1.1 The 2nd edition of the International Conducting Competition Rotterdam (“ICCR”) will take place at De Doelen in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
1.2 The ICCR is organized by the ICCR Foundation. The Board of the Foundation is advised by the Artistic Advisory Committee.
1.3 The official language of ICCR is English. Basic understanding of the English language is required from the applicants.
1.4 ICCR is open to professional conductors of all nationalities who are at least 22 years and maximum 30 years of age at the deadline of the applications (i.e. Born before 30 November 2001 and after 1 December 1992).
1.5 ICCR strives to be an objective event and thus requires from all participants AND jury members to avoid conflicts of interests. ICCR should be notified during the application if the applicant has been taught on a regular basis by any of the jury members.
Though, it is understood that it is likely that members of the Jury may be acquainted with some participants in the competition because of past associations (for example previous competitions, music festivals, masterclasses, or enrolment at academic institutions).
1.6 ICCR consists of four phases:
I Online Selection Round
II Semi-finals (two rounds)
III Career development (two academies)
IV Finals (five rounds)
1.7 All decisions of the Jury, the Artistic Advisory Committee or the Board of ICCR Foundation shall be final, and no correspondence will be entered into regarding its decisions.
1 September 2023 Start application submission
31 November 2023 Deadline application submission
29 February 2024 Announcement of the participants of semi-finals
17-19 June 2024 Semi-finals
19 June 2024 Announcement of the designated winners
20 June 2024 Kick-off day Career development & division of repertoire
21 September 2024 Deadline for repertoire selection Proms concert
23-29 September 2024 Academy 1
18-23 March 2025 Academy 2
31 May 2025 Arrival day
1-2 June 2025 Round 1 / Classical
3-4 June 2025 Round 2 / Contemporary
6-8 June 2025 Round 3 / Proms
9-11 June 2025 Round 4 / Opera
12-13 June 2025 Round 5 / Symphonic
12 September 2025 Closing day of Career development
3.1 Applications will be accepted until 30 November, 2023. No late or partial applications will be accepted.
3.2 Applications will need to be submitted online via www.muvac.com
3.3 For online application, applicants must complete their muvac profiles with the following information:
• Personal data: enter your personal data and upload your profile photo.
• Resumé: under “CV / Resumé” enter your full curriculum vitae.
• Required documents: under “Documents” please upload the following:
1. Portrait photo: A recent, high-quality ‘portrait’ photograph in JPEG format that is suitable for publication and free of copyright
2. ID or passport: A scan of your passport or ID card
3. Repertoire: A list of repertoire, mentioning all performed and studied works
4. Reference letter: Two letters of recommendation, specifically written for participation in the ICCR.
5. Program proposal: Four sample programmes, with a short explanation behind the concept and your personal motivation why you would like to perform these pieces:
– One free programme without restrictions,
– Two programmes for maximum orchestration 3333-4331-timp+2-hp-str + a maximum of 4 extra substitutes
– One programme for maximum 2222-2200-timp+2-str + a maximum of 2 extra substitutes
6. Videos: please upload your application video(s) to your muvac profile under “Videos”. For pre-selection we require four videos:
– One short ‘selfie video’ (maximum 3 minutes) in which you introduce yourself and explain your motivation for being a conductor and working in the classical music scene in general. (please do not use background music for this video).
– Two performance videos demonstrating performances of contrasting repertoire with an orchestra or large ensemble.
Each video should apply to the following criteria: Recording of a rehearsal or concert 3 to 15 minutes in length. Videos may be shortened (or combined in one single video), but should not be edited in any other way. Showing you from the front (perspective from the orchestra). Audio quality should be of acceptable quality.
– One selfie video conducting for at least 10 seconds in 3/8 at 86 bpm. This will be used for promotional purposes and will not be part of the judged materials.
3.4 The Board of ICCR Foundation shall decide on the admission of participants to the International Selection Rounds in consultation with the Artistic Advisory Committee. If necessary additional information may be requested.
3.5 All applicants are required to pay a non-refundable application fee of 100 Euro upon applying.
4.1 The pre-selection round takes place between December 2023 – February 2024.
4.2 The pre-selection jury will consist of six jury members. The names of these jury members will be published after the announcement.
4.3 The pre-selection is based on the provided materials of the applicants.
4.4 The pre-selection will have two phases:
1st Round. Every application will be reviewed by at least two jurors. Every Juror selects a maximum of 20 candidates based on a yes/no system, who proceed to the 2nd Round
2nd Round. Every juror reviews all selected candidates (maximum 120) and selects 24 candidates, based on a yes/no system. The 24 candidates with the most votes will proceed to the semi-finals.
4.5 In case of equality of votes, a separate vote will be held for the tied participants.
4.6 The results of the pre-selection will be made public on 29 February 2024.
5.1 The semi-finals are scheduled to be held in Rotterdam on 16-19 June 2024.
5.2 The semi-finals consist of two consecutive rounds:
Round 1 – With Sinfonia Rotterdam (17-18 June 2024)
Round 2 – With Sinfonia Rotterdam (19 June 2024)
5.3 A maximum of 24 nominees will participate in Round 1.
A Maximum of 12 nominees will advance to Round 2.
5.4 The performance time for each of the semi-finals will have a set maximum duration of 20 minutes. Nominees are expected to finish within the given timeframe.
5.5 The jury will be strict about the prescribed performance durations.
5.6 Repertoire semi-final round 1
Candidates are to prepare all prescribed works. They are informed about which work and/or sections they are required to work on right before entering the stage.
5.7 Repertoire semi-final round 2
Candidates are to prepare all prescribed works. They are informed about which work and/or sections they are required to work on the day before the performance.
5.8 The semi-finals are structured as ‘open rehearsals’ during which participants are free to decide how they want to devote their time.
5.9 Nominees should be available for the whole period of the semi-finals (Arrival on June 16, departure on June 21). The exact date and time of performance will be announced shortly in advance.
5.10 Participants of the semi-finals must arrange and pay for their own travel.
5.11 Accommodation in Rotterdam will be provided.
5.12 Each participant will receive an expenses allowance of € 300,-.
5.13 The semi-finals shall be held in public.
5.14 The semi-finals Jury shall decide on the admission of 6 finalists
6.1 All rounds of ICCR will be held at De Doelen, Rotterdam. Except Round 3, which will take place in an outdoor location in Rotterdam (to be announced). The playing schedule is as follows:
Round 1 – with Orchestra of the 18th Century and soloist (piano) (1-2 June 2025)
Round 2 – with Klangforum Wien (3-4 June 2025)
Round 3 – with Sinfonia Rotterdam (6-7-8 June 2025)
Round 4 – with Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, Laurens Symphony Chorus and solists (9-10-11 June 2025)
Round 5 – with Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra (12-13 June 2025)
6.2 Every round consists of two rehearsals and one concert, of which the first rehearsal will be closed for public and the second rehearsal and concert shall be held in public
6.3 The performance time for rehearsals will have a set maximum duration of:
Round 1
Rehearsal 1 – 60 minutes
Rehearsal 2 – 40 minutes
Round 2
Rehearsal 1 – 60 minutes
Rehearsal 2 – 40 minutes
Round 3
Rehearsal 1 – 40 minutes
Rehearsal 2 – 40 minutes
Rehearsal 3 – 20 minutes
Round 4
Rehearsal 1 – 40 minutes
Rehearsal 2 – 25 minutes
Round 5
Rehearsal 1 – 40 minutes
Rehearsal 2 – 25 minutes
Nominees are expected to finish within the give timeframe.
6.4 The performance time for the concert is limited to the duration of the prescribed works.
6.5 All 6 designated winners will perform during all five rounds, both during the rehearsals and the concerts.
6.6 Designated winners should be available for the whole period of the competition and are obliged to perform in every round.
6.7 The sequence of performance will be decided by one drawing of lots. The order also determines the repertoire that is to be performed. Deviation from the determined order can only be decided on by the chair of the Jury and shall only be permitted in exceptional cases.
6.8 The jury will be strict about the prescribed performance durations.
7.1 General observations:
a. The set repertoire is compulsory for every participant;
b. A draw of lots will determine the final selection of pieces to be performed by each participant, unless noted otherwise;
c. The draw of lots will take place on 20 June 2024
d. The selection of repertoire for round 3 is free (given the set perimeters seen below), but will need to be confirmed by the jury and artistic committee of Sinfonia Rotterdam;
7.2 Round 1 Classical
One of the following selections:
Selection 1
• Haydn – Symphony No.44 ‘Funeral’ – Mvmt 4 Finale / Presto
• Mozart – Symphony No.35 ‘Haffner’, K385 – Mvmt 2 Andante
• Beethoven – Piano concerto No.3, Op 37 – Mvmt 3 Rondo / Allegro
Selection 2
• Haydn – Symphony No.48 ‘Marie Theresias’ – Mvmt 4 Finale / Allegro
• Mozart – Symphony No.36 ‘Linz’, K425 – Mvmt 2 Andante
• Beethoven – Piano concerto No.4, Op 58 – Mvmt 3 Rondo / Vivace
Selection 3
• Haydn – Symphony No.49 ‘Passion’ – Mvmt 4 Finale / Presto
• Mozart – Symphony No.33, K319 – Mvmt 2 Andante Moderato
• Beethoven – Piano concerto No.5, Op 73– Mvmt 3 Rondo / Allegro
7.3 Round 2 Contemporary
Compulsory newly commissioned work by Mathilde Wantenaar (scores to be provided by January 2025)
And one the following three works:
1. Furrer – Still
2. Stockhausen – Kontrapunkte
3. Poppe – Salz
7.4 Round 3
Free choice of repertoire, bearing in mind it should:
• Be programmed for a maximum orchestration of 2.2.2.2 / 4.2.3.1 / timp+3per/hp/pno + (str 8.7.6.5.3);
• Be accessible for a broad audience;
• have a duration not exceeding 15 minutes (including intervals).
7.5 Round 4
One of the following selections from operas of Puccini
a. Selection 1:
Aria from Tosca – Vissi d’Arte
Chorus from Turdandot – Perché tarda la luna + là, sui monti dell’est
Scene from act 2 from Madama Butterfly
Non lo sapete insomma (Butterfly, Yamadori, Sharpless, Goro)
A voi però giurerei fede constante (Butterfly, Sharpless, Goro, Yamadori)
Ora a noi until Ah! M’ha scordata? (Sharpless, Butterfly)
b. Selection 2:
Aria from Butterfly – Un bel dì vedremo
Humming chorus from Madama Butterfly
Scene from act 1 from Tosca
Un tal baccano in chiesa! (Scarpia, Sacristan, Spoletta)
Tosca? Che non mi veda (Sacristan, Scarpia, Tosca) until ‘Egli vede ch’io piango!’
7.6 Round 5
One of the following selections:
Selection 1
• Debussy – La Mer, L119 – Mvmt 3 – Dialogue du vent et de la mer
• Rachmaninoff – Symphonic Dances, Op 45 – Mvmt 1 (non) Allegro
Selection 2
• Debussy – La Mer, L119 – Mvmt 2 – Jeux de vagues
• Rachmaninoff – Symphonic Dances, Op 45 – Mvmt 3 Lento Assai
Selection 3
• Debussy – La Mer, L119 – Mvmt 1 – De l’aube a midi sur la mer
• Rachmaninoff – Symphonic Dances, Op 45 – Mvmt 2 Andante con moto
8.1 In between the semi-finals and the finals a career development programme will be provided. This includes:
20 June 2024 – Kick-off day Career development
23-29 September 2024 – Academy-week 1
3-9 February 2025 – Academy-week 2
12 September 2025 – Closing day of Career development
8.2 During the academies a variety of workshops and clinics will be provided. As well as, network opportunities and introductions with well-known orchestras and companies.
8.3 Next to the plenary sessions online mentorship on request will be offered.
8.4 ICCR provides a number of media-activities, including the production of a personal documentary, interviews, photo-shoots and publicity services. All interviews will be held in English; basic knowledge of the English language is required.
8.5 Participation in all career development activities is mandatory.
ICCR distinguishes the following prizes:
9.1. A designated winner ‘performance’ award for each of the six selected conductors, as a fee for their performances throughout the competition.
• A sum of 5,000 Euro
9.2 Five specialist prizes, one for each of the final rounds:
• A sum of 3,000 Euro
9.3 Grand Prix
• A sum of 15,000 Euro
9.4 Audience Award
• A sum of 2,000 Euro
9.5 Taxes shall be deducted from prizes in accordance with Dutch tax law in effect at the time of the Competition.
9.6 The Prize winners shall be obliged to fulfil the appearances attached to their prizes. Should a Prize winner remain in breach of this, he/she can lose his/her claim to prizes, awards and appearances; on such matters, the Board of ICCR Foundation shall decide.
9.7 Prize winners must, if requested, present a maximum of three events for the benefit of the Competition, for which ICCR Foundation shall pay no fee, but shall reimburse the costs of travel and accommodation.
10.1 The competitors will be assessed based on a ranking system.
10.2 The Ranking system works as follows:
• At the end of each round, the members of the Jury will judge the competitors by ranking them with numbers (from 1 to 6).
• Each member of the Jury gives one mark per candidate for the total performance (rehearsals and concert) in the round concerned.
• It is allowed to rank multiple candidates on the same position (in other words, more than one candidate can rank as No. 1)
• The ranking of all jury members will be converted to a total average ranking by computer;
10.3 The jury of the final five rounds of ICCR will consist of three parts:
• The core jury of three members. They will be present for the whole duration of the finals;
• The specialist jury of three to four members. They will present for a single (or in some cases two) round(s) of the finals;
• The orchestra, one representative of the ensemble performing in that particular round.
10.4 The average ranking of the complete jury (part a, b & c) will determine one winner for each round.
10.5 The Grand prix winner will be determined by the average ranking of all judges of the finals.
10.6 Every jury member is always required to attend all sessions (rehearsals and concert) of a single round.
10.7 The jury will need to award all prizes. The sharing of a prize is not possible.
10.8 Should a participant be a regular student of one of the members of the jury, the latter will refrain from the jury voting in respect to such a participant.
10.9 Persons related to any Jury member either by direct line or as an in-law to the third degree are excluded from taking part in the Competition.
10.10 Participants shall not communicate with jury members for as long as they take part in ICCR, nor shall any other person communicate with the jury members on behalf of any participant. Violation of this rule will result in automatic disqualification from the Competition.
11.1 ICCR will supply the following to all six designate winners:
a. Full reimbursement of reasonable economy travel expenses to and from The Netherlands for both the academies and the competition (proposed travel arrangements should be discussed with ICCR timely in advance);
b. Free accommodation for the duration of both the academies (dates to be determined) and the finals (from 31 May till 14 June 2025);
c. An allowance of € 400,- for daily expenses throughout the competition.
11.2. Accompanying individuals including family members must make their own travel and or accommodation arrangements.
12.1 ICCR accepts no liability of any kind whatsoever for any personal illness or injury sustained by the participant, nor for loss or damage to a competitor’s belongings during transit or while at the Competition. Medical costs, of whatever nature, will not be reimbursed by ICCR.
12.2 Obtaining appropriate travel documents, visa and insurance is the sole responsibility of each competitor.
12.3 Host families shall not be held responsible for accidents or damage of any kind which may befall the participants, with the exception of those accidents that fall under third party insurance.
12.4 Participants must be free of professional obligations during the entire Competition period. All described phases and activities in these Rules & Regulations are mandatory.
12.5 All communication between ICCR and the participants will be directly, without interference of any third parties or artist managements.
13.1 By submitting the online application form, applicants state their agreement:
a. with all articles in the Rules & Regulations;
b. with all ensuing engagements as part of any prize;
c. that all concert and recording engagements obtained by the Competition or its designates as part of the prizes will not be subject to any fee or commission payable to the prize-winner’s current or future artist management;
d. that ICCR is authorized to record, videotape, film, broadcast, and/or photograph any Competition concerts or events for any purpose, without payment of any fee. All rights, including copyright in such media shall vest in and be solely owned by ICCR Foundation in perpetuity.
e. that ICCR is authorized to collect, store and use their contact details for purposes connected to the competition and future activities of ICCR. No commercial third party will receive these contact details.
All rights reserved; dates and locations subject to change.
1 – 13 June 2025
