Trondheim Symfoniorkester & Opera invites conductors to apply for participation in Princess Astrid International Music Competition.
Three finalists will be selected to conduct the Trondheim Symphony Orchestra in the competition’s final concert, that will be streamed live to an international audience.
The competition combines artistic excellence with professional development. In addition to public competition rounds, selected participants will engage in the Conductor’s Forum Academy. This program is designed to equip young conductors with essential tools for career development and in-depth knowledge of the international music profession.
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
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
The Princess Astrid International Music Competition (Princess Astrid IMC) is held biennially in Trondheim, Norway, alternating between the disciplines of violin and orchestral conducting. The competition is owned and hosted by Trondheim Symfoniorkester & Opera, one of Norway’s leading cultural institutions.
Renowned for assembling distinguished international juries and exceptionally talented young candidates, the Princess Astrid IMC serves as an important platform for emerging classical artists at the beginning of their professional careers. In addition to the competition rounds, the event offers high-quality concert experiences for audiences, presenting compelling performances at the highest artistic level.
Committed to supporting the next generation of classical musicians, the Princess Astrid IMC aims to be more than a competition. The programme is designed as a comprehensive professional platform, offering participants opportunities for career development, industry insight, and meaningful network-building. Through tailored professional development sessions, the competition seeks to equip young artists with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate the international music profession and build sustainable careers.
Founded in 1953, the Princess Astrid International Music Competition is the longest-running music competition in Norway. Since 1956, it has enjoyed the royal patronage of Her Highness Princess Astrid, Mrs. Ferner of Norway, and is also supported by the Norwegian Ministry of Culture. Over the decades, numerous laureates of the competition have gone on to establish themselves as internationally acclaimed musicians and soloists, underlining the competition’s lasting artistic and professional impact.
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
