LWI (Learn & Win International) Orchestral Conducting Masterclass & Competition
Transparency & fairness
Thessaloniki, Greece – in collaboration with the Thessaloniki Youth Orchestra
Date: April 14 – 17, 2026
Seminar Repertoire
Ludwig van Beethoven
- Symphony No. 8 (all movements)
Joseph Haydn
- Symphony No. 104, 1st & 2nd movement
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
- Symphony KV 543, 1st movement
Carl Orff
- Dance “Uf dem Anger” from Carmina Burana (for two pianos only)
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
- Cosi fan tutte, Recitative “Temerari…” T.44 – “Come scoglio” T.68 (for two pianos only)
- Die Zauberflöte, Recitative “Die Weisheitslehre dieser Knaben” (for two pianos only)
Workshop Topics
- Basic elements and optimization of technique (with and without baton)
- Score preparation
- Development of sound and interpretative goals/visions
- Repertoire analysis
- Enhancement of communication within the orchestra
- Confident appearance and presence
- Psychology and physiology of conducting
- Rehearsal methods and structure
- Analysis and preparation of score presentation at the piano
- Culture management & marketing
- Information on presenting an opera scene at the piano
- Information and analysis of the overall requirements for entrance exams and competitions
- Through the participation of both the audience and the orchestra in the semi-final and final rounds, the competition ensures transparency and meritocracy, accurately reflecting professional reality, where a conductor’s success depends on their relationship with the orchestra and the response of the audience.
Masterclass Overview & Structure
The LWI Masterclass spans four days and offers the opportunity for a complete video recording of all phases. Orchestra rehearsals, as well as the final concert/competition, will be professionally recorded and made available to all participants free of charge.
Additionally, participants will receive professional application photos at no cost. The masterclass also includes personalized resume and application optimization sessions.
April 14 – 15 (Two Pianos | At least 40 minutes per participant)
Focus on score analysis and preparation, fundamental conducting techniques, and technical training in small groups. Participants will also reflect on individual goals and aspirations.
Each day concludes with a group session where video clips will be analyzed if necessary. Additionally, presentations will cover:
- Essential conducting principles
- European requirements for auditions and competitions
- Key aspects of artistic management, communication, and psychology
April 16 – 17 (With Orchestra | At least 40 minutes per participant)
The focus shifts to intensive collaboration with the orchestra, featuring two daily rehearsals of 160 minutes each on the first day and a semi-final and a final concert on the second day.
Semi-Final – April 17
- The semi-final rehearsal will be professionally recorded, with all participants performing.
- Immediately afterward, the orchestra will vote on six finalists for the most outstanding conductors.
- All conductors will receive direct feedback from the orchestra.
Final Concert & Awards – April 17 (with audience)
- The final concert will be professionally recorded, with all participants performing.
- Immediately afterward, the orchestra and the audience will vote on three awards for the most outstanding conductors.
- The 3 award winners will conduct the concert of the 2nd International Piano Competition “Nora Loukidou” and will also receive direct feedback from the orchestra.
General Conditions
- Location: Thessaloniki (Greece), in collaboration with the Thessaloniki Youth Orchestra
- Languages: Greek, German, English
- Instructor: Maestro Symeon Ioannidis
- Objective: To provide comprehensive training in orchestral conducting with a focus on preparation for European university entrance exams and professional auditions for conductor vacancies and competitions.
Participation & Fees
Active Participation
- Fee: €1,500
- Selection Process: 15 active participants will be chosen via video submission (minimum 5 minutes, no further restrictions).
- Application Deadline: March 14, 2026
- Notification of Selected Participants: By March 16, 2026
Passive Participation
- Fee: Free
- Benefits: Access to all events, the opportunity to ask questions to Maestro Ioannidis, and a certificate of participation.
Registration & Payment
- After acceptance, participants must confirm their participation within 48 hours by sending an email to maestroprimo@gmail.com.
- Simultaneously, the participation fee (for active or passive participation) must be paid, or proof of payment must be provided.
- Upon confirmation, participants will receive detailed information on scheduling, payment, and logistics.
Admission for the public is free.
The Orchestra
As part of promoting young artists, the Thessaloniki Youth Orchestra will provide their orchestra for rehearsals, the semi-final and the final concert and will also vote on the awarding of the three competition prizes.
Workshop Instructor / Coordinator
Symeon Ioannidis, graduate as a violinist, pianist, and conductor (HfM Frankfurt/Main | “Hanns Eisler” Berlin | “Franz Liszt” Weimar) and cultural and media manager (University of Music and Theater Hamburg), has dedicated himself to the training of young conductors for 25 years.
From his professional experience, including over 30 years as concertmaster and guest conductor at opera houses such as the Staatsoper Unter den Linden and the Komische Oper Berlin, he imparts the skills that conductors need today and specializes in European standards and requirements.
As part of the workshop, Symeon Ioannidis collaborates with other colleagues (accompanist, assistant) and presents a broader musical approach through his additional role and experience as an artistic director, optimally supporting the full range of participant needs.
Contact
Symeon IOANNIDIS
Guest Conductor | Komische Oper Berlin, Staatsoper Unter den Linden
Lecturer, Universität der Künste Berlin
Email: symeonioannidis@hotmail.com
Phone: +49 179 5174126
Further Information
https://www.conducting-leadership.com/en
- If not enough applications are received by March 14, 2026, the masterclass will be canceled, and all participation fees will be refunded in full.