KNSO Conducting Competition, Edelmann from Germany Wins "I Hope Music Remains More Than My Name"

"As a conductor, I wanted to show the music, not myself. I hoped that my music, not my name, would remain. I think that mindset might have left a deep impression on the judges. I also think I was lucky."

Simon Edelmann (30), a German conductor who won the 2nd KNSO International Conducting Competition held on the 10th at the Concert Hall of the Seoul Arts Center, revealed that the secret to his victory was his intention to showcase the music rather than himself as a conductor. He shared his thoughts, saying, "I hope the audience remembers the music I conducted rather than remembering me as a conductor who gave a great concert," and added, "My goal is to let the music speak."

The KNSO International Conducting Competition was established by the Korea National Symphony Orchestra (KNSO) in 2021 and is held every three years. This year’s second competition attracted 224 conductors from 44 countries. Among them, 11 finalists from 6 countries advanced to the final round, competing with a variety of music including contemporary pieces, concertos, and symphonies from June 6. After the first round (June 6) and the second round (June 8 with 6 conductors), 3 conductors competed in the final round.

Ian Shields, Simon Edelman, and Austin Alexander Chanu (from left) who won awards at the 2nd KNSO International Conducting Competition
[Photo by National Symphony Orchestra]

Following Edelmann (30), American conductors Ian Shields (26) and Austin Alexander Chanu (31) took second and third place respectively. The top three winners received prize money of 50 million KRW, 30 million KRW, and 10 million KRW respectively. Edelmann also received the Audience Award (with a prize of 4 million KRW), which was decided by audience votes. The Orchestra Award (with a prize of 4 million KRW), selected by members of the Korea National Symphony Orchestra who performed with them that day, was awarded to Chanu. These three conductors will have opportunities to perform on various stages, including with the Korea National Symphony Orchestra, Gyeonggi Philharmonic Orchestra, and at the Seoul Arts Center.

The final round repertoire included Brahms’ symphony, Debussy’s "La Mer," and Rachmaninoff’s "Symphonic Dances." The three conductors each chose one of Brahms’ four symphonies to conduct the first movement, and divided the three movements of "Symphonic Dances" and one movement of "La Mer" among themselves. Edelmann conducted the first movement of Brahms’ Symphony No. 4, the third movement of "Symphonic Dances," and one movement of "La Mer."

Edelmann said, "It was a huge challenge to connect and harmonize the music of three composers with very different styles without any sense of rejection."

Edelmann was naturally exposed to music from a young age as both of his parents are musicians. "I started playing the cello around the age of 5 or 6 and also learned a bit of piano. I became interested in conducting while playing in youth orchestras."

Compared to the other two finalists, he had relatively extensive competition experience. For example, Chanu, who placed third, was participating in an international conducting competition for the first time. In contrast, Edelmann won the silver medal at the 2021 Antal Dorati International Conducting Competition and placed third at this year’s Dimitri Mitropoulos International Conducting Competition. Edelmann graduated from the Hamburg University of Music and currently serves as the conductor of the Vogtland Philharmonic.

On the 10th, Simon Edelmann, a conductor from Germany who won the 2nd KNSO International Conducting Competition held at the Concert Hall of the Seoul Arts Center, is sharing his thoughts on winning during a press conference after the awards ceremony.
Photo by National Symphony Orchestra

David Reiland, the artistic director of the Korea National Symphony Orchestra and chair of the competition jury, praised Edelmann as "a skilled and experienced conductor" who "demonstrated excellent leadership with outstanding understanding of the orchestra."

Edelmann said, "As a young conductor, I am full of passion to learn everything, to improve, and to always be on stage. Just being able to participate in this competition was a gift."

Ian Shields, who placed second, expressed that the competition was so impressive it felt eternal. "The past ten days felt like a whole year had passed. This will be a very important experience in my life. I will cherish this experience going forward."

Chanu said, "It is such an honor and joy to be here. Receiving awards and prize money is great, but above all, I am happy to have the opportunity to make a name for myself as a young conductor."