Seojoon Heo was awarded First Prize at the 2025 edition of the Miguel Romea Conducting Institute, selected directly by the orchestra for his outstanding musical leadership. From the very first rehearsal, he showed a natural ability to engage the musicians, combining clarity of gesture with deep musical understanding and a calm, confident presence on the podium. His thorough preparation and strong stylistic awareness led to performances of great intensity and coherence. Trained in orchestral conducting in both Korea and Germany, and with an active international career that includes prizes and finalist positions in several European conducting competitions, Seojoon Heo distinguished himself throughout the course for his maturity, precision, and genuine musical communication.

Juan Pechuan Ramírez was awarded Second Prize at the 2025 edition of the Miguel Romea Conducting Institute, standing out for his powerful podium presence, strong musical personality, and direct, communicative leadership. His conducting impressed the orchestra with its energy, clarity, and sense of direction, creating performances marked by intensity and conviction. Alongside his development as a conductor under the guidance of Miguel Romea, Juan brings an exceptional orchestral background as Principal Oboe at the Deutsche Oper Berlin and a long-standing collaboration with leading European orchestras, including the Berliner Philharmoniker, Staatskapelle Dresden, and the London Symphony Orchestra. This rare combination of deep orchestral experience and growing conducting craft gives his work a distinctive authority and musical depth.

Karim Alejandro Somaza Cedeño was awarded Third Prize at the 2025 edition of the Miguel Romea Conducting Institute, captivating both orchestra and audience with his vibrant musical energy, expressive clarity, and natural authority on the podium. His conducting is marked by a strong sense of communication, rhythmic vitality, and an instinctive connection with the musicians. Trained within Venezuela’s renowned El Sistema, Karim brings a rich international background as both conductor and clarinetist, having performed in major concert halls worldwide and collaborated with leading orchestras across Europe. Currently based in Spain as Resident Conductor of the Caixabank Príncipe Pío Theatre Orchestra in Madrid, he stood out throughout the course for his musical drive, versatility, and compelling stage presence.