Competition Rules

Rules for the III Vratsa International Conducting Course and Competition

1. Eligibility

• Conductors of all nationalities are welcome to participate.

• The minimum age to participate is 18 years at the time of registration. There is no maximum age limit.

2. Registration and Fees

• Active Participants: €1500
  The number of available spots in the Active - Competition category is limited. Selection will be based on the evaluation of submitted video links and résumés. Early registration will also be considered in the selection process.

• Semi-active Participants: €550
  Spots for this category are also limited. This category is open to those who wish to attend the course as semi-active participants, with the opportunity to conduct Haydn's Symphony No. 44 on the first day. Participants will gain an in-depth perspective on the entire course and competition while benefiting from the invaluable guidance of Maestro Romea.

• Observers: 300€. This category is open to anyone who wishes to gain an insider's perspective on the entire course and competition while benefiting from the teachings of Maestro Romea.

• Registration must be completed by filling out the form available on the official website before the 16th of May 2025.

• Applicants must attach the following:

  • Resume (1-2 pages)

  • Only for active and semi-active participants: A recent conducting video link totalling 10-15 minutes, that shows you at your best. The videos should be front-facing from the point of view of the orchestra.

• A registration fee of 20€ is mandatory to validate participation. The fee will be deducted from the final price if participants choose to attend the course in any of the categories.

• Refund Policy:

  • Fees are non-refundable unless the event is canceled by the organizers.

3. Logistics

• Participants are responsible for their own travel and accommodation expenses.

• The organization will offer accommodation recommendations at the Helmus Hotel, Vratsa. Participants can benefit from reduced rates and request reservations through the organization. Payment for accommodation will be the responsibility of each participant. For the convenience of all interested participants, the organization will provide a private bus transfer from Sofia Airport to Vratsa and back, free of charge. The exact departure date and time will be announced at a later date.

4. Course-Competition Phases

4.1: Course

• Day 1: Practical session with a string quintet, two oboes and two horns. Conducting open exclusively to semi-active category. Master class with Maestro Romea. Open to all participants.

• Days 2, 3, and 4: Conduct the Vratsa Symphony Orchestra. Only active participants. Master classes with Maestro Romea: Open to all participants.

• Day 5: Competition day. Dress rehearsal, final concert and awards ceremony.

4.2: Competition

• Preliminary Stage: Assessment of submitted materials (CV and video links).

• In-Person Stage: The selected active and semi-active participants will work with the assigned ensemble or orchestra and conduct the selected repertoire.

5. Repertoire

String quintet + two horns + two oboes: (for semi-active participants)

• J. Haydn: Symphony No. 44

Orchestra: (for active participants)

• R. Strauss: Die Fledermaus

• Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Violin Concerto No. 5

• Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade

6. Evaluation Criteria

• Conducting technique.

• Interpretation and musicality.

• Ability to collaborate with the orchestra.

7. Prizes

• Cash prizes and will be awarded will be awarded as follows:

• First Prize: €1000

• Second Prize: €400

• Third Prize: €300

• The jury reserves the right to withhold any prize.

8. Additional Rules

• Participants must adhere to the established schedules.

• The course will be conducted in English.

• The organizers reserve the right to record and broadcast the sessions of the course and competition.

• On the day of the final concert, a professional recording will be made and sent to each of the 9 contestants at no additional cost.

9. Jury

• The jury will consist of the members of the participating orchestra.

• Each orchestra member will evaluate the conductors based on their technique, musicality, and ability to lead and collaborate with the ensemble.

• The jury’s decision will be final and cannot be appealed.