Mitropoulos International Conducting Competition 2027: €14,000 First Prize, Apply by 18 January
Applications are open for the 18th Dimitri Mitropoulos International Competition for Conducting. The 2027 edition takes place at Thessaloniki Concert Hall in Greece on 27–30 March 2027, and its finalists conduct musicians of the Thessaloniki State Symphony Orchestra. The organiser sets the application deadline at 18 January 2027.
Eligibility and selection
The official call is for conductors born after 30 March 1992. Applicants should check their birth date against that exact cut-off, rather than interpreting it simply as an age limit throughout the competition year. The competition is an international event, with entry conditions and required audition materials set out in the organiser's regulations.
Twelve applicants will be selected from submitted materials; the announcement of those selected is scheduled for 18 February 2027. Those invited must confirm attendance by 28 February 2027. The organiser may offer an unconfirmed place to a reserve candidate, so the confirmation date is operationally important.
Live conducting and prizes
Live competition dates are 27–30 March 2027. The first round uses ensembles drawn from the Thessaloniki State Symphony Orchestra, while later rounds involve the orchestra in its full formation. The final concert at Thessaloniki Concert Hall is open to the public, offering finalists the rare opportunity to lead a professional symphony orchestra before an audience.
The announced main prizes are €14,000 for first place, €7,000 for second and €3,000 for third. The separate €2,000 Dimitris Dimitriadis Award is designated for the best-performing Greek conductor; it should not be interpreted as a general fourth-place prize.
About the organiser and application precautions
The Dimitri Mitropoulos competition programme has held editions dedicated alternately to conducting and composition, and maintains an archive of earlier competitions. The current edition is specifically for conductors, not a call for scores by composers.
Before making travel plans, verify the complete repertoire, video requirements, application documents and whether accommodation, journeys or participation fees are covered. The main competition website links to the formal rules and entry form, which take precedence over short summaries.
Official call and application
Deadlines, rights, eligibility and submission terms can change. Consult the latest rules on the organiser's official site before submitting, paying fees or sharing work. Information checked on 23 October 2026.