I think that with Vakhtang Jordania New Millennium International Conducting Competition Kharkov is in these days the city as center of the world of the Music. Really the contestants are from many countries of every continent: this is not only an International competition but is an intercontinental competition.

The level is wonderful. I remember my four participations at the jury of the conducting competition in Tokyo: in Kharkov the level is very special and the Kharkov Philharmonic is a superb orchestra.

The contestants are the new artists of tomorrow: with the best conductors is possible that the cultural life of the great musical tradition will go in the new millennium not only on Ukraine but in the world. I think that the Vakhtang Jordania International Conducting Competition is the very beautiful bridge between the peoples without possibility of the destruction because the music is over all.

—Marcello Abbado

The Ukraine and Kharkov specifically should be proud indeed of their strong cultural tradition exhibited by the Philharmonic Orchestra. The Vakhtang Jordania Competition brings in conductors from every corner of the world, each with a different musical background coordinated with the orchestra into an intelligent result. That the musicians accomplish this extraordinary feat in such a short time and do so despite limited time and language barriers is a tribute to their wonderful discipline, humanity, cooperation, good will and many other things.

The orchestra accomplished this for their visitors in a fashion I have seldom seen anywhere else in the world. Their patience, fortitude, willingness to please and cooperate, their good humor despite occasional mis-directions from an inexperienced conductor, all comprize an orchestral personality rarely encountered. It is a tribute to their exceptional training and to the ambience of this lovely city.

—Jonathan Sternberg

What a wonderful opportunity this has been, for those of us both the jury and for the contestants, to become aware of this wonderful city and people. I have particularly enjoyed the musicians, and their support system. They work very hard to bring wonderful music to this place.

I would very much like to see a greater awareness and support for the competition both here in Kharkov and world-wide. Perhaps those of us Americans who have taken part will be able to stir U.S. interest in this event, and make it an ongoing venture. It is very deserving.

—Linda Worsley

The Vakhtang Jordania New Millennium Conducting Competition is an international event which invites young conductors from all over the world to compete over the course of a week with the wonderful Kharkov Philharmonic Orchestra. This new competition is of tremendous value to young conductors, to the Kharkov Philharmonic Orchestra and to the city of Kharkov.

This year, 19 conductors from almost as many countries have come to Kharkov for the competition. The competition features standard repertoire from the classical and romantic periods as well as recently composed music for orchestra.

Within the course of the competition there are also master classes in conducting, piano performance, composition and modern media. This is more than just a competition. The international character of the event provides for a great deal of cultural stimulation. The inter twining of cultures will allow for each contestant to bring back to their respective countries, new and important musical as well as professional possibilities.

Also unique to this competition is the availability of the Kharkov Philharmonic. Several wonderful projects are emerging which will allow these contestants to return during the item to work with the orchestra, take new master classes, work with composes and try new repertoire. Also new is the site of Kharkov. Contestants plus jurors for the first time are visiting this Ukrainian city which had been closed to so much of the world for so long. For the first time, the international music community has the opportunity to hear the local musicians in Kharkov as well as indigenous Ukrainian music. This competition is really a cultural event which marries the musical traditions of Kharkov with those of the international community.

Even from this first item alone, it is clear that the possibilities of cultural inter change are extensive and that artists from all over the world will have new opportunities to promote goodwill and fine art on an international basis.

—David Winkler

The joy of bringing the Vakhtang Jordania International Conducting Competition to Kharkov is the pleasure of introducing the wonderful Kharkov Philharmonic Orchestra and its beautiful home city to the rest of the world. Conductors from Korea, Uruguay, Germany, England, Spain, the United States, Georgia, Taiwan and, of course, Ukraine, now know what a wonderful orchestra and city Kharkov. This is one of our most important goals for this first annual Jordania Conducting Competition. We intend to bring another group of contestants next year, and the year after that, and for many years in the future. By doing this, we will introduce the orchestra and city to many more people around the world, and continue to make this important competition even more important.

It's been important to us that we not limit the age of the participants. Too many other music competitions only allow those under 30 or 35 years of age to participate. We believe that talent has no age limit and that if a person reaches artistic maturity at age 40 or 45 or even later, so be it. We want to recognize these people's accomplishments and give them a place to show their talents to the world.

Another aspect of the competition that has been important to us is the Master Classes and seminars that the competition jury members have presented. This has allowed for an easy interaction between the international jury (from Italy, the U.S. and Ukraine), which brings many, many years of experience in the music world, and the contestants, who have benefited from the great wisdom of this experience.

It's been especially wonderful to see the contestants making both personal friendships and professional connections — a very important part of our objectives.

Lastly, one of the greatest joys has been the wonderful hospitality of the Kharkov Philharmonic, as well as the entire Kharkov community. Many of the contestants and jury members have told me how touched they have been and how grateful they are for the friendship they have been shown during their visit. It has meant a lot.

On a personal note, I'd like to thank Maestro Vakhtang Jordania for his guiding spirit in this endeavor. This competition truly reflects his international vision, his belief in the future of music, his commitment to making that future a reality, and above all, his big heart.

Thank you Vakhtang. I am proud to have been part of this wonderful experience.

—Jeffrey James