Nayden Todorov heads the jury of the International Ferenc Fricsay Conducting Competition

published on 9/1/25 9:31 AM

Conductor Nayden Todorov

Photo: Sofia Philharmonic

At the prestigious forum for young conductors from all over the world, the International Ferenc Fricsay Conducting Competition (IFFCC), the director of the Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra Nayden Todorov is the chairman of the international jury. At the forum, which takes place from August 31 to September 7, 2025, in Szeged, Hungary, the maestro will have a leading role not only in evaluating the young participants, but also in setting the criteria for artistry, style and professionalism that the competition will uphold.

This recognition is also due to his exceptional managerial qualities, thanks to which the Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra has established itself as one of the most dynamic cultural institutions in Europe, as well as for his consistent efforts in the field of cultural policies, which he also developed in his capacity as Minister of Culture of the Republic of Bulgaria, the Philharmonic Orchestra’s press center reports.

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In addition to being well-known to the Bulgarian public as one of the brightest conductors of his generation, Maestro Todorov has established himself on the international stage with collaborations with leading orchestras in Europe, Asia and the USA. Since 2017, he has been the director of the Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra, which under his leadership carries out regular tours and joint projects with some of the biggest names in classical music, the press center added in its statement.

The jury, which Naiden Todorov will head, includes Heiko M. Förster – Chief Conductor of the Baden-Baden Philharmonic, Sándor Gyudi – Music Director of the Hungarian National Symphony Orchestra, Lucius Hemmer – Artistic Director of the Nuremberg Orchestra, Alevtina Ioffe – Chief Conductor of the Bern Symphony Orchestra/Bern Opera, Kirill Karabitz – Chief Conductor of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (Great Britain), Konstantin Orbelian – Music Director of the New York City Opera, Adam Stadnicki – Artistic Director and General Manager of the Danish National Orchestra.

The competition is named after the great Hungarian conductor Ferenc Fricsay (1914–1963) with the idea of discovering the next generation of musical leaders. In addition to awards, the winners will have the opportunity to conduct prestigious orchestras, including the Sofia Philharmonic, the announcement also says.

"To chair a jury that is responsible for identifying new faces on the world conducting scene is a great honor and an even greater responsibility. I believe that our role is to help young conductors reveal their talent and find their path," said Nayden Todorov. By electing him as chairman of the jury, the IFFCC clearly declares its trust in the Bulgarian maestro and emphasizes Bulgaria's significant place on the European cultural map, the Philharmonic's press center noted in its announcement.

Edited by Darina Grigorova
English: R. Petkova

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Nayden Todorov heads the jury of the International Ferenc Fricsay Conducting Competition

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