Finale international conductors contest

The Royal Netherlands Army Band 'Johan Willem Friso'

Once again, WMC will host the International Conducting Contest in Kerkrade. From 45 applications, 16 promising young conductors from 11 different countries have been selected to participate in this prestigious contest, where musicianship, interpretation and artistic leadership take centre stage.

During the final concert, it will be decided who will take home the Golden Baton, the highest distinction of this contest. In the final round, the three finalists will present a gala program in the Roda Hall in Kerkrade.

Before the intermission, the candidates will conduct the Royal Netherlands Army Band 'Johan Willem Friso' in original works for wind band. These performances will highlight their interpretative skills, technical command and artistic vision. As one of the Netherlands' leading professional military wind bands, the ensemble has a rich history, a large roster of highly qualified musicians and an important representative role within the Dutch armed forces.

After the intermission, the band will present itself under the direction of Major Frans-Aert Burghgraef in a symphonic program that fully showcases its refinement, tonal richness and versatility. It promises to be an evening in which both emerging conducting talent and one of the Netherlands' finest professional wind bands will shine at the highest level.