Welcome to the International Conducting Academy, 2026 Season!
The programme below is conceived as an integrated and intensive course of study across a season 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. They can, however, "stand alone" if necessary and all participants are welcome to apply on whatever basis suits them. Each course has unique features that make the ICA way a comprehensive and unique way to learn; comprising zoom preparation days with open discussion, score study, individual silent conducting and one-to-one discussion with Colin Metters before embarking on the in-person days. Each course then has follow up virtual sessions.
1. MOZART, ROSSINI & RAVEL : 17-21 FEBRUARY 2026 (CARDIFF) 2026 launches with a masterclass designed to challenge us musically, stylistically and technically. The central work in the programme is a titan in the lexicon of classical music: Mozart's Symphony No 41. Alongside this, we have Rossini's Overture Italian Girl in Algiers and Tombeau de Couperin by Ravel. This course will be based in Cardiff, from 17-21st February, led by renowned pedagogues Colin Metters (Artistic Consultant and Senior Tutor) and Jonathan Mann (Director) and will culminate in a concert at the Ararat Baptist Church with Ensemble Cambrica.
This immersive programme is designed for conductors seeking practical podium time, deep musicianship training, and direct mentorship.
What to Expect
Zoom sessions in preparation
Silent conducting & score exploration
Sessions with ICA resident pianist Hamish and string principals from Ensemble Cambrica
Full orchestral rehearsals with Ensemble Cambrica
A public concert to close the course
All sessions video recorded
Repertoire
Rossini — Overture to The Italian Girl in Algiers
Ravel — Le Tombeau de Couperin
Mozart — Symphony No. 41 “Jupiter”
Location
Cardiff
Cathedral School
Ararat Baptist Church
Details; VIRTUAL: sessions over three days on zoom: February 5/6/7 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 CARDIFF February 17/18/19/20/21 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: (Dates/Times tba) Colin Metters will meet each participant on zoom for a 30 minute individual de-brief/conducting session.
As can be seen from the details, this first project masterclass of the new season will begin with 3 days on zoom to include open discussion across the class, score study, a 30 minute individual one-to-one discussion with Colin Metters and a session of individual silent conducting to prepare the ground for the days ahead. These will take place in Cardiff, where across 5 days there will be silent conducting, work with our resident pianist Hamish Brown, plus sessions with piano and quartet, orchestral rehearsals, culminating in a public concert. Each day will close with open discussion, debriefing and analysis of the day's work.
2. ART OF REHEARSAL (Part 1): March 1-3, 2026 (BELFAST) Art of Rehearsal Part 1 offers conductors dedicated time to explore the craft of rehearsal within the wider ICA season, complementing ICA’s core work on gesture, physicality and non-verbal communication.
This course is designed, led and shaped by ICA Director Jonathan Mann, who works closely with participants throughout the course. He leads all rehearsal sessions and guides participants through preparation, communication, rehearsal strategy and reflective practice, ensuring a coherent, progressive and holistic learning experience rooted in ICA’s values.
Christopher Clark contributes specialist workshops focused on presentation, focus and communication. Participants work closely with the Hard Rain Soloist Ensemble, a world-class group of musicians based in Belfast, dedicated to the performance of modern and contemporary music. Paul McCusker brings extensive experience in contemporary music, offering insight into rehearsal strategies and professional working practices. All rehearsal sessions are professionally recorded and include video analysis and a recording workshop with a professional producer.
Details; VIRTUAL: sessions across zoom for one day (date tbc) involving score discussion, presentation and communication. LIVE in BELFAST MARCH 1/2/3 Day 2. Live. Christopher Clark session, Score discussion & Silent Conducting Day 3. Hard Rain SoloistEnsemble Rehearsal, group reflection & video analysis Day 4. Recording Session, rehearsal & group reflection
(Repertoire tbc) EARLY BIRD OFFER ENDS 16th JANUARY 2026.
3. CONDUCTORS' RETREAT : APRIL 7 - 12, 2026
Details to follow
4. CONCERTO ACCOMPANIMENT, MAY 2026, (LONDON) Details to follow
5. VOCAL REPERTOIRE, JUNE 2026, (LONDON)
Details to follow
6. ART OF REHEARSAL, JULY 2026, (CARDIFF)
Details to follow
7. ORCHESTRAL PROJECT, AUGUST 2026, (MANCHESTER).
Details to follow
8. FINAL MASTERCLASS & CONCERT, OCTOBER 2026 ( CARDIFF)