King Charles III surprises rising conductors at LSO competition
The monarch meets future maestros at the prestigious Donatella Flick LSO Conducting Competition, highlighting his lifelong support for classical music.
King Charles III made a surprise visit to the 2025 Donatella Flick LSO Conducting Competition this week, reaffirming his enduring commitment to nurturing young musical talent. The monarch, a lifelong champion of classical music and patron of the London Symphony Orchestra, watched as 20 finalists from ten countries conducted the orchestra in works ranging from Verdi’s Sicilian Vespers Overture to Brahms’s Second Symphony.
Escorted by competition founder Donatella Flick, the King met several of the competitors, including Félix Benati of France, Matteo Dal Maso of Italy and Germany’s Leonhard Kreutzmann. The young conductors are vying for the £15,000 top prize and the prestigious role of LSO Assistant Conductor.
For the first time, the competition has been filmed for a three-part Sky Arts series, Making a Maestro, set to air in spring 2026. The programme follows the finalists and judges, offering viewers an unprecedented insight into the pressures, artistry and precision required to lead a world-class orchestra.
Sir Antonio Pappano, LSO chief conductor and chair of the jury, welcomed the King alongside jury members including Sir James MacMillan, Sian Edwards and Thomas Søndergård, as well as musicians from the orchestra. The visit not only celebrated the competition’s 30-year history but also underscored the monarch’s enduring patronage of classical music and support for emerging talent.
“His Majesty has always been a passionate advocate for music and young musicians,” said Donatella Flick. “This surprise visit brings a moment of inspiration to the finalists at a pivotal point in their careers.”
Since its founding in 1990, the Donatella Flick LSO Conducting Competition has launched the careers of dozens of young maestros, offering them the rare opportunity to conduct one of the world’s leading orchestras.
Featured image: His Majesty meets competitors Matteo Dal Maso, Leonhard Kreutzmann and Félix Benati with Donatella Flick at Donatella Flick LSO Conducting Competition 2025 (c) Mark Allan
Elena Leo is the Culture & Lifestyle Editor of Ikon London Magazine.
