The Colin Metters International Conducting Retreat,
Presented by the International Conducting Academy
The King’s School, Canterbury | 6–13 July 2026
The International Conducting Academy is delighted to announce a new flagship event: "The Colin Metters International Conducting Retreat". This week-long residential experience is an exciting new addition to the ICA annual programme. It is carefully designed to offer conductors time and space for discussion and reflection that is rarely possible within traditional conducting courses.
Set within the beautiful and historic surroundings of The King’s School, Canterbury, (which sits in the grounds of the cathedral) the retreat offers an environment perfectly suited to thoughtful exploration, sharing ideas, and musical growth. Away from the pressures of busy schedules and traditional course formats, participants will experience a relaxed but immersive week where learning unfolds naturally through conducting, score study, contemplation, shared meals, and conversation.
Led by Colin Metters, one of today's most respected conducting pedagogues alongside Jonathan Mann, Director of the ICA, the retreat offers the signature ICA supportive and collaborative experience with the opportunity for in-depth music and score study in a residential environment. The first part of the week will focus on detailed work with pianists Hamish Brown and Iain Clarke, exploring technique, interpretation, and musical communication.
In the second half of the week, Hamish Brown will be joined by experienced string players from major orchestras to form a sextet. This professional ensemble will provide the opportunity for conductors to further expand their musical ideas and artistic development.
Repertoire will include:
* Wagner — Meistersinger Suite
* Act III Prelude, segue to...
* Dance of the Apprentices, segue to...
* Entry of the Meistersingers, segue to...
* Act I Prelude
* Schumann — Symphony No. 2
* Stravinsky – Petrushka
This programme has been chosen to offer a wide range of musical styles and conducting challenges. All participants will have the opportunity to work closely with Colin Metters and Jonathan Mann, exploring the repertoire, ideas, and individual development.
Presented by the International Conducting Academy
The King’s School, Canterbury | 6–13 July 2026
The International Conducting Academy is delighted to announce a new flagship event: "The Colin Metters International Conducting Retreat". This week-long residential experience is an exciting new addition to the ICA annual programme. It is carefully designed to offer conductors time and space for discussion and reflection that is rarely possible within traditional conducting courses.
Set within the beautiful and historic surroundings of The King’s School, Canterbury, (which sits in the grounds of the cathedral) the retreat offers an environment perfectly suited to thoughtful exploration, sharing ideas, and musical growth. Away from the pressures of busy schedules and traditional course formats, participants will experience a relaxed but immersive week where learning unfolds naturally through conducting, score study, contemplation, shared meals, and conversation.
Led by Colin Metters, one of today's most respected conducting pedagogues alongside Jonathan Mann, Director of the ICA, the retreat offers the signature ICA supportive and collaborative experience with the opportunity for in-depth music and score study in a residential environment. The first part of the week will focus on detailed work with pianists Hamish Brown and Iain Clarke, exploring technique, interpretation, and musical communication.
In the second half of the week, Hamish Brown will be joined by experienced string players from major orchestras to form a sextet. This professional ensemble will provide the opportunity for conductors to further expand their musical ideas and artistic development.
Repertoire will include:
* Wagner — Meistersinger Suite
* Act III Prelude, segue to...
* Dance of the Apprentices, segue to...
* Entry of the Meistersingers, segue to...
* Act I Prelude
* Schumann — Symphony No. 2
* Stravinsky – Petrushka
This programme has been chosen to offer a wide range of musical styles and conducting challenges. All participants will have the opportunity to work closely with Colin Metters and Jonathan Mann, exploring the repertoire, ideas, and individual development.