Danaila (Bulgaria)
2008 Institute

Program Details

The Advanced Conducting Academy is an intensive two week course for emerging professional conductors and advanced student conductors. During the first week, participants choose between a concentration on the standard repertoire for Classical sized orchestra and The Conductor as Accompanist, an extraordinary new Institute program that focuses on the vital skills and techniques every conductor needs to become an effective accompanist. (See the Repertoire page for additional information and a list of concertos.) All participants spend the second week of the Academy working the orchestral repertoire for larger Romantic sized orchestra.

The International Institute for Conductors has earned its reputation as an outstanding educational institution through 10 years of consistently providing students with unparalleled opportunities for artistic growth and practical experience. Proud of our past accomplishments, yet never willing to rest on these laurels, the Institute faculty and staff continue efforts to make an already exceptional course better still. This commitment to excellence is evident from the day you submit your application until your departure after the final concert.

All Academy conductors receive at least 230 minutes of total podium time including:

 15 minutes with full orchestra for each of 6 instructional sessions,

 15 minutes of instructional time with piano sextet before each orchestra session,

 a weekly 20-25 minute general (dress) rehearsal,

 and a weekly 10-15 minute concert performance.

In addition to the umatched amount of podium time with full orchestra, prep sessions with piano sextet, personalized instruction from veteran master teachers and the practical experience of conducting on two concerts, the Advanced Conducting Academy offers participants:

 the opportunity to choose the pieces they want to study,

 a fully professional orchestra that has hosted the Academy for the past 6 years,

 video footage of all rehearsals and concerts (You may use a personal video camera if you wish.),

 evening lectures and score study sessions,

 specialized movement training for conductors,

 and a supportive, non-competitive learning environment.

Your participation in the Academy will be considered an audition for engaging the Bacau Philharmonic for tours and guest engagements. In the last 5 Academies, five participants have been invited to conduct a full concert as a guest conductor with the orchestra.

"The concerts were wonderful and a major feature of the experience."
- 2008 Institute Critique

"The concerts were a major asset. I don't know of any other workshop that offers two concerts."
- 2007 Institute Critique

 
Advanced Conducting Academy faculty and class of 2008