The world of classical music has turned its attention to the Hungarian city of Szeged, where today, August 31, the second edition of the prestigious International Competition for Young Conductors "Ferenc Fricsay" has begun. The event, which will run until September 7, gathers some of the most promising talents in conducting from around the world, and at the center of attention is a Bulgarian name.
The Director of the Sofia Philharmonic, Nayden Todorov, heads the international jury of the competition. According to a statement from the Sofia Philharmonic, he will be the one to determine the key criteria for artistry and professionalism by which the young participants will be evaluated. His presence as head of the jury not only highlights the international recognition of the Bulgarian music leader but also puts the Sofia Philharmonic in the spotlight on the world stage.
Joining maestro Todorov on the distinguished jury are other renowned names from the global classical music community:
- Heiko M. Förster, Chief Conductor of the Baden-Baden Philharmonic
- Sándor Gyüdi, Music Director of the Hungarian National Symphony Orchestra
- Lucius Hemmer, Artistic Director of the Nuremberg Orchestra
- Alevtina Ioffe, Chief Conductor of the Bern Symphony Orchestra
- Kirill Karabits, Chief Conductor of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (United Kingdom)
- Konstantin Orbelian, Music Director of the New York Orchestra
- Adam Stadnicki, Artistic Director and General Manager of the Danish National Orchestra
The competition, named after the iconic Hungarian conductor Ferenc Fricsay (1914-1963), was created with the mission to discover and support the new generation of musical leaders. In addition to the chance to receive honors, winners will also earn invitations to perform with some of the world’s most prestigious orchestras, including the Sofia Philharmonic.
In an official statement cited in the press release, Nayden Todorov shares his feelings and vision for the responsible role entrusted to him.
“To chair a jury that bears the responsibility of selecting the new faces of the global conducting scene is a great honor and an even greater responsibility. I believe our role is to help young conductors reveal their talent and find their path,”he says.
The Connection Between Present and Future
Nayden Todorov’s commitment in Hungary comes just days after he and the Sofia Philharmonic were at the center of a music event of exceptional significance for Bulgaria. On the stage in front of the cathedral "St. Alexander Nevsky," two performances of “Gala in Sofia” took place, bringing together some of the world’s greatest opera stars.
Under maestro Todorov's baton, the orchestra accompanied vocal titans. On August 28, at the “Italian Evening”, the audience was captivated by the performances of Sonya Yoncheva and Vittorio Grigolo. The following night, August 29, the event reached its climax when the Bulgarian opera prima was joined by legends José Carreras and Plácido Domingo.
The dynamic creative schedule of the Sofia Philharmonic is expected to continue uninterrupted. On September 11, the orchestra will open its 2025/2026 season with a concert dedicated to the works of one of the most influential and beloved composers in world musical history — Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. The program, which will again be conducted by Nayden Todorov, will feature two of the Russian master’s most iconic works — the Piano Concerto No. 1 and Symphony No. 4.
Announcements of maestro Todorov's participation in an international jury and the Sofia Philharmonic's involvement in major events confirm their leading roles on both the Bulgarian and the international music scenes.