TSO | Princess Astrid International Music Competition

Trondheim Symfoniorkester & Opera invites
CONDUCTORS BELOW 35 YEARS
of age to apply to enter the Princess Astrid IMC 2026


Period: 24 –27 AUGUST 2026
Discipline: Conducting
Age limit: Below 35 years at the time of the competition
Deadline: 10 APR 2026
Location: Trondheim, Norway
Orchestra: Trondheim Symfoniorkester & Opera

Applications will open January 2026

AWARDS

1st prize:

  • 200 000 NOK
  • Concert engagement with Trondheim Symfoniorkester & Opera
  • Mentorship with TSO Chief Conductor Adam Hickox

2nd prize:

  • 50 000 NOK

3rd prize:

  • 25 000 NOK

"Finn Audun Oftedal Memorial Scholarship" – 10 000 NOK – is awarded to the best Norwegian candidate.

About

Princess Astrid International Music Competition is held biennially in Trondheim (Norway), with disciplines alternating between violin and conducting. Trondheim Symfoniorkester & Opera is owner and host of the competition.

Assembling a distinguished jury and highly talented candidates, the Princess Astrid IMC provides showcase opportunities for young classical artists as well as engaging concerts to its audience.

Princess Astrid IMC is the longest running music competition in Norway, inaugurated in 1953 . The competition has since 1956 enjoyed the royal patronage of Her Highness Princess Astrid Mrs Ferner of Norway, and it is also supported by the Norwegian Ministry of Culture.
Throughout the years many of its laureates have gone on to becoming internationally renowned musicians and soloists.

Member of World Federation of International Music Competitions.



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Contact

Åse Våg Aaknes, project manager
aase@tso.no

+47 900 93 139