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

Rehearsal space (800 sqm) of the Church at Hohenzollernplatz, Berlin

“…A clear start never hurt!”

Carlos Kleiber

Workshop for  preperation for European universities and conducting competitions

From May 27 to May 30, 2024

Seminar Repertoire:

1. Ludwig van Beethoven Symphony No. 2 (all movements)
2. Franz Schubert Symphony No. 5
3. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Serenade for String Orchestra, Op. 48 Seminar Topics

Seminar 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

The masterclass lasts 4 days with complete video recording at all stages. This material is available exclusively for the private use of all active participants, e.g., for exams or competitions. Use on YouTube channels or other public internet platforms is strictly prohibited.

May 27-28 (With piano accompaniment. 45 minutes per participant)

Analysis and preparation of scores, basic conducting techniques, technical training in small groups, goals and ambitions. Each day ends with a meeting of all participants and the analysis of video clips if necessary. Additional presentations on basic rules and information on requirements at the European level as well as on basic elements of artistic management, communication, and psychology are held on these days.

May 29-30 (With orchestra. 45 minutes per participant)

Dedicated to collaboration with the orchestra (two 160-minute rehearsals per day). On May 30, the final run-through with video recording will be conducted with all participants. After the final run-through, the orchestra will vote on the awarding of three prizes to the conductors who receive the three awards after the concert.

Framework:

The masterclass takes place in Berlin in cooperation with the renowned Berlin Symphonikers and can be conducted in Greek, German, or English from May 27 to May 30, 2024. The seminar aims to impart knowledge and experience under the guidance of the specialized and experienced conductor Symeon Ioannidis, with the main goal of introducing and deepening the art of orchestra conducting and specifically preparing for entrance exams at European universities and music colleges. The active participation fee at the seminar is 1800 €. Admission for the public is free. The selection of the 14 active participants is done through a video selection process of at least 5 minutes without further restrictions. The application deadline is April 26, 2024. Active participants will be informed of their acceptance no later than April 27, 2024.

For passive participation, you can attend all events, ask questions to Maestro Ioannidis, and receive a written confirmation of your participation at the end. The participation fee for passive participation is 500 €.

After successful acceptance as a participant, a participation confirmation must be sent by email to maestroprimo@gmail.com along with the payment of the respective participation fees for active or passive participation or corresponding proofs within 48 hours.

After confirmation of acceptance as a participant, you will receive detailed information on scheduling, payment, and organization.

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 sufficient registrations are not received by April 22, 2024, the seminar will not take place and the participation fees will be fully refunded to the participants. Costs (e.g., for transportation and accommodation) incurred in connection with participation are not included in the participation fees and will not be refunded in the event of cancellation.