Master Class in Conducting

"It changed everything. I just couldn't wait to go back to my choirs"

— Wei Cheng, Denison University

Learn directly from master teachers Helmuth Rilling, Jeffrey Kahane, and Monica Huggett. Prepare and conduct performances of Bach’s B Minor Mass and the Orchestral Suites. Lead both the musicians of the OBF Orchestra and the period-instrument specialists of the Portland Baroque Orchestra. 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.

Applications are now being accepted for the 2010 Master Class, June 22 – July 11, 2010. If you’re considering auditioning as a conductor, begin assembling your audition material now to submit the strongest application.

Master class participants attend rehearsals and sessions led by Festival faculty and staff, get a close-up view of rehearsals and performances of major Festival concerts, and attend special sessions such as the Hinkle Distinguished Lectures.

OVERVIEW

The Oregon Bach Festival Master Class in Choral Orchestral Conducting provides a 20-day immersion in the craft of conducting, where participants interact with master teacher Helmuth Rilling and a staff of experienced professionals and first-rate performers.

Those selected as participating conductors will receive hands-on coaching and opportunities to lead the Festival orchestra and choruses in rehearsal and performance. Auditing conductors attend all sessions, participate fully in discussions and seminars, and conduct in a special session at the end of the class.

All participants live and work alongside the resident chorus, orchestra, and artistic staff, creating further opportunities for collaboration, friendships, and artistic growth.

The Oregon Bach 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 oversees an enticing blend of performance and education, with a mix of major concerts, chamber music, talks, and events for family and fun.

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.
• Anyone, as a non-conducting auditor, who wishes to observe Helmuth Rilling's conducting pedagogy and stylistic insight.

GAIN THESE BENEFITS:

• Conduct and learn from internationally known orchestra, choir and soloists, including the period-instruments specialists of the Portland Baroque Orchestra.
• 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.