EMCY held a highly successful Conference for International Youth Music Competitions 8th – 11th June 2011 in St Petersburg, bringing together participants from the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Russia, Serbia, Switzerland and Ukraine. Delegates exchanged their experiences of organising international competitions for young musicians and gained new inspiration for their work. Each and every participant brought a great deal of energy into the lively and productive discussions.

In addition to the conference programme, participants attended the final orchestral round and the Prize Winner Ceremony and Concert of the International Competition for Young Pianists “A Step towards Mastery” in the St Petersburg Philharmonic. Another highlight was a private White Nights Boat Trip around the stunning city of St Petersburg.

In the closing session delegates agreed upon a declaration of conclusions which will be put into action in the run up to the next General Assembly 30th March – 2nd April in Ohrid (F.Y.R. Macedonia).