The Cliburn has announced the launch of the Cliburn International Competition for Conductors, a new major international event scheduled for June 2028 in Houston, Texas. Open to conductors aged 21 to 35, the competition will be chaired by Marin Alsop and is set to become the first large-scale international conducting competition of its kind in North America.
The new competition marks a significant expansion in the Cliburn’s nearly 65-year history, extending an institution long associated with piano into the field of orchestral conducting. Over the course of two weeks, 12 selected conductors will lead the Houston Symphony, performing at the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University and at Jones Hall for the Performing Arts. The event will be streamed internationally, placing the finalists before a global audience.
The winner will receive a $50,000 grand prize, along with concert engagements and the distinction of becoming the first-ever laureate of the Cliburn International Competition for Conductors.
From piano to the podium
Founded in 1962 and named after the American pianist Van Cliburn, the Cliburn rose to international prominence through the Cliburn International Piano Competition, held in Fort Worth, Texas. Over the decades, the piano competition has established itself as one of the most prestigious events of its kind, known for launching international careers and for its emphasis on artistic integrity, long-term development, and broad public reach.
Past laureates of the piano competition have gone on to perform with leading orchestras and at major concert halls worldwide, reinforcing the Cliburn’s reputation as a benchmark for excellence rather than merely a competitive showcase. In recent years, the organisation has expanded its activities beyond the flagship piano event, developing junior and amateur competitions, educational initiatives, and an extensive digital presence through international webcasts.
Timeline and structure
Applications for the Cliburn International Competition for Conductors will open in October 2026, when detailed rules, rounds, and repertoire requirements are announced. Applications will be due in November 2027, followed by a live screening round in winter 2028 at the Shepherd School of Music, where up to 25 conductors will be evaluated. The final 12 competitors will be announced in April 2028, ahead of the competition itself in June.
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