Guido Cantelli International Award

A legendary competition for young conductors

The Guido Cantelli International Conducting Award is one of the world's most authoritative competitions dedicated to young conductors. Promoted by the Fondazione Teatro Coccia of Novara, it takes its name from the great Novara-born maestro Guido Cantelli (1920-1956), considered one of the brightest talents of 20th-century conducting, who passed away tragically at just thirty-six. The competition is open to young musicians of all nationalities and genders, aged between 18 and 35.

A history that shaped music

Established in 1961, the competition's "historical" phase until 1980 launched the careers of conductors destined to become legendary: Riccardo Muti, Eliahu Inbal, Ádám Fischer, Hubert Soudant, and Donato Renzetti himself. After a hiatus in 1980, the competition was revived in 2020, quickly regaining a leading position on the international competition circuit.

The 2026 14th Edition

The 14th edition holds special significance: 2026 marks the 70th anniversary of Guido Cantelli's passing. The preliminary rounds and semi-finals will take place from October 1st to 3rd, 2026, at the Auditorium di Milano Fondazione Cariplo, while the final is scheduled for October 4th, 2026, at the Teatro Coccia in Novara, in a concert open to the public. Contestants will be accompanied by the Orchestra Sinfonica di Milano.

The Jury and Prizes

The jury for the 14th edition is chaired by Donato Renzetti, winner of the 1980 Award, and consists of high-profile international figures from seven nations and three continents, representing some of the world's most important musical institutions. The prize pool includes 12,000 euros for the winner, 8,000 euros for the runner-up, and 5,000 euros for third place, in addition to special awards assigned by technical juries and the Youth Jury, which brings together students from the "Guido Cantelli" Conservatory of Novara.

Novara, City of Music

Hosting the final of the Cantelli Award at the Teatro Coccia represents an identity-defining bond for Novara, in Piedmont, with one of its most illustrious sons. The competition confirms the Piedmontese city as a reference point for musical culture, offering the public a rare opportunity to witness the excitement of a grand final and discover the talents who will conduct the orchestras of the future.