Seminars

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