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 programme of events. 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.

5. 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. 

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

• Mozart, Marriage of Figaro Overture

• Prokofiev, Symphony no. 1 ‘ Classical’

• Beethoven, Symphony no. 3 ‘Eroica’

Location

• Cardiff

• Cathedral School

  1. Ararat Baptist Church

Details:
VIRTUAL: sessions over three days on zoom:

October 15/16/17
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  October 26/27/28/29/30
Day 4. Piano Sessions
Day 5. Piano Sessions
Day 6 Quintet + 1 x Orchestra Session
Day 7 Orchestra Sessions
Day 8 Morning Preparatory Session + Orchestra Rehearsal + Concert  

Please visit the applications page for fees and further information.

Past Events

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

  1. Ararat Baptist Church

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.


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 weekprior 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 ofhis 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.

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, 6-13 July 2026

The International Conducting Academy is delighted to announce a new flagship event. 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.


Please visit the applications page for fees and further information.