PICKBOY provided commemorative batons for "The Mahler Competition 2026"
PICKBOY participated as a sponsor in the globally renowned young conductors' competition "The Mahler Competition 2026" held in Bamberg, Germany, and provided commemorative batons awarded to the winners.
We are truly delighted to support the new generation of conductors spreading their wings on the world stage through Japanese craftsmanship.
PICKBOY's commemorative baton presented to the winners of The Mahler Competition 2026
The Mahler Competition, where young conductors from around the world compete
"The Mahler Competition" is an international conducting competition hosted by the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra, one of Germany's leading orchestras. Since its inception in 2004, it has attracted attention from the global classical music community as an important platform for discovering young conducting talents and supporting their artistic growth and international careers.
The 2026 competition was held in Bamberg, Germany, from June 23 to July 3, 2026. Over 500 applicants from around the world applied, and 24 were selected to participate in the competition.
The candidates faced the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra and worked on pieces by Gustav Mahler, Joseph Haydn, Arnold Schoenberg, Béla Bartók, Thomas Adès, and others.
The chairman of the judging panel was Jakub Hrůša, the principal conductor of the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra. Candidates were required not only to have the skill to unify the performance but also to build trust with the orchestra within limited rehearsal time and share a clear musical vision.
For more details about the competition, please visit the The Mahler Competition official website.
PICKBOY supports the competition through commemorative batons.
The baton is an essential tool for conductors to convey their musical intentions to the orchestra. As an extension of the hand's movement, it visually indicates breathing, phrasing, and the direction of the music, reflecting each conductor's unique sensibility and personality.
PICKBOY has been crafting batons that resonate with the sensibilities of performers, leveraging the manufacturing techniques cultivated in Japan over many years. This time, as part of our cooperation with the competition, we provided special commemorative batons honoring the achievements of award winners selected through a rigorous screening process.
It is a great joy for us that PICKBOY's batons could be present in a place where young conductors create music with world-class orchestras.
PICKBOY batons introduced at the Bamberg venue
At the competition venue, an exhibition introducing PICKBOY batons and the brand was also held. It was a valuable opportunity for conductors, music professionals, and classical music fans from around the world to experience PICKBOY products and Japanese craftsmanship.
PICKBOY exhibition set up at the competition venue
Introducing PICKBOY's conductor's baton to all visitors at the venue
Finalists and Judging Results of The Mahler Competition 2026
The three finalists who advanced to the final after passing multiple judging rounds are Mr. Sieva Borzak from Italy, Mr. Jakub Przybycień from Poland, and Mr. Simon Clausse from France.
Finalists of The Mahler Competition 2026
After the final concert and judging on July 3, 2026, it was decided that no first prize would be awarded in this competition.
- 1st Prize: No recipient
- 2nd Prize: Jakub Przybycień (Poland)
- 3rd Prize: Sieva Borzak (Italy)
- 3rd Prize: Simon Clausse (France)
2nd Prize: Jakub Przybycień (Poland)
Mr. Jakub Przybycień is a conductor with experience leading numerous orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra, Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Danish National Symphony Orchestra. At the competition, his deep musical insight and ability to lead the orchestra were highly praised, earning him second place.
Commemorative baton from PICKBOY awarded to Mr. Jakub Przybycień, who won second place
Third Place: Sieva Borzak (Italy)
Mr. Sieva Borzak is a conductor who has gained experience with the Danish National Symphony Orchestra, RAI National Symphony Orchestra, and the Royal Opera Orchestra of Turin, honing his skills in both opera and symphony fields. He advanced to the finals in the 2026 competition and was awarded third place.
Commemorative baton from PICKBOY awarded to Mr. Sieva Borzak, who won third place
Third Place: Simon Clausse (France)
Mr. Simon Clausse is a young French conductor who advanced to the finals at the age of 25. He overcame the competition's tough rounds and faced the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra in the final, winning third place.
Mr. Simon Clausse, who won third place, and the commemorative baton from PICKBOY
The special commemorative baton presented to the award recipient
At the award ceremony, a PICKBOY baton was presented as a commemorative gift honoring the recipient's outstanding achievements. For conductors, the baton is a companion through daily rehearsals and performances. We hope this baton will remind him of his experiences and accomplishments at the competition and support his future musical activities.
Mr. Sieva Borzak receiving the commemorative baton from PICKBOY
PICKBOY values making conducting batons that naturally fit the hands of performers and convey delicate nuances. We believe that ease of use as a tool is important, as well as the excitement that arises the moment you hold a baton, which is also a vital element in creating music.
For conductors soaring to the world and for the future of music
We sincerely honor all the conductors who challenged The Mahler Competition 2026, and especially congratulate the awardees Jakub Przybycień, Sieva Borzak, and Simon Clausse.
We also deeply thank the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra, the judges, and everyone involved in this meaningful event.
PICKBOY will continue to support musicians' expression through baton making, and back the next generation of talent and the future of classical music.
You can find detailed information about PICKBOY's batons at the PICKBOY Baton Store.
Related link: The Mahler Competition Official Website
*Competition results, candidate information, and event details are published based on the official announcements of The Mahler Competition.
