Tokyo International Conducting Competition Announces 2024 Prizewinners

Greek conductor Kornilios Michailidis received First Prize

Established in 1967, the Tokyo International Conducting Competition is run by the Min-On Concert Association. The competition has a reputation for unearthing excellent young conductors, and in recent years Corinna Niemeyer, Bertie Baigent, and Earl Lee have been among its laureates.

The winner of the 2024 edition is the Greek conductor and pianist Kornilios Michailidis, who also received the Orchestra Award. A graduate of the École Normale de Musique in Paris, the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University, and the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, Michailidis has previously been Assistant Conductor of the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra and Assistant Conductor of the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France.

He has worked with the Russian National Orchestra, Sinfonia Lahti, Staatskapelle Weimar, South Denmark Philharmonic, and all the major Greek orchestras.

Second Prize went to the British conductor Riley Court-Wood, who also received the Audience Award. Japanese conductor Yoshizaki Ayado received Third Prize, as well as the Hideo Saito Award, and Okazaki Hiroki received an honorable mention.

In 2024, the jury was chaired by Tadaaki Otaka.

"I’m beyond words!" Michailidis said. "Winning both the 1st Prize and the Orchestra Award at the Tokyo International Conducting Competition 2024 is truly a dream come true — it still feels surreal even after two days!"

"This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the invaluable support of so many incredible people. To my family, friends, colleagues, mentors, and teachers: your unwavering belief in me has meant the world. To the universities and orchestras that have provided me with opportunities to grow and gain experience, thank you for giving me the foundation that helped me reach this moment."

The final round of the competition can be watched below.