Eight talents from France, USA, Netherlands, Ireland, China, and Spain are the semifinalists of the VI International Orchestra Conducting Competition at the University of Almería. The Vice-Rectorate for Culture and Society, along with the Social Council of the UAL and Michelin, has presented the details of this internationally acclaimed event.
Following an online phase with 70 candidates from 30 nationalities, the competition now moves to its in-person stage. The semifinalists will draw lots on Friday for the piece they will conduct, including Mozart's Divertimento K.136 or the Serenade for winds in C minor. From these performances, the four finalists will emerge to compete for the top prize in the final concert on October 12th at the Municipal Auditorium Maestro Padilla.
The semifinal, open to the public, will take place on Friday afternoon in the Multipurpose Building on campus. Tickets for the final are priced symbolically at 3 euros for the university community and 5 euros for the general public. Soprano Quiteria Muñoz will participate again in the final.
María del Mar Ruiz, Vice-Rector for Culture and Society, highlighted the competition as a platform to showcase and promote young conductors, reinforcing the UAL's commitment to culture and international projection. Iván Martínez, from the Social Council, emphasized the pride in collaborating to connect culture, the UAL, and society, placing Almería on the international musical map. Jorge Pato, representing Michelin, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate in an event he deems necessary and which strengthens the close collaboration between his company and the university.
The jury, chaired by María del Mar Ruiz and with Elisa Álvarez as secretary, includes internationally renowned conductors such as Vito Clemente (Italy), Rubén Silva (Poland), and Juanjo Navarro. The finalists will conduct an opera aria and a movement from Dvořák's Symphony No. 8. The first prize is 4,000 euros, the second is 1,500 euros, and the Orchestra's Prize is also awarded, along with invitations to conduct in Bari and Kalisz.
