The Competition
First established in 2018, the Hong Kong International Conducting Competition was born in view of the shortage of high profile and internationally recognised conducting competitions in Asia, where there is a rapidly expanding classical music scene. Two editions of the Competition have since been held, each time drawing worldwide media coverage and attracting highly positive feedback. With a strong focus on nurturing the professional development of all Candidates through organising opportunities for networking and performance review, we are pleased to see many past Candidates of the Competition secure major roles with leading orchestras and management by international artist agencies.
The Orchestra
Hong Kong Sinfonietta is the official orchestra of the Competition and Workshop.
One of Hong Kong’s flagship orchestras, Hong Kong Sinfonietta has achieved significant recognition for its passionate performances and innovative programming.
Since 1999, Hong Kong Sinfonietta has collaborated with an illustrious array of international musicians and groups, including in recent years Midori, Ilya Gringolts, Sayaka Shoji, Nicolas Altstaedt, Aurélien Pascal, Martin Helmchen, Denis Kozhukhin, Sergei Nakariakov etc. The orchestra has toured to 48 cities worldwide, and appeared at renowned international music and arts festivals such as the Festival International de Piano La Roque d’Anthéron, Tongyeong International Music Festival and Marvão International Music Festival. Venue Partner of Hong Kong City Hall since 2009, the orchestra performs year-round with around 100 performances a season. As an avid believer of keeping music alive and contemporary, Hong Kong Sinfonietta has commissioned and performed over 100 new works on top of presenting standard orchestral repertoire.
Having run its own Artist Associate scheme since 2006, Hong Kong Sinfonietta regularly collaborates with artists from different disciplines to explore new possibilities, and offers fresh artistic experiences as well as educational programmes to audiences from different backgrounds. The orchestra’s three CD albums on DECCA have been certified Platinum and Gold.
To nurture and create opportunities for the next generation of artists, the orchestra held the “Auditions On Stage” series for violin and piano in 2022 and 2025 respectively, where young local players were offered a chance to play with the orchestra and win a concert engagement. The 3rd edition of the highly successful Hong Kong International Conducting Competition will be held in 2027, promoting Hong Kong as one of the world’s important stages for artistic excellence and career development.
Find out more about Hong Kong Sinfonietta!
