Announced in partnership with the Houston Symphony and the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University, the inaugural Cliburn International Competition for Conductors serves to be a catalyst for launching significant worldwide careers for its winners. 

To take place in Houston, Texas, in June 2028, the event will give participants a chance to conduct the Houston Symphony.

The applications for the Cliburn Conducting Competition, as well as the full schedule, rules, rounds, and requirements, will become available in October 2026 and will be due in November 2027. 

A screening jury will review the online applications and video submissions, and select up to 25 applicants for a live audition in early 2028 at the Shepherd School of Music. From these, 12 competitors will be invited to compete in June 2028. 

One grand prize winner will receive a cash award of $50,000, concert opportunities, and bolstered publicity efforts. Each of the finalists will each receive cash awards of $20,000. 

The 2028 jury chair will be served by Marin Alsop, who conducted the 2022 and 2025 Van Cliburn International Piano Competitions. Additionally, the Artistic Advisory Committee, which will consult on rounds, repertoire, and ways to support young conductors, will comprise Alsop, Miguel Harth-Bedoya, Kent Nagano, Robert Spano, Juraj Valčuha, and Xian Zhang. 

Hosted at the Shepherd School of Music and Jesse H. Jones Hall for the Performing Arts, home of the Houston Symphony, all rounds of the competition will be open to the public and live-streamed.

“Conductors are among the most pivotal figures in classical music and need opportunities to showcase their artistry. For more than 60 years, the Cliburn has focused on discovering exceptional young artists, launching their careers, and bringing classical music to the widest international audience possible. We are uniquely positioned to leverage our experience and reach to launch the first major conducting competition in North America,” said Jacques Marquis, President and CEO of the Cliburn. “...Inspired by Van Cliburn’s legacy and Marin Alsop’s vision, we look forward to welcoming the world’s top young conductors to Texas in 2028.” 

“Conducting the Finals of the past two Van Cliburn International Piano Competitions and watching the medalists’ careers blossom has been deeply rewarding,” added Alsop. “Creating access and new opportunities for the next generations of gifted musicians is one of the most meaningful aspects of my work. When I was invited to serve as Jury Chair for a new conducting competition modeled on the Cliburn’s piano competition, it felt like a natural next step in my partnership with this wonderful organization and one that strongly aligns with my mission to remove barriers and expand opportunities for emerging conductors.” 

“It is an honor for the Houston Symphony to collaborate on bringing the new Cliburn International Competition for Conductors to Houston,” expressed Gary Ginstling, Houston Symphony Executive Director and CEO. “Houston is a global hub with a thriving international community and is the perfect place for the Cliburn to launch this new initiative. The Houston Symphony’s artistry and flexibility make us the ideal symphony orchestra to help identify a new generation of conducting talent.” 

“The Shepherd School is thrilled to join our partners in launching this major new conducting competition,” said Matthew Loden, Dean of Music at the Shepherd School of Music. “From its earliest days, the Shepherd School has been deeply committed to training young conductors, who study with distinguished faculty such as the late Larry Rachleff and now Miguel Harth-Bedoya. We are eager to host conducting talent from around the world in 2028, and we’re proud to be part of launching this next generation of musical leadership.”