational, promotional and other purposes connected with the organisation and promotion of the Competition. Its use is not limited in time or territory, and no financial compensation is paid.

7.4. The organisers reserve the right to amend these rules. Any changes will be published on the Competition website.