3rd Berlin LWI (Learn & Win International) Orchestra Conducting Masterclass and Competition with the Berlin Symphonikers
Berlin, Germany (in collaboration with the Berlin Symphony Orchestra)
Workshop providing comprehensive training in orchestral conducting, with a focus on preparation for European conservatory entrance examinations, professional auditions (conducting positions), and competitions
Date: April 21 – 24, 2026
Seminar Repertoire:
Ludwig van Beethoven
- Coriolan Overture
- Egmont Overture
Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy
- Hebrides Overture
Joseph Haydn
- Symphony No. 101
Carl Orff
- Dance “Uf dem Anger” from Carmina Burana (for two pianos only)
Igor Stravinsky
- No. 1 “Marche du Soldat” from L’Histoire du Soldat (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
- 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 final round, the competition ensures transparency and meritocracy, accurately reflecting professional reality, where a conductor’s success depends on collaboration with the orchestra and audience response.
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 21 – 22 (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 23 – 24 (With Orchestra | At least 40 minutes per participant)
The focus shifts to intensive collaboration with the orchestra, featuring two rehearsals of 160 minutes on the first day and the final concert on the second day.
Final Concert & Awards – April 24 (with internal 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 three award winners will receive direct feedback from the orchestra.
General Conditions:
📍 Location: Berlin, Germany, in collaboration with the Berliner Symphoniker
🗣 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: €1,800
Particimants enrolling in two or more LWI Masterclasses per calendar year are eligible for a 10% discount!
Selection Process: 15 active participants will be chosen via video submission (minimum 5 minutes, no further restrictions).
Application Deadline: March 20, 2026
Notification of Selected Participants: By March 21, 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 (active participation) must be paid and proof of payment 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 Berliner Symphoniker will provide their orchestra for rehearsals and the final concert and will also vote on the awarding of the three competition prizes.
https://www.berliner-symphoniker.de/
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 30 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 20, 2026, the masterclass will be canceled, and all participation fees will be refunded in full.