Presenting the Conductors for Classic Violin Olympus

The finalists of the Classic Violin Olympus will not only showcase their individual talent, but also demonstrate their ability to collaborate with a conductor—an essential skill for their future professional development. During the event, they will have three opportunities to experience working with two internationally renowned conductors: Sergey Smbatyan and Christoph Poppen.
The finalists of Classic Violin Olympus will collaborate with some of the best conductors of the Classical Music World.
Sergey Smbatyan is the Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of three prominent orchestras. He has conducted some of the world’s most prestigious ensembles, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Philharmonia Orchestra, the Warsaw Philharmonic, the Dresden Philharmonic, and the Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra. In 2023, he was appointed UNICEF National Ambassador, further cementing his influence in both music and humanitarian causes.
Christoph Poppen is internationally celebrated for his innovative programming and dedication to all genres of classical music. A frequent guest conductor, he has led many acclaimed orchestras worldwide. In addition to his success in orchestral music, Poppen has also made significant contributions to opera, including a celebrated production of Die Entführung aus dem Serail at Aalto Theatre in Essen and performances of Gluck’s Iphigénie en Aulide at Staatsoper Stuttgart.
A conductor serves as the bridge between the composer’s vision and the musicians' execution. This is why the finalists of Classic Violin Olympus are being given the remarkable opportunity to perform under the guidance of two of the most distinguished conductors in the classical music world.
