Discover how emerging conducting talents shape the opera of tomorrow… An exclusive experience for opera enthusiasts!

COMPETITION
YOUNG TALENTS
DISCOVERY

In August 2017, the Opéra Royal de Wallonie-Liège organised the first iteration of an International Competition dedicated solely to opera conducting. In August 2022, this competition was organised for the second time. That year, the First Prize was awarded to the young Peruvian conductor Dayner Tafur-Díaz, who will return in May 2025 to conduct Don Pasquale.

The 2024-2025 season sees the organisation of the third iteration of this Competition, in February this time around.

One of the competition’s objectives is to be a showcase for talented young conductors from around the world, giving them the opportunity to experience, over the course of one week, all the preparatory rehearsals a conductor must hold in the run-up to the first performance before an audience. The young conductors tackle different repertoires and work with the Choirs and Orchestra of the Opéra Royal de Wallonie-Liège as well as numerous soloists.

This third iteration, from February 10th to 15th, will preside over a jury of conductors and opera directors.

And because a competition without spectators would not be a proper competition, all the events are open to the public! A great way to discover all the work that goes into staging an opera and that usually takes place behind the scenes, to gain a better understanding of the musical process involved in preparing an opera performance, and to applaud your favourite(s) before attending the final concert during which the winner will be revealed!

With the support of
the Polycarpe Foundation

PRELIMINARIES

• MON 10 FEB
  TUE 11 FEB
  2PM | 7PM

QUARTER-FINALS

• WED 12 FEB
  2PM | 7PM

SEMI-FINALS

• THU 13 FEB
  2PM | 7PM

FINAL (CONCERT)

• SAT 15 FEB
  8PM