Poster of the Fifth International Conducting Competition for Chinese Music. [Photo/WeChat account: wuxishilvyouju]

The preliminary round of the Fifth International Conducting Competition for Chinese Music recently concluded in Wuxi, Jiangsu province, drawing 78 talented young international conductors from around the world.

This year's preliminary round set a record for the number of participants, with the youngest being just 13 years old and the oldest 61. Ultimately, 15 contestants advanced to the semifinals, with an average age of 28.

Judges of the Fifth International Conducting Competition for Chinese Music. [Photo/WeChat account: wuxishilvyouju]

The semifinals will take place in Wuxi, where the chosen contestants will conduct the Wuxi Chinese Orchestra, playing three designated pieces: The Grand Canal by Chen Si'ang, a part of the huqin ensemble piece The Moon Reflected on the Erquan Spring by Hua Yanjun, and a section of the ancient piece General's Command.

The quarterfinals will be held at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall, where contestants will conduct the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra in performances of the pieces composed by Law Wing-fai and Hu Dengtiao.

File photo: Wuxi Chinese Orchestra delivers a concert in Wuxi. [Photo/WeChat account: wuxishilvyouju]

The final concert is scheduled for June 28, 2026, at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall. Finalists will conduct both the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra and the Wuxi Chinese Orchestra, performing Shanxi folk music.