International Conductors Contest WMC 2026
Nurture your talent. Grow alongside the world’s finest.
Since 1970, the Conductors Contest has been an important part of the World Music Contest (WMC). The event offers young conductors an international stage to showcase their skills, gain experience with professional wind orchestras, and receive direct feedback from an expert international jury.
The WMC is committed to fostering the development of professional conducting talent - an investment in the future of wind music.
Structure of the International Conductors Contest WMC 2026
The WMC Conductors Contest consists of three phases: the Selection Round, Semi-Final, and Final.
Each phase offers a unique conducting experience with leading ensembles and professional orchestras.
Selection Round – 14 to 16 July 2026
📍 Aula Major, Rolduc Abbey
🎵 Helicon Wind Ensemble
- 16 participants
- Works:
- Mozart – Serenade No. 12 in C minor, K 388
- Stravinsky – Octet for Wind Instruments
- Ibert – Concerto for Cello and Wind Instruments
After the final session, Jury Team A will select six semi-finalists.
Semi-Final – 20 July 2026
📍 Theatre Kerkrade
🎵 Royal Military Band ‘Johan Willem Friso’
- 6 participants
- Works:
- Nitescence crépusculaire – Alexandre Kosmicki
- Let My Love Be Heard – Jake Runestad
After the semi-final, Jury Team B will select three finalists.
Final – 21 & 22 July 2026
📍 Roda hall, Kerkrade
🎵 Royal Military Band ‘Johan Willem Friso’
Final Rehearsal – 21 July
- 3 participants, 60 minutes of conducting time each
- Final works (drawn by lot):
- Traveler - David Maslanka
- Transitions - Henk Badings
- Danse Funambulesque- Jules Strens (version Gert Buitenhuis)
Final Concert – 22 July, 8:00 pm
- 3 finalists performing live before an audience
- Followed by a concert by the Royal Military Band ‘Johan Willem Friso’
Dirigenten
| Land | Jurylid |
|---|---|
| CH | António Novais |
| DE | Jen-Jen Liu |
| ES | Rafael Grau |
| ES | Sergi Rodrigo Delgado |
| NL | Xavier Kuipers |
| NL | Sander Van Dorst |
| PT | Tiago Brás |
| HK | Yuk-Chuen YIP |
| BE | Joris Rompen |
| BE | Wouter Versavel |
| JP | Chikako Mochimaru |
| FR | Maxime Maurer |
| CN | Xianyi Ji |
| NL | Hardy Li |
| IT | Fabio Turra |
| BE | Stephen Biebuyck |