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. OPENING MASTERCLASS AND CONCERT : 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
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: March 1-3, 2026 (BELFAST) Art of Rehearsal 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. There is also the chance for all participants to work with a recording producer recording Queen's University composition department student compositions. All rehearsal sessions are professionally recorded and include video analysis.
Details; VIRTUAL: sessions across zoom on February 25th involving score discussion, presentation and communication.
LIVE in BELFAST MARCH 1/2/3 Day 1. Christopher Clark session, Score discussion & Silent Conducting Day 2. Hard Rain SoloistEnsemble Rehearsal, group reflection & video analysis Day 3. Recording Session, rehearsal & group reflection
Repertoire
Yu Song, Iron Horses
Judith Weir, Blue Green Hill
Eduard Zatriqi, War Games
QUB student compositions (for the recording session) to be provided to participants one week prior to the masterclass
3. CONCERTO ACCOMPANIMENT, MAY, 2026 (LONDON) We present an intensive four-day concerto masterclass led by Colin Metters, ICA Senior Tutor and one of the most respected conducting pedagogues of his generation.
This course focuses on one of the most demanding and subtle aspects of conducting: working with soloists. Too often concertos are sidelined both as a source of study for conductors and, at times, even in the allocation of rehearsal time. This inevitably leads to an undervaluing of the art and craft of accompanying, and a lack of understanding of the skill, sensitivity and awareness required for a conductor to become a true musical partner to a soloist. To explore these challenges in depth, we have selected two of the great works in the concerto repertoire: Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E minor and Tchaikovsky’s Rococo Variations — two widely recognised masterpieces which present unique and demanding challenges for the conductor.
The course begins with three days of virtual score study and preparation, followed by four days of intensive work in London with piano, quintet and two outstanding soloists: violinist Magdalena Filipczak and cellist Liubov Ulybysheva. With this repertoire, these soloists and under the guidance of a master teacher of conducting and accompaniment, this masterclass offers a rare opportunity for conductors to deepen their understanding of the collaborative art of concerto performance.
All sessions will be video recorded for participants’ personal study purposes. Repertoire Felix Mendelssohn – Violin Concerto in E minor Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky – Rococo Variations for Cello and Orchestra
VIRTUAL: sessions over three days on Zoom: 7/8/9 May, 2026 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 London (Craxton Studios): 19/20/21/22 May, 2026 Day 4/5 Piano sessions with Hamish Brown Day 6/7 Sessions with Piano + Quintet
4. The Colin Metters International Retreat, July 2026 - see separate page above
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! We are delighted to work with two outstanding artists for this course, the internationally acclaimed baritone Benjamin Appl and soprano Milly Forrest, whose artistry and experience will offer invaluable insight into the conductor–singer relationship, alongside the passion and dedication of ICA Senior Tutor Colin Metters.
Repertoire Wagner, Wotan’s Farewell (from Die Walküre) Mahler, Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen Britten, Les Illuminations.
VIRTUAL: sessions over three days on Zoom: September tbc 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 London (Craxton Studios): 19/20/21 September Day 4 with Hamish Brown (ICA Resident Pianist) Day 5/6 with Hamish Brown, pianist and soloists
6. CLOSING MASTERCLASS & CONCERT, OCTOBER 2026 ( CARDIFF)
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 tbc Day 1. (as above) Day 2. (as above) Day 3. (as above)
LIVE in Cardiff: October 26 - 30, 2026 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
Please visit the applications page for fees and further information.