The programme below is conceived as an integrated and intensive course of study across five masterclasses taking in a number of major works essential for the aspiring conductor. For the greatest benefit in terms of repertoire and the study of conducting, participants are encouraged to enrol for the whole course if at all possible. They are, however, also designed to "stand alone" if necessary and all participants are welcome to apply on whatever basis suits them.
1. MAHLER I with NEW Sinfonia: December + January 2025
For the season opener we have chosen Mahler Symphony No. 1, to stimulate and inspire imaginations and present us - on our launch project - with some serious challenges. With the insight and intuition of Colin Metters' holistic teaching, our ICA resident pianist, Hamish Brown, and experienced members of professional orchestra NEW Sinfonia (www.newsinfonia.org.uk), we will make an in depth study of this great symphony with a full exploration of the musical and technical challenges for the conductor. (NB NEW Sinfonia will perform the Iain Farringdon arrangement for 15 players)
VIRTUAL: sessions over three days on zoom: December 18/19/20 Day 1. Full day on score study/discussion across the class. No conducting. Day 2. One to one personal discussion with CM for 30 mins each. No observers. Day 3. Individual conducting sessions with CM, 30 mins, whole class observing. Full debrief at end of day plus discussion of upcoming live sessions.
LIVE in MANCHESTER January 5/6/7/8/9/10 Day 4. Silent Conducting Days 5/6/7 - with Hamish Brown, pianist. Days 8/9 with NEW Sinfonia Chamber Ensemble
Post Masterclass follow-up: (Dates/Times tba) Colin Metters will meet each participant on zoom for a 30 minute individual de-brief/conducting session.
2. ICONIC CONCERTI: February/March, 2025
The whole of our second masterclass is dedicated to concerto repertoire and the study of the art of accompanying. Too often concertos are sidelined both as a source of study for conductors and even on occasions in allocation of rehearsal time. This inevitably results in an undervaluing of the art and craft of "accompanying" and a lack of understanding of the skill and expertise required for a conductor to be a true accompanist.
To this end we have selected two of the great works in this genre - the Sibelius Violin Concerto and the Elgar Cello Concerto - two of the most challenging concertos for the conductor. There will be three days of virtual score study and preparation followed by four days' intensive work in London with small ensemble and two outstanding soloists: Magdalena Filipzcak and cellist Liubov Ulybysheva. With this repertoire, these soloists and under the eye and ear of a true accompanist, this masterclass offers a unique opportunity and something definitely not to be missed!
VIRTUAL: sessions over three days on Zoom: 21/22/23 February Day 1 (as above) Day 2. (as above) Day 3. (as above)
Travel: March 10
LIVE in London: 11/12/13/14 March Day 4/5 Piano sessions with Hamish Brown Day 6/7 Sessions with Piano + Quintet
Post Masterclass follow-up (as above)
3. VOCAL REPERTOIRE: 1-7 May, 2025
Mahler, Kindertotenlieder and R. Strauss, Four Last Songs.
Experience of working with singers is essential for conductors. This is not just for the specialist knowledge and awareness needed in working with the voice but in the way it informs all other areas of instrumental and orchestral repertoire. Our chosen repertoire for this masterclass are wonderful examples of this, where understanding of the voice and the vocal line are crucial for a successful outcome!
VIRTUAL: sessions over three days on Zoom: 1/2/3 May Day 1. (as above) Day 2. (as above) Day 3. (as above)
Travel: 4 May
LIVE in London: 5/6/7 May Day 4 with Hamish Brown (ICA Resident Pianist) Day 5/6 with Hamish Brown, pianist and soloists
Post Masterclass follow-up (as above)
4. RACHMANINOV: SYMPHONIC DANCES with NEW Sinfonia: July/August 2025
We return to Manchester to work with the musicians from NEW Sinfonia on the last orchestral composition of Sergei Rachmaninov: the great Symphonic Dances. This work sits alongside the symphonies as a tour de force for any orchestra and consequently always a challenge for conductors. This masterclass across 9 days gives the conductors time and opportunity to explore in depth the challenges involved in mastering a work that should be in every aspiring conductor's repertoire.
VIRTUAL: sessions over three days on Zoom: 30/31 July and 1st August Day 1. (as above) Day 2. (as above) Day 3. (as above)
LIVE in Manchester: 4/5/6/7/8/9 August Day 4. Silent Conducting Days 5/6/7 Two pianos Days 8/9 with NEW Sinfonia Chamber Ensemble
Post Masterclass follow-up (as above)
5. FINAL MASTERCLASS AND CONCERT with Ensemble Cambrica: October 2025 (exact dates tbc)
This is the culmination of our intensive programme of work. The repertoire forms the basis for the final concert which will take place in Cardiff with the professional orchestra Ensemble Cambrica (www.ensemblecambrica.co.uk). This eight day masterclass will be supported with virtual score study and preparation followed by five live masterclass days in Cardiff. When in Cardiff participants will work through a process of silent conducting, piano, quintet and orchestral sessions culminating in the final public concert.
VIRTUAL: sessions over three days on Zoom: dates in October 2025 tbc Day 1. (as above) Day 2. (as above) Day 3. (as above)
Travel:
LIVE in Cardiff: dates in October 2025 tbc Day 4. Live. Silent Conducting Day 5. Piano Sessions Day 6 Quintet + 1 x Orchestra Session Day 7 Orchestra Day 8 Morning piano Session + Orchestra Rehearsal + Concert
Post Masterclass follow-up (as above)
Please visit the applications page for fees and further information.