The Hallé has announced details of its inaugural Siemens Hallé International Conductors Competition in partnership with global technology company, Siemens AG.
The competition will recognise the talents of one emerging conductor with a two-year engagement as Assistant Conductor for the Hallé, during which they will develop their skills under the mentorship of the Hallé’s Music Director, Sir Mark Elder CH CBE.
Previously held by Edward Gardner, Andrew Gourlay, Ewa Strusińska and Jamie Phillips, the position of Hallé Assistant Conductor is a prestigious role for talented young conductors. In addition to leading the Hallé Youth Orchestra during their tenure, the winning conductor will receive a cash prize of £15,000 and the opportunity to establish themselves on the world stage through guest conducting appearances.
The Siemens Hallé partnership
The Siemens Hallé International Conductors Competition builds on a partnership that has been developed over the last two decades. Creating links between engineering and music, Siemens and the Hallé have brought classical music to Manchester audiences and collaborated on delivering education and community outreach projects that engage children and support communities throughout the North of England.
This new element to the Siemens Hallé partnership will elevate the Hallé’s Assistant Conductorship to an international scale.
Among the unique elements of the Competition is the inclusion of a digital challenge, during which semi-finalists will be invited to engage in a task that integrates motion technology into the conducting process. The exercise will test how each candidate adapts to unusual situations and the technology developed will ultimately have lasting benefits for the Hallé’s education and outreach initiatives.
Siemens Hallé International Conductors Competition dates
The inaugural Siemens Hallé International Conductors Competition will take place at Hallé St Peter’s in Manchester from 20-22 February 2020.
Applications from around the world are invited from Wednesday 1 May 2019 until Monday 1 July 2019 and a shortlist of semi-finalists will be announced in September 2019.
The winner will be announced on the evening of Saturday 22 February 2020.
Competition judging panel
The judging panel is as follows:
- Sir Mark Elder CH CBE, Music Director of the Hallé
- Professor Dr.Stephan Frucht, Artistic Director of the Siemens Arts Programme
- John Summers, Chief Executive of the Hallé
- Carola Reul, Senior Project Manager at the Orchestral Department of the Konzertdirektion Schmid
- Geoffrey Owen, Head of Artistic Planning for the Hallé
‘A track record for impacting the lives of rising stars’
John Summers, Chief Executive of the Hallé, said:
‘Since its founding in 2002, the Hallé’s Assistant Conductorship has developed a track record for impacting the lives of rising stars, many of whom have gone on to great commercial and critical success.
‘We are delighted to be working with Siemens to extend this opportunity to global audiences, bringing the very best and brightest musical talent to Manchester.’
‘An emblematic challenge for any kind of modern leadership’
Stephan Frucht, Artistic Director Siemens Arts Program, said:
‘Conducting an orchestra is an emblematic challenge for any kind of modern leadership.
‘Siemens is proud to link the best talents not only in research and development but also in other creative fields.’
‘Bringing engineering and music to life through innovative projects’
Juergen Maier, Chief Executive, Siemens UK, said:
‘This competition takes our work with the Hallé on to an international stage. Over the past two decades, we have collaborated to bring engineering and music to life through innovative projects; delivering to local communities and fostering opportunities to work together on leadership, employee engagement and wellbeing.
‘This unique opportunity highlights the diversity and culture we are so proud of in Manchester and we are delighted to be a part of it.’
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Header photo: Assistant Conductor of the Hallé, Jonathon Heyward © The Hallé
