Novara, Italy – In an impressive showcase of talent, South Korean conductor Song Min-gyu clinched the first prize at the 13th Guido Cantelli International Conducting Award. The event took place on Sunday at the historic Coccia Theatre in Novara, distinguishing Song among four talented finalists from across Europe.
At just 31 years old, Song displayed a commanding presence and exceptional skill, outshining his competitors which included Giovanni Conti and Aram Khacheh from Italy, and Luka Hauser from Germany. His victory not only earned him a prestigious accolade but also a 12,000 euro prize.
Further elevating his achievement, Song received the Management Agencies Jury Award, an honor newly introduced this year. The award, presented by representatives from prominent music management firms Askonas Holt and IMG Artists, aims to recognize emerging talents poised for substantial careers in the classical music industry.
In addition to these accolades, Song was also favored by the participating musicians, receiving the Orchestra Award from Luca Santaniello, the concertmaster of the Orchestra Sinfonia di Milano. This award highlights the strong impression he made on the orchestra members themselves during his performance.
Established in 1961, the Guido Cantelli International Conducting Award serves as a significant platform for young conductors aged 18 to 35 to launch their careers. Many past winners have gone on to achieve global acclaim, including noted conductors Riccardo Muti and Adam Fischer. Revived in 2020 after its tenth edition in 1980, the biennial competition has been a critical stepping stone for many in the conducting world.
This year marked a record participation with 241 applicants vying for the top spot, demonstrating the award’s growing prestige and the increasing interest among new generations of conductors. From initial applications, only eighteen were selected for the preliminary round, narrowing down to ten for the semi-finals, and finally four elite finalists.
According to Corinne Baroni, director of the Coccia Theatre, the award has continuously elevated its standard, significantly contributing to both local culture and the global music scene. She noted, “About 63 years after its foundation, it powerfully reaffirms its commitment to nurturing the talent of new international conductors.”
The jury for this year’s competition was chaired by Gunter Neuhold, a distinguished Austrian conductor, and included other eminent figures like Riccardo Frizza, artistic advisor at Premio Cantelli, and Cristina Rocca, vice president of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association.
Earlier this year, Song also showcased his conducting prowess by securing the second prize at the Second Hiroshima International Conducting Competition and winning the Orchestra Prize at the Erich Bergel International Conducting Competition in 2022. These accolades further underscore his growing reputation and potential in the classical music theaters worldwide.
Song Min-gyu’s recent triumph in Novara not only marks a high point in his young career but also signifies the vibrant future of orchestral conducting, injecting new life and fresh perspectives into the classical music scene.