1. SYDNEY LWI (Learn & Win International) Orchestral Conducting Masterclass and Competition with the Sydney Concert Orchestra

Sydney, Australia (in collaboration with the Sydney Concert Orchestra)

Workshop for comprehensive training in orchestral conducting, with a focus on preparation for university entrance examinations, professional auditions for conducting positions, and competitions.

Date: 13–16 August 2026

Program

Seminar Repertoire:

Ludwig van Beethoven

• Symphony No. 1, all movements
• Symphony No. 2, 1st movement
• Symphony No. 4, 1st movement
• Symphony No. 5, 1st movement

Carl Orff

• Dance “Uf dem Anger” from Carmina Burana (only with two pianos)

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

• Recitative “Die Weisheitslehre dieser Knaben” from The Magic Flute (only with two pianos)

Topics Covered:

• Fundamental conducting technique and its optimization, with and without baton.
• Score preparation.
• Development of sonic and interpretive goals and artistic vision.
• Repertoire analysis.
• Improving communication within the orchestra.
• Stage presence and professional confidence.
• Psychology and physiology of conducting.
• Rehearsal methods and rehearsal structure.
• Score presentation at the piano: analysis and preparation.
• Cultural management and marketing.
• Information on presenting an operatic scene at the piano.
• General requirements for university entrance examinations and competitions.
• In the final round, the participation of both the orchestra and the audience ensures transparency, merit-based evaluation, and a realistic reflection of professional practice.

Masterclass Overview & Structure

The LWI Masterclass spans four days and offers the opportunity for a complete video recording of all stages. Orchestra rehearsals as well as the final concert/competition will be professionally recorded and provided free of charge to all participants.

In addition, participants will receive professional portrait photos at no extra cost. The masterclass also includes individual sessions focused on improving both the CV and application materials, as well as the presentation of a concept and interview preparation.

13–14 April (Piano sessions | minimum 60 minutes per participant)

The focus is on score analysis and preparation, basic conducting technique, and technical training in small groups. Participants also reflect on their individual goals and artistic prospects.

Each day ends with a group session, during which selected video excerpts may be reviewed if needed. Additional presentations cover:

• Essential principles of conducting.
• European requirements for auditions and competitions.
• Key aspects of artistic management, communication, psychology, interview simulation, and application portfolio preparation.

15–16 August (With Orchestra | minimum 45 minutes per participant)

The focus is on intensive work with the orchestra. On the first day, there will be two rehearsals of 160 minutes each. On the second day, there may be an additional rehearsal and the final concert.

Final Concert & Prizes – 16 August (with audience)

• The final concert will be professionally recorded, and all participants will conduct.
• After the concert, the orchestra and the audience will jointly award three prizes to the most outstanding conductors.
• The winners become a concert with the Cukurova Symphony Orchestra in Adana, Turkey to conduct https://cdso.gov.tr/index

Practical Information:

The masterclass will take place from 13 to 16 August 2026 in Sydney, in collaboration with the Sydney Concert Orchestra, and will be conducted in Greek, German, or English.

Under the direction of Maestro Symeon Ioannidis, the seminar provides comprehensive training in orchestral conducting, with emphasis on university entrance examinations, professional auditions, and competitions.

Participation & Fees:

Active Participation:

• Fee: €2,000
• Deposit with registration: €100
• Participants who register for two or more LWI Masterclasses within one calendar year are eligible for a 10% discount.
• Selection: maximum of 15 active participants, based on video submission of at least 5 minutes
• Application deadline: 13 July 2026
• Notification: by 14 July 2026

Passive Participation:

• Fee: €400
• Includes access to all events, the opportunity to ask questions to Maestro Ioannidis, and a participation certificate.

Registration & Payment:

• After acceptance, a confirmation of participation must be sent by email within 48 hours to maestroprimo@gmail.com.
• The participation fee for active participants must also be paid within 48 hours of acceptance, and proof of payment must be sent to the same email address.
• After confirmation, participants will receive detailed organizational information.

Admission for the public is free.

The Orchestra:

As part of its commitment to supporting young artists, the Sydney Concert Orchestra will provide the orchestra for rehearsals and the final concert, and together with the audience will vote on the three competition prizes, in a ratio of orchestra : audience = 3:1.

https://www.sydneyconcertorchestra.com.au/

Workshop Lecturer / Coordinator:

Symeon Ioannidis studied piano, violin, and mathematics. He is a graduate of the HfM Frankfurt am Main in piano, the Hochschule für Musik “Hanns Eisler” Berlin in orchestral conducting, and holds a Master’s degree in Cultural and Media Management from the Hamburg University of Music and Theatre.

For more than 30 years, he has dedicated himself to the training of young conductors and brings more than 30 years of experience as a concertmaster and guest conductor at opera houses such as the Staatsoper Unter den Linden, Deutsche Oper Berlin, and Komische Oper Berlin.

Supported by répétiteurs and assistants, he offers a practical and comprehensive approach based on European standards.

He is the founder of SYOWA (Student and Youth Orchestra World Alliance).

https://syowa.org/

Contact:

Symeon Ioannidis
Guest Conductor | Komische Oper Berlin, Staatsoper Unter den Linden
Lecturer, University of the Arts Berlin
Email: symeonioannidis@hotmail.com
Phone: +49 179 5174126

Bank Details:

Symeon Ioannidis
Commerzbank
IBAN: DE20 500800 000442984900
SWIFT: DRESDEFFXXX

More Information:

https://www.staatsoper-berlin.de/de/kuenstler/symeon-ioannidis.2119/

https://www.conducting-leadership.com

• If there are not enough applications by 13 July 2026, the masterclass will be cancelled and all participation fees will be fully refunded.