Master Class in Conducting

"I look at a score differently now. I can see patterns and structures that I didn’t notice before."

— David Russell, Sydney, Australia

Learn directly from master teacher Helmuth Rilling. Prepare and conduct performances of works by Bach and other composers. Meet colleagues from around the world in a refreshing and renewing atmosphere. That's the essence of the Oregon Bach Festival Master Class in Conducting.

Admission to the class is currently open to auditors only. Thomas Davies directs the daily seminars and class sessions. Master teacher Helmuth Rilling works with each participating conductor and leads the lecture-concerts in which students conduct the Festival's internationally recognized orchestra, choir, and soloists.

Included is the Hinkle Distinguished Lecture, with leading figures from the world of music and theology. Master class participants observe rehearsals and performances of major Festival concerts, and attend rehearsals and sessions led by Festival faculty and staff including Kathy Romey and Anton Armstrong.

OVERVIEW

The Oregon Bach Festival Master Class in Choral Orchestral Conducting offers a productive environment balanced between seminars, rehearsals, and the concert hall. The 2008 Master Class takes place June 26-July 13 in Eugene, Oregon.

The Festival is one of the most celebrated events of its kind. Performers and an international audience of more than 30,000 gather to experience 17 days of full-scale performances of the great choral-orchestral works. Esteemed artistic director Helmuth Rilling creates an enticing blend of performance and education, with a mix of major concerts, chamber music, talks, and events for family and fun.

Admission for the 2008 class is now open to non-conducting participants.

THE CONDUCTING MASTER CLASS IS FOR:

• Conductors of university, college, high school, church, community, and professional choirs.
• Orchestral conductors who want to expand the breadth of their technique.
• Masters and Doctoral level conducting students.
• Teachers, new conductors, and others as non-conducting participants who want to observe Helmuth Rilling's conducting pedagogy and stylistic insight.

GAIN THESE BENEFITS:

• Conduct internationally known orchestra, choir and soloists.
• Develop technique for conducting unaccompanied and accompanied baroque recitative.
• Practice the conductor's various roles in leading the orchestra with obbligato solo parts.
• Solve problems of vocal/instrumental balance in complex choral and orchestral movements.
• Explore how text, music, symbolism, structure, and technique come together.
• Learn to hear what is actually played, not what you think you hear.
• Strengthen your rehearsal techniques; learn how to anticipate and prepare for problems.
• Attend rehearsals and performances of major concerts.
• Live and work alongside colleagues who care about technical growth, development of artistic insight, and furthering the choral-orchestral art form.

Deadlines: June 15, or pending space available, for non-conductors.