The Pehlivanian International Conducting Competition (PICC 2026)

©Jani Kolman

From 7 to 14 November 2026, Festival Hall Bled will host the Pehlivanian International Conducting Competition (PICC), bringing together conductors from around the world. From 10 November, visitors will be able to attend the competition performances, culminating in the final concert with the RTV Slovenia Symphony Orchestra on 14 November at 7 pm, followed by the awards ceremony. Admission to all events is free.

From 7 to 14 November 2026, Festival Hall Bled will be the venue for the Pehlivanian International Conducting Competition (PICC), which will bring conductors from around the world to Bled. The competition was founded and is organised by the internationally renowned conductor Maestro George Pehlivanian.

The competition is open to conductors over the age of 18, regardless of nationality, education or previous experience, with no upper age limit. The selection process takes place in three rounds. The international jury first held auditions in 15 cities around the world, while 144 conductors will take part in the second round in Bled from 7 to 9 November. The top 18 will then go on to demonstrate their skills conducting an orchestra.

PICC offers young and established musicians more than just a competition experience. In addition to cash prizes, the winners will have opportunities to perform with partner orchestras, gain experience in opera houses and record with the RTV Slovenia Symphony Orchestra.

The competition will also be open to the public, who will be able to watch the conductors at work at Festival Hall Bled from 10 to 14 November. The first competition round with the POA Festival Orchestra will take place on Tuesday, 10 November at 9.30 am, while the highlight of the event will be the final concert with the RTV Slovenia Symphony Orchestra on Saturday, 14 November at 7 pm. The awards ceremony will follow the concert. Admission to all events is free.

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More information about the event is available via the link >

Veranstalter:

International Music Association Inc.
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W.: https://pehlivaniancompetition.com/