Forces of Destiny | Bucharest, 2–10 July 2026

Bucharest Conducting Academy International Masterclass and Competition – 8th Edition “Forces of Destiny” | Bucharest, 2–10 July 2026

Bucharest, 22 June 2026

The Bucharest Symphony Orchestra (BSO) and the Bucharest Conducting Academy are proud to present the 8th Edition of the International Conducting Masterclass and Competition, under the theme “Forces of Destiny”. This prestigious event will bring young conductors from around the world to Bucharest to work directly with Maestro John Axelrod and the Bucharest Symphony Orchestra, exploring a powerful repertoire centered on the theme of destiny and inner struggle, featuring works by Verdi, Mozart, Wagner, Brahms, and Rachmaninov.

The “Forces of Destiny” Masterclass (2–5 July 2026) will take place at Sala Gloria (Str. Bucovina no. 6, Bucharest), with a special Opening Ceremony on 2 July at 09:30. Active participants (maximum 27 spots) will conduct the Bucharest Symphony Orchestra four times, receiving direct and personalized feedback from Maestro John Axelrod. Passive participants will observe all sessions and benefit from video analysis of the performances. The repertoire includes Verdi’s La forza del destino Overture, Mozart’s Don Giovanni Overture, Wagner’s Siegfried Idyll, Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 3, and Brahms’ Symphony No. 1. The “destiny” theme draws inspiration from Maestro John Axelrod’s acclaimed 2013 recording Brahms Beloved.

The International Conducting Competition (6–8 July 2026) will feature three rounds of rigorous selection: Round 1 and the Final at Sala Gloria, and the Semi-final at Sala Enescu (National University of Music Bucharest). Winners will conduct the Bucharest Symphony Orchestra at the Winners Awards Gala Concert on 10 July 2026 at the iconic Romanian Athenaeum, as part of the opening day of the Bucharest Classic Festival. The Gala program will include Verdi’s La forza del destino Overture (3rd Prize), Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 3 with soloist Eva Garet (2nd Prize), and Brahms’ Symphony No. 1 (1st Prize).

10 July 2026 marks a special moment – the Winners Awards Gala coincides with the first day of the Bucharest Classic Festival, creating a natural bridge between conducting training and professional concert life. Three winning conductors from around the world will lead the Bucharest Symphony Orchestra in the prize-winning program.

For more information and applications:

Website: https://conducting.academy/