The Hallé is proud to announce the eight shortlisted Semi-Finalists for the 2026 Siemens Hallé International Conductors Competition (SHICC), selected from a global pool of over 280 applicants from every habitable continent.

 

  • Oliver Cope – UK
  • Claudia Fuller – UK
  • Nina Haug – Switzerland
  • Jasper Lecon – Germany
  • Matthew Lynch – Germany/UK
  • Aku Sorensen – Finland/USA
  • Nataliia Stets – Ukraine
  • Mingyan Sally Yu – China

 

These exceptional artists will travel to Manchester to compete in a three-day event that continues to spotlight the next generation of world-class conductors.

The competition will take place at the end of March 2026 at the iconic Hallé St Peter’s, before closing with the final at The Bridgewater Hall on Tuesday 31 March. The winner will be announced after all three finalists have conducted a diverse selection of music set by the panel and designed to test their technical capabilities.

The judging panel comprises leaders in the field of orchestral music and conducting, including:

 

  • David Butcher – Hallé CEO
  • Stephan Frucht – Artistic Director of the Siemens Arts Program
  • Anna Hirst – Hallé Head of Artistic Planning
  • Ilona Schmiel – Director of the Tonhalle Orchester Zürich
  • Kahchun Wong – Hallé Principal Conductor

 

The competition, now in its third edition, is a testament to the enduring partnership between global technology company Siemens and the Hallé. Siemens has supported the Hallé at the highest level for over two decades, and continues to invest in projects that deliver lasting impact for both organisations and the wider community.

Siemens also volunteered its technology expertise as part of the Halle’s renovation, overseeing the integration of its Desigo building management system with advanced sensors, energy-saving Green Leaf controls and safety systems to create an efficient, IoT-ready environment in the Oglesby Centre extension.

The redevelopment won Hallé St Peters three prestigious RIBA (the Royal Institute of British Architects) awards in 2021, including the Sustainability Award, thanks to Siemens’ smart infrastructure solutions.

This partnership has cut energy use, reduced operating costs by up to 35%, and helped the venue meet RIBA’s 2030 Climate Challenge targets, setting a new benchmark for sustainable performance spaces.

The competition is part of the global Siemens Arts Program, which operates in the fields of music, visual arts and cultural education. The programme provides a platform for Siemens’ own cultural initiatives and is dedicated to supporting outstanding young artists.

Through international competitions and partnerships with leading institutions such as the ARD Music Competition, Karajan Academy of the Berliner Philharmoniker, Bavarian State Opera, and Carnegie Hall, the programme helps launch promising careers and fosters cultural exchange.

Euan Shields, winner of the 2023 competition, has flourished in his conducting career since his victory. His recent appearances include performances with The Hallé, Danish National Symphony Orchestra, Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo, South Denmark Philharmonic, Düsseldorf Symphony Orchestra, Biel Solothurn Symphony Orchestra, and Gstaad Festival Orchestra. In the 2025 to 2026 season, Shields debuts with the Düsseldorf Symphoniker, New Japan Philharmonic, and Osaka Symphony Orchestra. He continues to work closely with the Hallé as their Assistant Conductor, and as Music Director of the Hallé Youth Orchestra.