To download a pdf of the 2008 Entry Form click here

 

Introduction by Martin Cotton
Chairman of the Jury

Firstly, I want to thank my predecessor as Chairman, Lord Birkett, for his steady-handed stewardship of the Competition since its beginnings in the early 1990s.
What was then a national competition quickly turned into a European Union competition, and that has meant an increasing load for all of us on the Organising Committee, especially the Chairman. I hope I can emulate Lord Birkett’s enthusiasm and commitment, and am delighted that he will still be available to give advice, and has agreed to take up a position on the Committee of Honour.
The distinguished names on that Committee show the seriousness with which the Competition is regarded at the highest level in the international music world. And with the winner’s prize including the incomparable bonus of working with one of the world’s finest orchestras, the Donatella Flick Conducting Competition has a fair claim to be the world’s most prestigious conducting competition.
In 2006, the winner was from one of the new additions to the European Union: in 2008, entrants from Bulgaria and Romania will be eligible for the first time. As each new country enriches the cultural diversity of the European Union, so it enriches the musical diversity of the Competition. I look forward to the 2008 Competition with great anticipation and excitement.

Martin Cotton
Chairman of the Jury

 

Introduction by Kathryn McDowell
Managing Director, London Symphony Orchestra

For over ten years the London Symphony Orchestra has partnered the Donatella Flick Conducting Competition. Previous winners now regularly take their part in conducting the Orchestra in all aspects of its varied musical life - from the Barbican concert season to outdoor film music concerts at Canary Wharf, LSO Discovery Family and Schools concerts, film sessions and on tour.
The role of Assistant Conductor to the LSO offers the winner an opportunity to shadow the rehearsals of the LSO’s Principal Conductor, Valery Gergiev; President, Sir Colin Davis and Principal Guest Conductors Daniel Harding and Michael Tilson Thomas. It offers the chance to discuss ideas about conducting with the LSO’s family of conductors and with LSO players. The 2006 winner, Michal Dworzynski has made the most of his role as Assistant by basing himself in London for the period and engaging closely with the work of the LSO. He quickly proved himself to be extremely able and very committed, and as a result has conducted a range of LSO Discovery concerts, taken rehearsals, and stepped in at extremely short notice to conduct the LSO in the Barbican when Daniel Harding was indisposed.
Such opportunities for young conductors are rare, and we are truly grateful for the visionary support of Donatella Flick for her continued championship of this Competition. Join us for a wonderful conducting journey.

Kathryn McDowell
Managing Director, London Symphony Orchestra