The International Conducting Competition Rotterdam (ICCR) gives young conductors a chance to work with numerous orchestras. The selection rounds were in 2021 when six participants were selected for the final. This begins Thursday, May 26 with an open-air concert at the Kop van Zuid in Rotterdam.
The new exciting event focuses on different genres and stylistic periods. Participants can present themselves both as a specialist or as an all-rounder. They get the opportunity to direct the Doelen Ensemble, Orchestra of the 18th Century, Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, Laurens Symphony Choir and Sinfonia Rotterdam.
Carlos Ágreda (Colombia), Bertie Baigent (United Kingdom), Martijn Dendievel (Belgium), Chloe Rooke (United Kingdom), Joel Sandelson (United Kingdom) and Luis Toro Araya (Chile) will lead Sinfonia Rotterdam in the open air on May 26.
A jury is present at both the rehearsals and the concert. More than 30 names have joined the competition as jury members, including Karina Canellakis, Ton Koopman, James MacMillan, Lahav Shani and Maxim Vengerov. In addition, the public can also vote for their favorite. They assess the candidates. During the rehearsals, the jury will decide which four conductors will make their appearance at the concert. Tickets are available for both the rehearsals and for the concerts. Tickets can be booked here.
After the concert on the Kop van Zuid by Sinfonia Rotterdam, the concerts of the International Conducting Competition Rotterdam continue in De Doelen. The ultimate final will be on June 5. At the Grande Finale, the conductors will work with the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra. This time, Joey Rouken’s commissioned work Night Flight is central. Other works include Tchaikovsky’s Sixth Symphony, Shostakovich’s Fifth Symphony, and Mahler’s Fourth Symphony.
Photo: Sinfonia Rotterdam by Bas-Czerwinski
