The competition consists of several stages: a preliminary video selection followed by three live rounds. Conductor contestants were required to demonstrate their ability to work with both orchestra and soloists. In each round, participants had to perform a work by Rachmaninoff: Utyos (The Rock), a symphonic fantasy, in Round 1; Symphonic Dances in Round 2; and excerpts of additional repertoire chosen from a list provided by the jury. Filippo Dessi selected the first movements of Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 and Dmitri Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 1.

 

The programme for the final third round is the most demanding: participants must perform a complete Rachmaninoff symphony and concerto. For Filippo Dessi, that means Symphony No. 3 in A minor and Piano Concerto No. 1 in F-sharp minor. His final performance will take place today, June 23.

 

The competition’s jury includes 16 distinguished musicians from around the world. The panel is chaired by People’s Artist of Russia and renowned pianist Denis Matsuev, who also leads the piano jury. Heading the conducting jury is Maestro Valery Gergiev, People’s Artist of Russia and Artistic Director of both the Bolshoi and Mariinsky Theatres. Also among the expert panelists is Dmitri Yurovsky, Music Director and Principal Conductor of the Krasnoyarsk Opera and Ballet Theatre.