At the initiative of the Thomas and Doris Ammann Foundation, the Lucerne Symphony Orchestra is launching a new international competition for young conductors. The inaugural edition will take place in Lucerne from 24 to 27 June 2027. The competition will subsequently be held every two years.
Application period: 30 October 2026 to 28 February 2027
The three prizes offer a total of CHF 90,000. The prize money and additional performance opportunities will support the young conductors in their artistic development.
The winner will be invited to conduct a concert with the Lucerne Symphony Orchestra at KKL Luzern in the following season.
The runner-up will have the opportunity to conduct a concert at a special venue in or around Lucerne within 18 months.
Internationally renowned conductor Fabio Luisi will chair the jury of the inaugural edition. He brings many years of experience in conducting competitions and supporting young conductors.
The jury will also include Numa Bischof Ullmann, Artistic & Executive Director of the Lucerne Symphony Orchestra, and Chief Conductor Michael Sanderling. Further jury members will be announced at a later date.
Photo: © Clarissa Lapolla
Up to 14 conductors will be admitted to the inaugural edition. Candidates will be shortlisted by a screening jury. From 24 to 27 June 2027, the selected candidates will work with the Lucerne Symphony Orchestra in Lucerne and perform before an international jury.
The competition consists of three rounds: a first round, a semi-final and the final. The jury will select three prizewinners. The competition will conclude with the public final concert on 27 June 2027 at KKL Luzern.
The competition repertoire and further details of the schedule will be announced at a later date.
The Thomas and Doris Ammann Prize for Young Conductors offers young conductors from around the world an international platform. It places their artistic personalities and their work with the Lucerne Symphony Orchestra at its heart.
The competition was established at the initiative of the Thomas and Doris Ammann Foundation and is organised in partnership with the Lucerne Symphony Orchestra. The Foundation has secured funding for the first ten editions through to 2045.
The competition complements the Orchestra’s annual conducting week, from which an assistant conductor to the Lucerne Symphony Orchestra emerges each year. It is one of the most highly endowed conducting prizes in the world and the only long-term international conducting competition in Switzerland. At the same time, it strengthens Lucerne’s standing as a city of music and a place where musical talent is nurtured.
Sunday, 27 June 2027 · 11.00 am · KKL Luzern
The final brings the competition to a close. Further information on attending the final concert will be announced at a later date.
Questions about the competition and applications will be answered by the Artistic Administration of the Lucerne Symphony Orchestra:
