Rules & Regulations

1. GENERAL CONDITIONS

1.1 The 3rd 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 start of the Live Auditions (i.e. Born before 1 July 2005 and after 30 June 1997).

1.5 Former ‘Designated Winners’ are excluded from participation. Former ‘Quarter Finalists’ or ‘Semi Finalists’ are allowed to re-apply.

1.6 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).

1.7 ICCR consists of five phases:

• I Online Selection Round
• II Selection Rounds (Quarter and Semi Finals)
• III Career development (a series of academies in various cities)
• IV ICCR X Dresdner Philharmonie
• V Finals (five rounds)

1.8 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.

2. IMPORTANT DATES

1 September 2026 Start application submission

30 November 2026 Deadline application submission

1 March 2027 Announcement of the participants of semi-finals

2-3 July 2027 Quarter Finals

4 July 2027 Semi Finals

4 July 2027 Announcement of the designated winners

5 July 2027 Kick-off day Career development & division of repertoire

21 September 2027 Deadline for repertoire selection Proms concert

22- 25 September 2027 Academy 1

10-13 January 2028 ICCR X LEAD LAB – Helsinki Philharmonic

18-23 April 2028 Academy 2

23 – 25 June 2028 ICCR X Dresdner Philharmonie

22-23 August 2028 Round 1 / Classical

24-26 August 2028 Round 2 / Proms

27-28 August 2028 Round 3 / Contemporary

30-31 August 2028 Round 4 / Opera

1-3 September 2028 Round 5 / Symphonic

3. Application

3.1 Applications will be accepted until 30 November, 2026. 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 their personal data, resumé and the following Required documents:

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. 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

4. Videos: please upload your application video(s) to your muvac profile under “Videos”. For pre-selection we require three 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).
• One performance video containing a performance with an orchestra or large ensemble. It should apply to the following criteria:
  • Recording of a rehearsal or concert.
  • Minimum 3 maximum 15 minutes in length.
  • The only edits that are accepted are cuts. I.e. you are allowed to take one or multiple experts AND/OR combine multiple performances in one single video, but any other editing is off limits.
  • The audio should be of acceptable quality.
• One ‘marketing’ video for usage in the announcement video. One selfie video conducting along to Tchaikovsky – serenade for strings Op48 – Mvmt II Waltz from K (bar 166) till the end. This will be used for promotional purposes and will not be part of the judged materials. Please use a neutral background.

TIPS FOR WHAT THE JURY WILL TAKE INTO ACCOUNT WHEN WATCHING THE VIDEOS

• A front facing camera, with the perspective from the orchestra works best.
  
• Passages which contain transitions (tempo, textures, etc.) give the best information. Cutting of the video just before the start of a new section might actually be regarded as a negative sign.
  
• In general jury are preferring quality over quantity.

3.4 All applicants are required to pay a non-refundable application fee of 175 Euro upon applying.

4. ONLINE SELECTION ROUND

4.1 The online selection round takes place between December 2026 – February 2027.

4.2 The pre-selection jury will consist of five jury members. The names of these jury members will be published after the announcement.

4.3 The jury members will observe and judge all applicants.

4.4 The pre-selection is based on the provided materials of the applicants.

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 1 March 2027.

5. SELECTION ROUNDS

5.1 The Live Selection Rounds are scheduled to be held in Rotterdam on 1-4 July 2027.

5.2 The Selection Rounds consist of two consecutive rounds:

• • QUARTER FINALS– With Sinfonia Rotterdam (2-3 July 2027)
• • SEMI FINALS – With Sinfonia Rotterdam (4 July 2027)

5.3 A maximum of 24 nominees will participate in the QUARTER FINALS. A maximum of 16 nominees will advance to SEMI FINALS.

5.4 The performance time for each of the selection rounds 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 Quarter Finals

One of the following movements:

• Dvořák – string serenade, Op22 – I Serenade moderato
• Tchaikovsky – serenade for strings Op48 – III Waltz
• Wirén – Serenade for Strings, Op11 – I Praeludium and IV Marcia

AND One of the following pieces:

• Bacewicz – Concerto for strings
• Crawford Seeger – Andante for strings

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 Finals

One of the following overtures:

• Mozart – Der Schauspieldirektor
• Mozart – La Clemenza di Tito
• Mozart – Idomeneo

AND One a selection from:

• Beethoven – Symphony No3 ‘Eroica’

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. It will be required to give a full performance of some of the assigned works, exact instructions will be provided.

5.9 Nominees should be available for the whole period of the Selection Rounds (Arrival on 1 July, departure on 5 July 2027). The exact date and time of performance will be announced shortly in advance.

5.10 Participants of the Selection Rounds must arrange and pay for their own travel.

5.11 Accommodation in Rotterdam (at host families) will be provided.

5.12 The Selection Rounds shall be held in public.

5.13 The Selection Jury shall decide on the admission of 6 designate winners to the Competition as well as 2 or 3 fellows

5.14 The 16 participants of the Semi Finals are allowed to use the title ‘Semi Finalists’ in their resumé.

6. DESIGNATE WINNERS AND FELLOWS

6.1 The six conductors selected for participation in the competition in 2028 are allowed to use the title ‘Designated Winner’.

6.2 The six designated winners will take part in all activities described in 7. Academies and 8. Competition.

6.3 The conductors selected as ‘ICCR Fellow’ are allowed to use this title.

6.4 ICCR Fellows are invited to take part in all activities described in 7. Academies. They are also invited as assistant conductor during the activities mentioned in 8. Competition.

6.5 If a designated winner will need to withdraw, an ICCR fellow will be offered the option to take over this position, according to a ranking that will be announced privately to the Fellows beforehand.

7. CAREER DEVELOPMENT

7.1 In between the selection rounds and the competition, a series of academies and events will be organised for the designated winners and fellows:

• 5 July 2027 – Kick-off day Career development & division of repertoire
• 22-25 September 2027 – Academy 1
• 10-13 January 2028 – ICCS X LEAD LAB – Helsinki Philharmonic
• 8-23 April 2028 – Academy 3
• 23 – 25 June 2028 – ICCR X Dresdner Philharmonie

7.2 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.

7.3 Helsinki – at this session the conductors will follow masterclasses with Jukka-Pekka Saraste and the Helsinki Philharmonic.

7.4 Dresden – at this session the conductors will present a concert together with the Dresdner Philharmonie. The performance time for rehearsals will have a set maximum duration of:

• 23 June- Rehearsal 1 – 40 minutes
• 24 June – Rehearsal 2 – 40 minutes
• 25 June – 11.00h – Concert

The performance will be witnessed by a jury that will provide feedback throughout the project. The performance might be used by the orchestra to scout their next Runnicles Fellow.

7.5 Next to the plenary sessions, online mentorship on request will be offered.

7.6 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 therefore required.

7.7 Participation in all Career Development activities is mandatory.

8. THE FINALS

8.1 All rounds of ICCR will be held at De Doelen, Rotterdam. Except Round 2, 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 (22-23 August 2028)
• Round 2 – with Sinfonia Rotterdam (24-25-26 August 2028)
• Round 3 – with Ensemble Modern (6-27-28 August 2028)
• Round 4 – with Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, Laurens Symfonisch and solists (29-30-31 August 2028)
• Round 5 – with Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra & soloist (violin) (1-2-3 September 2028)

8.2 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

8.3 The performance time for rehearsals will have a set maximum duration of:

Round 1

• 22 August – Rehearsal 1 – 45 minutes
  
• 23 August – Rehearsal 2 – 30 minutes
  
• 23 August – Concert

Round 2

• 24 August – Rehearsal 1 – 40 minutes
  
• 25 August – Rehearsal 2 – 40 minutes
  
• 26 August – Rehearsal 3 – 20 minutes
  
• 26 August – Concert

Round 3

• 27 August – Rehearsal 1 – 60 minutes
  
• 28 August – Rehearsal 2 – 40 minutes
  
• 28 August – Concert

Round 4

• 29 August – Rehearsal with soloist – 30 minutes (no jury present)
  
• 29 August – Rehearsal with choir – 10 minutes (no jury present)
  
• 30 August – Rehearsal 1 – 40 minutes
  
• 31 August – Rehearsal 2 – 25 minutes
  
• 31 August – Concert

Round 5

• 1 September – Rehearsal 1 – 40 minutes
  
• 1 September Rehearsal with soloist – 15 minutes (no jury present)
  
• 2 September Rehearsal 2 – 40 minutes
  
• 3 September Concert 1
  
• 3 September Concert 2

8.4 A digital clock will be provided during all rehearsals and conductors are expected to finish within the give timeframe

8.5 The performance time for the concert is limited to the duration of the prescribed works.

8.6 All 6 designated winners will perform during all five rounds, both during the rehearsals and the concerts.

8.7 Designated winners should be available for the whole period of the competition and are obliged to perform in every round.

8.8 The sequence of performance will be decided by one draw 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 executive director in conjunction with chairman of the Jury and shall only be permitted in exceptional cases.

9. REPERTOIRE

9.1 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 5 July 2027

d. The selection of repertoire for round 2 is free (given the set perimeters seen below), but will need to be confirmed by the jury and artistic committee of Sinfonia Rotterdam;

9.2 ICCR X Dresdner Philharmonie

One of the following selections:

Selection 1

• Dvořák Symphony No7 – I Allegro Maestoso
• Janáček – Taras Bulba No1 – Death of Andri

Selection 2

• Dvořák Symphony No9 – I Adagio – Allegro Molto
• Janáček – Taras Bulba No2 – Death of Ostap

Selection 3

• Dvořák Symphony No8 – I Allegro con Brio
• Janáček – Taras Bulba No3 – The Prophecy and death of Taras Bulba

9.3 Round 1 CLASSICAL

One of the following selections:

Selection 1

• Schubert – Symphony No5- I Allegro
• Haydn – Symphony No93 ‘Fart’ – II Largo cantabile
• Farrenc – Symphony No2 – III Scherzo. Vivace

Selection 2

• Schubert – Symphony No5- III Menuetto – Allegro molto – trio
• Haydn – Symphony No94 ‘Surprise’ – II Andante
• Farrenc – Symphony No3 – IV Finale. Allegro

Selection 3

• Schubert – Symphony No5- IV Allegro Vivace
• Haydn – No96 ‘Miracle’ – II Andante
• Farrenc – Symphony No2 – III Scherzo. Vivace

9.4 Round 2 PROMS

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)

9.5 Round 3 CONTEMPORARY

Compulsory newly commissioned work by Anne-Maartje Lemereis (scores to be provided by March 2028)

PLUS One movement from Webern 5 pieces opus 10

AND one the following three works:

• George Benjamin: At First Light – II
• Nina Šenk – Baca II
• Lutosławski – Chain I

9.6 Round 4 OPERA

9.7 Round 5 SOLOIST & SYMPHONIC

Consists of two concerts

Concert 1

One of the following movements:

• Prokofiev – Violin Concerto No 1, Op19 – mvmt 1 Andantino
• Prokofiev – Violin Concerto No 1, Op19 – mvmt 3 Moderato
• Prokofiev – Violin Concerto No 2, Op63 – Mvmt 2 Andante Asai

Concert 2

One of the following movements:

• Brahms – Symphony No2 – IV Allegro con Spirito
• Brahms – Symphony No3 – IV Allegro
• Brahms – Symphony No4 – IV Allegro energico e passionate

10. PRIZES

ICCR distinguishes the following prizes:

10.1. 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

  10.2 1st Prize

• A sum of 20,000 Euro (which is inclusive of the performance award of € 5.000)

  10.3 2nd Prize

• A sum of 15,000 Euro (which is inclusive of the performance award of € 5.000)

  10.4 3rd Prize

• A sum of 10,000 Euro (which is inclusive of the performance award of € 5.000)

  10.5 Audience Award (honourable mention)

  10.6 Codarts Award – a project with the Codarts Orchestra with multiple (paid) performances awarded by students of Codarts

  style=”text-align: left;”>10.7 Taxes shall be deducted from prizes in accordance with Dutch tax law in effect at the time of the Competition. (at the publishing of these R&R there is no tax-deduction)

  10.8 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.

  10.9 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.

  11. JUDGING PROCESS

  11.1 The competitors will be assessed based on a ranking system.

  11.2 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.

  11.3 The jury of the final five rounds of ICCR will consist of two parts:

  • The core jury of three members. They will be present for the whole duration of the finals;
  • The specialist jury of three to five members. They will present for a single (or in some cases two) round(s) of the finals;

  11.4 The jury will vote after each round. The average ranking of all judges of the whole competition will determine the end result.

  11.5 Every jury member is always required to attend all sessions (rehearsals and concert) of a single round. (unless in cases of force majeure)

  11.6 The jury will need to award all prizes. The sharing of a prize is not possible.

  11.7 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.

  11.8 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.

  11.9 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.

  12. Facilities

  12.1 ICCR will supply the following to all six designate winners:

  • 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);
  • Free accommodation for the duration of both the academies (dates to be determined) and the finals (from 21 August till 4 September 2028) at host families;
  • An allowance of € 400,- for daily expenses throughout the competition in 2028.

  12.2. Accompanying individuals including family members must make their own travel and or accommodation arrangements.

  13. LIABILITY

  13.1 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.

  13.2 Obtaining appropriate travel documents, visa and insurance is the sole responsibility of each competitor.

  13.3 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.

  13.4 Participants must be free of professional obligations during the entire Competition period. All described phases and activities in these Rules & Regulations are mandatory.

  13.5 All communication between ICCR and the participants will be directly, without interference of any third parties or artist managements.

  14. JURIDICAL

  14.1 By submitting the online application form, applicants state their agreement:

  • with all articles in the Rules & Regulations;
  • with all ensuing engagements as part of any prize;
  • 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;
  • 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.
  • 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.

  The Jury Regulations can be found HERE.