The Pehlivanian International Conducting Competition (PICC 2026) is a single-category, international orchestra and opera conducting competition open worldwide to conductors aged 18 and above, with no upper age limit. The competition will take place in Festival Hall Bled, Slovenia.

Competition Structure

15 December 2025 – 15 February 2026 (23:59 CET)
Selected candidates continue to Step 2.
Step 2 registration deadline: 25 February 2026 (23:59 CET).

April–May 2026
Held in 15 international cities:
London, Paris, Berlin, Vienna, Oslo, Ljubljana, Milan, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Tokyo, Seoul, Beijing, Shanghai, Taipei.
Each city includes local jury members and George Pehlivanian present in person.
An exceptional Global Video Submission (GVS) option is available.

Up to 144 conductors progress to Step 3.

7–9 November 2026
PRB (Two-piano round) judged by a Special Jury of five international conductors.
18 finalists are selected to continue to the orchestra rounds.

10–14 November 2026
Partner ensembles:
• POA Festival Orchestra
• RTV Slovenia Symphony Orchestra
Repertoire categories include Stravinsky, Mozart, Opera, Concerto, Symphony.
The Concerto Round features prize-winning soloists from major international piano competitions.

Final Concert & Awards Ceremony:
14 November 2026, Festival Hall Bled.

 

Additional benefits:
• Guest conducting engagements with partner orchestras
• Assistant conductor or guest observer invitations with partner opera houses
• Recording project with the RTV Slovenia Symphony Orchestra (Orchestra Prize)
• Personal mentorship from Maestro George Pehlivanian

 

All 18 finalists receive hotel accommodation and breakfast in Bled
10–15 November 2026.

 

An audience is welcome at all public live rounds in Bled, including the Final Concert and Awards Ceremony.
Audience members vote for the Public Prize.