Master Class in Conducting: Class Components

"Rilling's mastery is incredible. It's an honor and a privilege to work with him."

— Kuan Fen Liu, Ventura, CA

MASTER CLASS FACULTY

Helmuth Rilling (artistic director and master teacher) is based in Stuttgart, Germany, where he is artistic director of the Internationale Bachakademie. In addition to guest conducting assignments at the world's leading concert halls, he has directed Bach academies in Argentina, Hungary, Japan, Poland, the Czech Republic, Venezuela, and the former Soviet Union. He has led the Oregon Bach Festival's Master Class since its inception in 1970.

Thomas Davies (master class director and associate teacher) is Director of Choral Activities and Vocal Music, Cal Poly State University. He is a graduate of the master class and has served as associate director for three seasons. Tom formerly sang with the Festival Chorus. He succeeds Thomas Somerville as the class director.

Tim Sawyer (associate master class director) is Director of Choral Activities, Northwestern College and Artistic Director and Conductor of the Two Rivers Chorale, a Minneapolis-based community chorus. Formerly he was associate conductor of the Minnesota Chorale, preparing choruses for performance with the Minnesota Orchestra and Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra. He is a graduate of the master class and has sung with the Festival Chorus.

FESTIVAL ARTISTIC STAFF

Anton Armstrong St. Olaf College. Conductor, OBF Stangeland Family Youth Choral Academy.

Peter Hopkins Director of Music, St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Philadelphia. Assistant OBF chorus master.

Nicholas McGegan Music Director, Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra. Guest conductor.

Kathy Romey Choral faculty, University of Minnesota; Conductor, Minnesota Chorale. OBF choir master.

John Evans Executive Director, Oregon Bach Festival. Producer and head of music for BBC Radio 3 from 1993-2006.

H. Royce Saltzman Director Emeritus, Oregon Bach Festival. Past president of the ACDA and International Federation for Choral Music.

CONDUCTING

HIGH CALIBER FORCES
Conduct the Festival chorus, orchestra and international soloists in the "Discovery Series" of lecture-concerts—a landmark of music scholarship since 1970. As an ensemble, they enable you to move quickly beyond the right notes and concentrate on artistry.

REPERTOIRE: J.S. BACH ST. JOHN PASSION, SUITE AND CONCERTOS
Participants examine the historical, theological, and structural contexts of Bach's masterworks, as well as current performance issues. Class conductors then take the podium for enlightened public performances.

2008 conducting repertoire, works by J. S. Bach
St. John Passion
Orchestral Suite No. 2 in B Minor, BWV 1067
Violin Concerto in E Major, BWV 1042
Concerto in C Minor for Oboe and Violin, BWV 1060

SEMINARS

CONDUCTING TECHNIQUE
Refine and apply practical conducting skills:

• Score preparation for rehearsal and performance
• Rehearsal techniques for chorus and orchestra
• Efficient and effective gesture vocabulary for rehearsal and performance

STYLE & INTERPRETATION
Explore and apply stylistic and interpretive elements, including tempo considerations, dynamic structure, phrasing, articulation, and ornamentation. Study of text-related issues for player and conductor such as German language, diction, and phrasing.

REPERTOIRE STUDY
Analyze the repertoire in depth, focusing on historical context, musical structure, social and theological implications, and performance issues.

DICTION & TEXT INSIGHT
Consider the relationships and critical issues in the marriage of music and text.

HINKLE DISTINGUISHED LECTURE/SEMINAR
Attend a seminar and a public lecture with internationally recognized scholars and theologians. In 2008, Tom Hall, scholar, author, broadcaster and Music Director of the Baltimore Choral Arts Society, presents "When the Words Hurt: The Gospel of John, Bach's Music, and Religious Intolerance."

Underwritten by a generous grant from the Hinkle Charitable Foundation, and master class alumnus Hal Hinkle.

OBSERVE

REHEARSALS & PERFORMANCES
Your fee includes concert tickets to major Festival concerts and stage seating to observe rehearsals, including:

• Bach Mass in B Minor
• Bach Magnificat and Haydn Heiligmesse
• Stangeland Family Youth Choral Academy conducted by Anton Armstrong
• Vivaldi The Four Seasons
• Bach St. Matthew Passion

VIDEO REVIEW
Evaluate your progress on videotape throughout the two-week session at our on-site viewing center.