Established in 1951 by the Besançon Music Festival, the Besançon International Competition for Young Conductors soon became the most prestigious event of its category. It took place every year until 1992, and thereafter every two years.

With a repertoire which spans classical, Romantic, 20th century, and contemporary music, as well as oper, concerto, the Besançon Conducting Competition is the most complete competition in the world.