Founded in 1951 under the aegis of the Besançon Franche-Comté Music Festival, the International Competition for Young Conductors quickly established itself as the most prestigious event in its category. Annual until 1992, it has since become a biennial event.
The Besançon Competition is open to all artists under the age of 35 who wish to become professional conductors, whatever their background, training or experience, no previous diploma being required.