PICC 2026 · Important information for candidates
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Pehlivanian International Conducting Competition
PRB ROUND
Pehlivanian International Conducting Competition

Pehlivanian
International
Conducting
Competition

November 7 - 14. 2026

Bled, Slovenia

Join us in celebrating the art of conducting with a prestigious Pehlivanian conducting competition that brings together the world’s most talented conductors.

Step Into the Spotlight. Shape Your Future in Conducting.

Step 1: Apply

Submit the online application and fee. Selected candidates move on to step 2: live or video pre-selection.

Step 2: Global PreSelection (GPS)

Complete the second form and payment, then audition live in one of the 15 cities (or submit video if eligible).

Step 3: Preliminary Round in Bled

Up to 144 are selected by (GPS) jury members to compete in Bled, Slovenia, and attend the career development conference.

Find out more
Prestige Prizes
$50,000 Grand Prize. $75,000 in total prizes.
International Jury
Leading conductors, orchestra directors and artist managers.
International Selection
Pre-selection auditions in 15 cities worldwide.
Career Development Conference
Nine discussions over three afternoons, 7-9 November.
Artistic Challenge
Five orchestra rounds: Stravinsky, Mozart, Opera, Concerto and Symphony.
Scenic Venue
Entire competition and conference at Bled Congress centre, Slovenia.

Media Partners

GRAMOPHONE - Official Media Partner of PICC 2026
NOTATION-AI - Official Video and Livestream Partner of PICC 2026

The application will be open starting December 15.

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Last minute notice – Paris audition, May 22

Please note that the venue for the May 22 Paris audition has changed.

The audition will now take place at:

Salle Pierre Petit

Thank you for your understanding.

The entrance to Salle Pierre Petit is done at 114bis boulevard Malesherbes, the main entrance to the Ecole Normale de Musique de Paris.

Latest News & Updates

Schott is offering competition candidates a 20% discount on the purchase of two editions of Stravinsky’s Danses Concertantes: study score ED 4275 (A4 format) version for two pianos ED 23542 (Ingolf Dahl’s concert version for two pianos, based on the original version). Both are available as printed music edition and as an e-product (PDF). Purchases with the discount can only be made through the London online shop, Schott Music London: http://www.schottmusiclondon.com/

Instructions: At the “Review & Payments” purchase stage, enter the discount code “PICC2026”

Danses Concertantes is a required repertoire only for the 18 Finalists that will be picked by the PRB International Jury, after all candidates in PRB and PWL have auditioned from November 6-9,2026. On November 10, parts of the first 3 mvts of Danses Concertantes will be conducted with orchestra only, in the 16th-Final Round of PICC 2026.

Dear PICC 2026 candidates,

We look forward to welcoming you all to Bled very soon for the opening of the Competition and Conference. Below are some important details to help the event run smoothly. Please read them carefully.

1. Registration and Drawing of Lots

Registration and the drawing of lots take place at:
Festival Hall Bled, Bled Congress Centre
(Slovenian: Festivalna dvorana Bled)
Cesta svobode 11, 4260 Bled

The hall is on the shore of Lake Bled, in the centre of town. It is about 5 minutes’ walk from Bled bus station and close to all the main hotels.

Candidates Date Registration Drawing of Lots
PWL Friday, 6 November 12:00–12:30
(12:00–12:30 pm) 		12:30–13:00
(12:30–1:00 pm)
PRB Friday, 6 November 16:00–18:45
(4:00–6:45 pm) 		19:00–20:00
(7:00–8:00 pm)

All times are local time in Bled (CET). Please bring your passport or ID card to registration. You will receive your PICC 2026 name badge there. Please wear it throughout the competition. PWL candidates who have not registered by 12:30 cannot take part, unless they have a valid reason.

2. Programme

The full competition programme can be found here:
https://pehlivaniancompetition.com/competition-rules/#pix_section_program

  • PWL candidates perform the same afternoon, from 13:00 to 17:00 (1:00 to 5:00 pm). Please come ready to conduct.
  • PRB candidates perform on 7, 8 or 9 November. Your day and time are decided at the draw.
  • On 9 November, around 21:00 (9:00 pm), the 18 Finalists are announced on stage and draw lots for the next round. All PRB candidates should be in the hall. The exact time will be confirmed during the week.
3. Sustainable Career Development Conference, 7–9 November

This conference was created for you. Every speaker is coming to Bled to talk about how careers in classical music are really built, and to meet you. We hope to see every one of you in the hall whenever you are not performing.

The conference takes place at Festival Hall daily from 16:00 to 20:00 (4:00 to 8:00 pm), followed by a meet and greet with the speakers until 21:00 (9:00 pm). The full conference programme is available here:
https://pehlivaniancompetition.com/conference/#programme

Please note that the conference is filmed and streamed live on YouTube, so you may appear on camera while in the hall. If you need to leave for your performance during the conference, please exit quietly.

4. Restaurant Discounts

From 6 to 15 November inclusive, PICC 2026 candidates receive a discount at the following restaurants in Bled:

  • Špica (bar and restaurant): 13.7% off the total bill
  • Arroi Restaurant (Asian cuisine): 30% off the total bill

Please show your PICC 2026 name badge to receive the discount.

5. Travel from Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (Brnik) to Bled

The airport is 36 km from Bled, roughly 30 to 45 minutes by car.

Public buses

  • The bus stop is right outside the passenger terminal.
  • Arriva runs a few direct buses a day from the airport to Bled. Other connections go via Ljubljana Bus Station (Ljubljana AP), where you change for Bled. Please check timetables at https://arriva.si/en/ before you book your flight (stops: “Brnik/Letališče Ljubljana” and “Bled”).
  • Allow 1 to 2 hours, depending on the connection.
  • Buses arrive at Bled bus station, about 5 minutes’ walk from the hall.

Shuttles and taxis

  • Shared and private shuttles to Bled, such as GoOpti, can be booked online in advance.
  • Taxis are available at the rank outside the terminal and can also be booked in advance.
  • Please confirm the price with the driver before departing.
6. Questions and Contact

If you have any questions about the competition or the conference, we are happy to help. Please write to us at info@pehlivaniancompetition.com. If your travel is delayed and you may miss registration, please let us know as soon as possible.

7. Free Time in Bled

If you have some free time during your stay, the official Bled tourism website lists the town’s main sights and activities: https://www.bled.si/en/what-to-see-do/attractions/

We wish you every success in the competition and look forward to meeting you in Bled.

Kind regards,
PICC 2026 Staff
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