OPERA CONDUCTING COMPETITION. HISTORY/NEED.

There are many conducting competitions that test a conductor's ability to conduct a chamber, mid-sized or large symphony orchestra. However, opera conducting is another world. The opera conductor must be agile with text and language as well as the baton. Moreover, he/she should be comfortable and authoritative in working with cast, choir, and the other artists connected with the stage.

Our opera conducting competitons test a conductor's skills in all these areas. The entire competition utilizes the full forces of a professional opera company, from the first round onward! Conductors receive an unusually generous amount of conducting time in order to thoroughly demonstrate their capabilities before the jury.

The Blue Danube Opera Conducting Competition is biennial, that is, it will take place at intervals of two years -- 2013, 2015, 2017, etc.