The competition was founded by the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra, with the idea of helping young conductors at the start of their conducting careers.
[2] It started in 2004 with Gustavo Dudamel's decisive win[3] and since then has taken place every three years.
From 7 to 14 June 2013 the Bamberg Symphony held The Mahler Competition for the fourth time.
Out of 381 applicants from 64 countries, 14 candidates were invited to Bamberg, 11 male and 3 female.
[5] Candidates Jury Repertoire[6] From 29 June to 5 July 2020 the Bamberg Symphony held The Mahler Competition for the sixth time.