1. Hirokazu Amakasu (Japan) – I PLACE

(born in 1975) Hirokazu Amakasu graduated from Tokyo College of Music and was a principal for the Symphonic Wind Ensemble led by Yasuhiko Shiozawa. He studied band methods with Toshiro Ozawa, conducting with Hisaatsu Kondo, Akihito Mihara. Amakasu is one of the leading band directors in Japan. He is a frequent clinician for the Japan Band Clinic. An active a contributor for method books and band magazines, his lectures are also produced on DVD. His enthusiastic and practical teaching style is appreciated throughout Japan. He was also invited to coach and guest-conduct the South Korea Youth Orchestra for the 50th Anniversary of Normalization of Japan-South Korea Relations Memorial Project. He is currently music director of Yamamomo Symphonic Band, having been a primary conductor since its establishment in 2013. He is in his third term as a trainee conductor at the Tokyo College of Music.

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2. Guntis Kumačevs (Latvia) – DISTINCTION

(born in 1975) Guntis Kumačevs has started musical education as a clarinet player and graduated from Music Secondary School in specialty of Clarinet and Ensemble Leader. Although Clarinet was the main subject in school, also conducting lessons of wind band made strong influence choosing next steps in musical life. Luckily, soon after graduating the school there appeared chance to work as a choir master in youth choir and afterwards to get first experience in wind band as a Drum Major (the leader of marching band) and also as a conductor. To improve conducting skills Guntis Kumačevs occasionally attends conducting master class, lectures and conferences dedicated to wind music.

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3. Won Lim (South Korea) – DISTINCTION

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4. Michelle Rakers (Denmark) – I PLACE

(born in 1968) American born conductor Michelle Rakers was Assistant Director for “The President’s Own” U.S. Marine Band and Chamber Orchestra from 2004 – 2018. She led the band and orchestra in countless high-profile programs at the White House, in Washington, D.C., and across the country on many national tours. Ms. Rakers is in high demand as a conductor and clinician. Since moving to be with her family in Denmark in 2018, she has led the Odense Symfoniorkester, Slesvigske Musikkorps, Sønderjyllands Symfoniorkester, Prinsens Musikkorps, Helsinki Guards Band – Sotilasmusiikki (Finland), Arméns musikkår (Sweden) and the Marinens musikkår (Sweden). Additionally, she was a resident at the Sibelius Academy, Helsinki, in 2015 and 2016 and has been a guest conductor/lecturer at many universities across the United States. She earned her DMA in conducting from The Peabody Institute, Baltimore, Maryland.

1. Hirokazu Amakasu (Japan)

(born in 1975) Hirokazu Amakasu graduated from Tokyo College of Music and was a principal for the Symphonic Wind Ensemble led by Yasuhiko Shiozawa. He studied band methods with Toshiro Ozawa, conducting with Hisaatsu Kondo, Akihito Mihara. Amakasu is one of the leading band directors in Japan. He is a frequent clinician for the Japan Band Clinic. An active a contributor for method books and band magazines, his lectures are also produced on DVD. His enthusiastic and practical teaching style is appreciated throughout Japan. He was also invited to coach and guest-conduct the South Korea Youth Orchestra for the 50th Anniversary of Normalization of Japan-South Korea Relations Memorial Project. He is currently music director of Yamamomo Symphonic Band, having been a primary conductor since its establishment in 2013. He is in his third term as a trainee conductor at the Tokyo College of Music.

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2. Tyler Bainter (USA)

(born in 1995) Tyler Bainter is a Tai Dam conductor and Iowa native. Tyler is working to bring underrepresented voices to the concert stage by emphasizing the performance of works by living composers. Tyler has served as the Assistant Conductor of the Texas State Orchestras, Texas State Opera Theatre, Iowa State Symphony Orchestra, Iowa State Opera, and as Associate Conductor of the Des Moines Community Orchestra. During Tyler’s assistantship with the Iowa State Opera, he helped with the preparation of Offenbach’s Orphée aux enfers. With the Texas State Opera Theatre, he assisted with the preparation of the chorus and orchestra for productions of Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas and Robert Rodríguez’ La Curandera and with the production of Massenet’s Cendrillon. Tyler was selected as a conducting fellow for the 2020 Cortona Sessions for New Music and has participated in a masterclass with Timothy Muffitt.

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3. Mariusz Błaszczyk (Poland)

(born in 1975) He is a graduate of the Stanisław Moniuszko Academy of Music in Gdańsk at the instrumental department, specialty – tuba, as well as postgraduate studies at the Fryderyk Chopin Academy of Music in Warsaw at the instrumental department in the field of tuba playing. Since 1995 he has been a tuba player in the Representative Central Band of the Polish Armed Forces. Since 2002 he has been a tuba and euphonium teacher at the State Music School Complex No. 1 in Warsaw. Currently he is a second-year student at the Postgraduate Studies of Wind Orchestras Conducting under the guidance of Prof. Szymon Kawalla at the Fryderyk Chopin University of Music in Warsaw.

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4. Justyna Chmielek – Korbut (Poland) – dictinction for the best polish conductor

(born in 1991) Conductor, trombonist, violinist, teacher, tambour-major. Beneficiary of the National Institute of Music and Dance Conductor-in-Residence programme 2021/2022 (PASSIONART Orchestra). Scholarship holder of the Minister of Culture and National Heritage of the Young Poland Scholarship Programme (2015). Winner of special awards for outstanding conducting technique and artistic personality; including XVII International Festival of Wind Orchestras Złota Trąbka (Bielsko-Biała 2021), International Orchestra Festival (Lloret de Mar/Barcelona, Spain 2019), Festival Internazionale Bande Musicali (Gullianova, Italy 2017), International Festival Złota Lira (Rybnik 2016). Conductor of the Sobolów Wind Orchestra. Graduate of the Krzysztof Penderecki Academy of Music in Kraków (trombone class of Prof. Z. Stolarczyk and conducting class of Prof. St. Krawczyński).

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5. Harmen Cnossen (Netherlands)

(born in 1965) Harmen Cnossen is a Dutch conductor. After studying percussion and piano at the MPA in Leeuwarden, Sweelinck Conservatory Amsterdam, he completed his studies at the Herbert von Karajan Academie and the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra Academie in Berlin with Prof. Rainer Seegers. After receiving the Gold Medal on the Lovro von Matacic Conductong Competition Zagreb Croatia, Harmen was winner of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Conducting Fellowship Award and was appointed Resident conductor of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus where he worked close with his future mentor chief conductor Edo de Waart. In 2017 he was appointed professor Orchestral and Choral Conducting at the Suzhou University and professor at the opera Department of the Harbin Conservatory in China.

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6. Jorge Garcia Cuenllas (Spain)

(born in 1983) The search of a better understanding of music and improving his expressive possibilities led Jorge G. Cuenllas to start in the world of conducting. Between 2016 and 2019, he studied at the Opus 23 Conducting Academy with teachers Miguel Romea and Andrés Salado. He also complements his training with the wind orchestra conductor José Rafaél Pascual Vilaplana. In 2018 he made his debut with the City of Getafe Symphony Orchestra (CGSO). In April 2019 he conducted the Soldier’s tale by Igor Stravinsky. In October 2019 he conducts a Lyric concert with Ópera and Zarzuela. In November 2019, he was invited to direct the brass ensemble of the Getafe Wind Band. In February 2020 he was guest conductor in the Villa de Magán Wind Orchestra and has assumed his titular direction as of the 20/21 season. In 2021 he conducted several times CGSO and will also conduct the twice in 2022.

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7. Brandon Duras (USA)

(born in 1995) Brandon Duras is currently the Director of Instrumental Music at Brunswick High School—a NAMM Foundation Best Communities for Music Education. In addition to his position, he also serves as the District 3 Chair for the Maine Music Educators Association, and the Maine State Chair for the National Band Association. A graduate of the University of New Hampshire, he received his Bachelor of Music education in 2017 and Master of Arts in Wind Conducting in 2019. During his graduate degree, Mr. Duras served as an assistant conductor to all three concert bands and served on staff for the Wildcat Marching Band and Beast of the East Pep Band. In 2019, he was named a semi-finalist in the National Band Association’s Young Conductor Composer Competition. His ambitious and determined vision for his program will hopefully put Brunswick, Maine on the map as a leading program for music education.

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8. José María González Olivares (Spain)

(born in 1990) Was born in the city of San Isidro (Spain), where he started his trombone studies. Years later, he studied trombone in Conservatory of Almoradí, and he obtained a degree in trombone in the Conservatory of Murcia. Since 2014 he studied Wind Band Conducting with professor José R. Pascual Vilaplana. Currently, he is graduate of Orchestra Conducting at Conservatory of Murcia. Finally, he has Master in Music in Wind Band Conducting at the “ZUYD University” Maastricht with professor Jan Cober. He is artistic director of National Wind Band Contest of Pinoso. He won 2nd prize as conductor at International Contest of Dos Barrios and also 2nd prize at National contest for conductors in Calasparra. In 2019 he conducted Spanish National Orchestra (JONDE) and WMC Kerkrade master course as student. Head conductor at Pinoso Wind Band and Guardamar del Segura.

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9. Raimonds Gulbis (Latvia)

(born in 1989) Raimonds Gulbis is Latvian conductor and bassoon player. Born in a family of musicians, he started in choir class and later picked up bassoon as well. He studied bassoon in Malmo music academy (Sweden) and Latvian academy of music. Raimonds is now principal bassoon in orchestra Rīga (wind orchestra) and 2nd bassoon in Latvian national symphony orchestra. Paralel to his bassoon studies he continued conducting choirs, but moved on to orchestra conducting in 2018 when he started his studies with Andris Vecumnieks in Latvian academy of music. He is currently studying conducting in Tallin music academy with maestro Paul Magi. Raimonds has conducted Latvian national symphony orchestra, orchestra Rīga, Lithuanian state symphony orchestra, Jāzeps Vītols Latvian academy of music symphony orchestra and other orchestras.

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10. Guntis Kumačevs (Latvia)

(born in 1975) Guntis Kumačevs has started musical education as a clarinet player and graduated from Music Secondary School in specialty of Clarinet and Ensemble Leader. Although Clarinet was the main subject in school, also conducting lessons of wind band made strong influence choosing next steps in musical life. Luckily, soon after graduating the school there appeared chance to work as a choir master in youth choir and afterwards to get first experience in wind band as a Drum Major (the leader of marching band) and also as a conductor. To improve conducting skills Guntis Kumačevs occasionally attends conducting master class, lectures and conferences dedicated to wind music.

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11. Jane Latron (France)

(born in 1998) She is clarinetist and percussionist by training. Currently in a Masters cycle in orchestral conducting at the Higher Pole of Music in Paris, she also have a diploma from the Paris Conservatory and graduated from the HEAR in contemporary music. Selected by Case Scaglione, she compete for the second year in a row in the final for the position of assistant conductor of the Orchestre National de France. Guest conductor by the Opera of Nice, soon she will be conducting a concert with the Nice Philharmonic Orchestra. Since 2016, she is the conductor of “La Sirène” Harmony Orchestra of Paris. She collaborate regularly with the orchestras of the CNSM de Paris, for concerts. She had the opportunity to be selected in many masterclasses with renowned conductors: D Reiland & the Orchester National de Metz, JF Verdier & the Orchester de Besançon at the Philharmonie de Paris, London Masterclass 2018 with B. Zander.

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12. Won Lim (South Korea)

13. Manuel Alejandro López Pérez (Spain)

(born in 1989) Manuel Alejandro López Pérez is a young Spanish conductor, who is a serious, disciplined, humble and passionate musician. His – His natural talent for music along with his detailed study and perseverance make Manuel one of the most outstanding conductors of his generation. He has studied conducting with teachers of recognized national and international prestige such as: George Pelhivanian, José Rafael Pascual Vilaplana, Miguel Romea, Andrés Salado and Cristóbal Soler among others. He has directed various groups, among which are: the Young National Orchestra of Spain, the Zamora Music Band, the Bilbao Municipal Band, the Avila Symphony Orchestra, the Appassionato Ensemble and the Orquesta della Magna Grecia. He has obtained several directing awards at the III “Nino Rota” International Directing Contest and the III Bilbao Music Conducting Meeting.

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14. Man Ki Ma (Hong Kong)

(born in 1990) Ma Man Ki is currently a student in the Master program of Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts, majoring in Conducting for Western Orchestra. After graduating from Hong Kong Baptist University with a Bachelor Degree of Arts in Music, with first class honor. In 2018, Man Ki participated in the Art of Band Conducting and Rehearsing workshop in University of Texas (Austin), where he received master classes from Jerry Junkin, Robert Reynolds and Richard Floyd. In his alma mater St. Stephen’s College, Man Ki serves as the conductor of symphonic orchestra and symphonic band, gained several prizes in competitions, including the Gold Award in senior division of Winter Band Festival for three consecutive years in 2016-2018. Man Ki led the college band to perform in different occasions including the 28th Australian International Music Festival 2017.

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15. Michelle Rakers (Denmark)

(born in 1968) American born conductor Michelle Rakers was Assistant Director for “The President’s Own” U.S. Marine Band and Chamber Orchestra from 2004 – 2018. She led the band and orchestra in countless high-profile programs at the White House, in Washington, D.C., and across the country on many national tours. Ms. Rakers is in high demand as a conductor and clinician. Since moving to be with her family in Denmark in 2018, she has led the Odense Symfoniorkester, Slesvigske Musikkorps, Sønderjyllands Symfoniorkester, Prinsens Musikkorps, Helsinki Guards Band – Sotilasmusiikki (Finland), Arméns musikkår (Sweden) and the Marinens musikkår (Sweden). Additionally, she was a resident at the Sibelius Academy, Helsinki, in 2015 and 2016 and has been a guest conductor/lecturer at many universities across the United States. She earned her DMA in conducting from The Peabody Institute, Baltimore, Maryland.

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16. Carlos Sancho (Spain)

(born in 1984) Graduated in music (specialized in trumpet) and Orchestral and Choirs Conducting (Conservatory of Valencia, Spain). Master in musical research (University of La Rioja). Master in orchestral conducting, AIDO Academy (with professor Cristóbal Soler). In 2006, trumpetist in the Festival Junger Künstler Orchestra in Bayreuth, performing two concerts in Germany with Jac van Steen as conductor. Gust student in conducting, Augsburg, Germany (2014). Guest conductor in Santa Cecília Orchestra, in Cullera; and with the Symphonic Band in Buñol (Spain). Winner in several competitions: the Lifelong Learning Course/Competition in Mezzocorona, Italy (October 2016). In 2017 he participated in the World Music Contest in Kerkrade (The Netherlands), for the conductors contest. In 2018, winner of Orchestra Conducting Competition in Cullera (Spain). In 2021, winner in Windband Conducting Competition in Alicante.

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17. Michał Sowa (Poland)

(born in 1990) He started his musical education at the State Primary School of Music in Brzeg in saxophone class. He continued it in the Secondary Music School in Wrocław – also in the saxophone class. Then he entered the Academy of Music in Wrocław, in the class of classical saxophone, which he graduated in 2016. A year later, wanting to develop his passion for music, he started studying at the Academy of Music in Gdansk in the specialization of jazz saxophone, which he intends to graduate with a master’s degree in May 2022. In 2019, he also enrolled at the I. J. Paderewski Academy of Music in Poznan with a specialization in Wind Orchestra Conducting, which he graduated in July 2021. He combines his studies with military service in the Navy Representative Band in Gdynia, where he is a saxophone player, family responsibilities and assisting as the second Kapellmeister in the Brass Band in Luzino.

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18. Marvin Stutz (Germany)

(born in 1992) Marvin Stutz studied percussion and conducting at the University of Music Karlsruhe. Later he continued his studies in wind band conducting at the University of Music Basel with Felix Hauswirth, where he obtained his masters degree with distinction. In addition, he took part in master classes with Douglas Bostock, Pierre Kuijpers, Alberto Roque and Laszlo Marosi. Since 2020 he is the assistant musical director and percussionist at the Federal State Police Band Baden-Württemberg. At the Conducting Competition Würzburg in 2018, he was awarded a third prize as well as the orchestral price and in 2019 he was again awarded with a third prize at the International Conduction Competition Osnabrück. Among others, he conducted wind orchestras such as the Bavarian Police Band or the Banda sinfónica do exercito Lissabon and the symphony orchestras of the University of Karlsruhe and Stuttgart.

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19. Lauren Wasynczuk (USA)

(born in 1989) Lauren Wasynczuk, a native of Los Angeles, CA, brings enthusiasm for conveying music in innovative ways, reflected in the breadth of her diverse artistic activities. Her conducting experience spans from working with youth to professionals in a variety of settings including wind band, symphony orchestra, opera and vocal ensembles throughout the United States and Europe. She has served as an ambassador for the arts on and off the podium advocating for artists and repertoire that reflect the culturally diverse communities under-represented in the arts and humanities. Most recently Lauren served as Conductor and Music Director of the UC Riverside Concert Band (Riverside, California). Currently, she is studying conducting at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, UK. Highlights this season include assistantships with the BBC Philharmonic, Psappha and RNCM/Opera North residency.

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20. Mariusz Zaraś (Poland)

(born in 1976) Mariusz Zaraś is a graduate of Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin at the Faculty of Artistic Education and the Higher School of Management in Warsaw. He gained qualifications in arranging, composing and conducting wind orchestras on courses conducted by Music Factory by Grzegorz Duchowski, winner of many composition competitions in Poland and abroad. On a daily basis he is associated with the Representative Central Band of the Polish Armed Forces in Warsaw as an Assistant to the Chapel Master Commander with whom as a Military Honorary Assist secures a number of patriotic and religious ceremonies throughout the country. He expands his conducting knowledge as a postgraduate student at the Fryderyk Chopin University of Music in Warsaw in the faculty of Wind Orchestras Conducting in the class of Professor Janusz Przybylski.