2nd Berlin LWI (Learn & Win International) Orchestra Conducting Masterclass and Competition with the Berlin Symphonikers

Rehearsal Hall (800 m²) of the Church at Hohenzollernplatz, Berlin

“…A clear start never hurt!”

Carlos Kleiber

Workshop for Entrance Exam Preparation at European Universities, Pre-Auditions for Kapellmeister Positions, and Conducting Competitions

Date: May 6 – 9, 2025

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 (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/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

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.

May 6 – 7 (Two Pianos | At least 35 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

May 8 – 9 (With Orchestra | At least 45 minutes per participant)

The focus shifts to intensive collaboration with the orchestra, featuring two daily rehearsals of 160 minutes each.

Final Concert & Awards | May 9

• The final concert will be professionally recorded, with all participants performing.
• Immediately afterward, the orchestra will vote on three awards for the most outstanding conductors.
• Award winners will receive prizes and direct feedback from the orchestra.

General Conditions:

Location: Berlin, 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 cunductor vacanses 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: 14 active participants will be chosen via video submission (minimum 5 minutes, no further restrictions).

Application Deadline: Extension of the application deadline due to newly available spots until 01.04.2026!

Notification of Selected Participants: By April 18, 2025

Passive Participation:
Fee: €500

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 Berlin Symphonikers will provide their orchestra for rehearsals and the final run-through 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, conductor (HfM Frankfurt/Main I “Hanns Eisler” Berlin I “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 25 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 will collaborate with other colleagues (accompanist, assistant) and present a broader approach in the field of music with his additional role and experience as an artistic director, to optimally support the entire 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: 0049 179 5174126

Further Information

Symeon Ioannidis: Staatsoper Berlin 

• If not enough applications are received by April 14, 2025, the masterclass will be canceled, and all participation fees will be refunded in full.

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.

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.

https://tyo.gr

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, the Deutsche Oper Berlin and the Komische Oper, 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, Deutsche Oper Berlin, Staatsoper Unter den Linden
Lecturer, Universität der Künste Berlin

Email: symeonioannidis@hotmail.com
Phone: +49 179 5174126

Further Information

Seminars

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.

2nd Berlin LWI (Learn & Win International) Orchestra Conducting Masterclass and Competition with the Berlin Symphonikers

Rehearsal Hall (800 m²) of the Church at Hohenzollernplatz, Berlin

“…A clear start never hurt!”

Carlos Kleiber

Workshop for Entrance Exam Preparation at European Universities, Pre-Auditions for Kapellmeister Positions, and Conducting Competitions

Date: May 6 – 9, 2025

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 (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/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

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.

May 6 – 7 (Two Pianos | At least 35 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

May 8 – 9 (With Orchestra | At least 45 minutes per participant)

The focus shifts to intensive collaboration with the orchestra, featuring two daily rehearsals of 160 minutes each.

Final Concert & Awards | May 9

• The final concert will be professionally recorded, with all participants performing.
• Immediately afterward, the orchestra will vote on three awards for the most outstanding conductors.
• Award winners will receive prizes and direct feedback from the orchestra.

General Conditions:

Location: Berlin, 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 cunductor vacanses and competitions.

Participation & Fees:

Active Participation:
Fee: €1,800

Selection Process: 14 active participants will be chosen via video submission (minimum 5 minutes, no further restrictions).

Application Deadline: April 14, 2025

Notification of Selected Participants: By April 18, 2025

Passive Participation:
Fee: €500

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 Berlin Symphonikers will provide their orchestra for rehearsals and the final run-through 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, conductor (HfM Frankfurt/Main I “Hanns Eisler” Berlin I “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 25 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 will collaborate with other colleagues (accompanist, assistant) and present a broader approach in the field of music with his additional role and experience as an artistic director, to optimally support the entire 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: 0049 179 5174126

Further Information

Symeon Ioannidis: Staatsoper Berlin 

• If not enough applications are received by April 14, 2025, the masterclass will be canceled, and all participation fees will be refunded in full.