Rules for the IV 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 places in the Active–Competition category is limited. Selection will be based on the evaluation of submitted video links and résumés. Early registration may also be taken into consideration during the selection process.

Observers: €300
This category is open to anyone wishing to attend the course and competition as an observer and benefit from the artistic and pedagogical guidance of Maestro Romea.

Registration must be completed by filling out the form available on the official website by May 1st, 2026.

Applicants must attach the following documents:

• Résumé (1–2 pages)

• Active participants only:
  A recent conducting video link (10–15 minutes total), showing the applicant at their best. The video must be filmed from the orchestra’s point of view and be front-facing.

• No registration fee is required to submit an application. Only applicants who are accepted into one of the participation categories will be required to complete the corresponding participation fee.

Refund Policy:
All 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 provide accommodation recommendations at Hotel Hemus, Vratsa. Reservations can be requested through the organization; however, accommodation payments remain the responsibility of each participant.

For the convenience of participants, a private bus transfer from Sofia Airport to Vratsa and back will be provided free of charge. The exact dates and times will be announced at a later stage.

4. Course and Competition Structure

4.1 Course

Days 1–3:

• Practical sessions with the Vratsa Symphony Orchestra (Active participants only)
  
  

• Daily masterclasses with Maestro Romea, open to all participants and observers
  
  

Days 4 & 5:

• Competition day
  
  

• Dress rehearsal
  
  

• Final concert
  
  

• Awards ceremony
  
  

4.2 Competition

Preliminary Stage:
Evaluation of submitted materials (résumé and video recordings).

In-Person Stage:
Selected active participants will rehearse and conduct the assigned repertoire with the orchestra during the course and competition rounds.

5. Repertoire

Orchestra (Active Participants):

• Fanny Mendelssohn Overture in C, Op. 24
  
  

• Max Bruch: Violin Concerto No. 1 in G minor, Op. 26
  
  

• Johannes Brahms: Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 73

6. Evaluation Criteria

Participants will be evaluated on the basis of:

• Conducting technique
  
  

• Musical interpretation and stylistic understanding
  
  

• Ability to communicate, collaborate, and lead the orchestra effectively

7. Prizes

Cash prizes will be awarded as follows:

• First Prize: €1000
  
  

• Second Prize: €400
  
  

• Third Prize: €300
  
  

The jury reserves the right not to award one or more prizes.

8. Additional Regulations

Participants must adhere strictly to the established schedule.
The working language of the course and competition will be English.
The organizers reserve the right to record, photograph, and broadcast all sessions of the course and competition.

A professional recording of the final concert will be made and provided free of charge to each of the finalists.

9. Jury

The jury will consist of members of the participating orchestra.
Each orchestra member will evaluate the conductors based on:

• Technical command
  
  

• Musical insight
  
  

• Leadership and collaborative ability
  
  

The jury’s decisions are final and not subject to appeal.