Cliburn Launches International Conductors Competition in Houston, Chaired by Marin Alsop
The Cliburn is launching its first International Competition for Conductors in 2028 in Houston, open to conductors aged 21–35 with an expected 200–300 applications. A screening jury will select up to 25 for live auditions, and 12 finalists will compete in June 2028 with the Houston Symphony. The grand prize is $50,000, with three finalists earning $20,000 each. Held every four years in partnership with the Houston Symphony and Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music, the event will, alongside the new contest, replace the older amateur piano competition.