The Conductors’ Class is directed by Toby Purser, working for six hour per day both with pianists and with the Orion Orchestra. The course is aimed at students who already have conducting experience, and all lessons take place as a group, with emphasis on working in a mutually supportive atmosphere. Classes will cover aspects of conducting technique and philosophy, musicianship and score preparation, rehearsal and competition skills. In addition to the published repertoire list, students will collaborate with members of the composers’ course.
For less experienced conductors, enrolling as an observer is highly recommended, allowing active participation in technique classes and discussions, one short lesson with piano, and the opportunity to learn from observing all classes and rehearsals.
Classes begin on the Sunday morning, with the Orion Orchestra in residence from the third day. Each conductor will have approximately one hour in total with the orchestra. Participating students are expected to have a thorough knowledge of all the scores as they will be entrusted with preparing the orchestra for its performances under Toby Purser, and will participate in a separate conductors’ class showcase concert. Students are welcome to bring their own video cameras.
Early application is recommended as places are limited to ten students, selected by CV and video if available. The deadline for applications is May 1st.
Repertoire:
• Mozart – Overture to ‘Die Zauberflöte’
• Schumann – Symphony No.4
• Dvorak: Symphony No.9, ‘From the New World’
• Mozart : Count’s Aria, ‘Hai già vinta la causa’, from Le Nozze di Figaro. (NB In Italian)
Additional optional repertoire :
• Shostakovich : Cello Concerto No.1, Op.107 (soloist Guy Johnston)
• Ravel : Piano Concerto (soloist Tom Poster)
• John Williams : “Theme’ from Schindler’s List