JUNE 15, 2025
Miguel Sepúlveda and Luis Castillo-Briceño win Grand Prix at Rotterdam conducting competition
The International Conducting Competition Rotterdam (ICCR) has announced the winners of its 2025 edition, with the Grand Prix for Best Allrounder awarded jointly to Miguel Sepúlveda and Luis Castillo-Briceño.
Sepúlveda, who also received the Codarts Award, stood out in the Opera and Contemporary Music categories. Castillo-Briceño, meanwhile, claimed top honors in Classical Music, Great Symphonic Works, and the Proms Open Air Concert.
The Audience Award went to Rodrigo Sámano Albarrán.
Held at De Doelen concert hall in close collaboration with the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, the competition featured six finalists in its concluding round. ICCR is produced by the same team behind the International Franz Liszt Piano Competition in Utrecht and is directed by Rob Hilberink.
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JUNE 12, 2025
Daniele Gatti named music director of Maggio Musicale Fiorentino
Daniele Gatti has been appointed music director of the Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino starting in 2026. The announcement was made on 12 June by superintendent Carlo Fuortes, who called it “a sign of continuity and renewal” for the institution.
Gatti previously served as principal conductor of the Maggio until 2024, following an appointment announced in 2021. His new role, which extends through June 2029, will include opera productions, symphonic concerts, and international tours.
The news comes just weeks after La Scala named Myung-whun Chung as its next music director—an appointment that prompted Gatti to cancel his upcoming engagements with the Milanese theatre.
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