A contestant at the semifinals of the Fifth International Conducting Competition for Chinese Music in Wuxi. [Photo/WeChat account: wuxishilvyouju]

The semifinals of the Fifth International Conducting Competition for Chinese Music were held in Wuxi, Jiangsu province, from June 21 to 22, showcasing 14 promising conductors from around the world.

This stage of the competition featured a distinguished panel of judges, comprising eminent figures from the realms of traditional Chinese music, symphonic conducting, and professional composition.

"The caliber of participants is exceptionally high, infusing the competition with youthful energy and vitality," said Bian Zushan, a member of the Expert Committee of the China Nationalities Orchestra Society. "The semifinal pieces are uniquely crafted, and I am hopeful that these young conductors will further the development of Chinese music."

This year's competition set a new record for the number of applicants, attracting 78 contestants from countries including Malaysia, Singapore, and Australia, with the youngest participant being just 13 years old. The 14 semifinalists emerged as standout performers from the preliminary rounds held in Wuxi at the end of last year.

Participants pose for a group photo at the semifinals of the Fifth International Conducting Competition for Chinese Music in Wuxi. [Photo/WeChat account: wuxishilvyouju]

Founded in 2011, the competition has been held in Hong Kong, Xi'an, and Taiwan, and is recognized as a premier event in the field of Chinese music. After the fourth competition concluded in 2024, the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra collaborated with the Wuxi Chinese Orchestra to co-host the event, marking the official start of a strong collaboration between the two regions.

After the semifinals, the competition will move to Hong Kong for the preliminary finals from June 25 to 26 at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, with the final concert scheduled for June 28. Musicians from the Wuxi Chinese Orchestra will travel to Hong Kong to join forces with their counterparts from the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra, collaborating with the contestants for the final round.