The programme below is conceived as an integrated and intensive course of study across five masterclasses taking in a number of major works essential for the aspiring conductor.  For the greatest benefit in terms of repertoire and the study of conducting, participants are encouraged to enrol for the whole course if at all possible. They are, however, also designed to "stand alone" if necessary and all participants are welcome to apply on whatever basis suits them.


MAHLER I with NEW Sinfonia: December + January 2025

For the season opener we have chosen Mahler Symphony No. 1, to stimulate and inspire imaginations and present us - on our launch project - with some serious challenges. With the insight and intuition of Colin Metters' holistic teaching, our ICA resident pianist, Hamish Brown, and experienced members of professional orchestra NEW Sinfonia (www.newsinfonia.org.uk), we will make an in depth study of this great symphony with a full exploration of the musical and technical challenges for the conductor.
(NB NEW Sinfonia will perform the Iain Farringdon arrangement for 15 players)


VIRTUAL: sessions over three days on zoom: December 18/19/20
Day 1.  Full day on score study/discussion across the class. No conducting.
Day 2.  One to one personal discussion with CM for 30 mins each. No observers.
Day 3.  Individual conducting sessions with CM,  30 mins, whole class observing. Full debrief at end of day plus discussion of upcoming live sessions. 

LIVE in MANCHESTER  January 5/6/7/8/9/10
Day 4. Silent Conducting
Days  5/6/7 - with Hamish Brown, pianist.
Days  8/9 with NEW Sinfonia Chamber Ensemble


Post Masterclass follow-up: (Dates/Times tba)
Colin Metters will meet each participant on zoom for a 30 minute individual de-brief/conducting session.  



ICONIC CONCERTI: February/March, 2025

The whole of our second masterclass is dedicated to concerto repertoire and the study of the art of accompanying.  Too often concertos are sidelined both as a source of study for conductors and even on occasions in allocation of rehearsal time.  This inevitably results in an undervaluing of the art and craft of "accompanying" and a lack of understanding of the skill and expertise required for a conductor to be a true accompanist. 

To this end we have selected two of the great works in this genre - the Sibelius Violin Concerto and the Elgar Cello Concerto - two of the most challenging concertos for the conductor.  There will be three days of virtual score study and preparation followed by four days' intensive work in London with small ensemble and two outstanding soloists:  Magdalena Filipzcak and cellist Liubov Ulybysheva. With this repertoire, these soloists and under the eye and ear of a true accompanist, this masterclass offers a unique opportunity and something definitely not to be missed! 


VIRTUAL: sessions over three days on Zoom: 21/22/23 February
Day 1   (as above)           
Day 2.  (as above)
Day 3.  (as above)

Travel: March 10

LIVE in London: 11/12/13/14 March
Day 4/5   Piano sessions with Hamish Brown
Day 6/7   Sessions with Piano + Quintet

Post Masterclass follow-up  (as above)


VOCAL REPERTOIRE: 2-8 May, 2025

Mahler, Kindertotenlieder and  R. Strauss, Four Last Songs.

Experience of working with singers is essential for conductors.  This is not just for the specialist knowledge and awareness needed in working with the voice but in the way it informs all other areas of instrumental  and orchestral repertoire.  Our chosen repertoire for this masterclass are wonderful examples of this,  where understanding of the voice and the vocal line are crucial for a successful outcome!


VIRTUAL: sessions over three days on Zoom: 2/3/4 May
Day 1.  (as above)           
Day 2.  (as above)
Day 3.  (as above)

Travel: 5 May

LIVE in London: 6/7/8 May
Day 4.   Silent conducting
Day 5/6   with Hamish Brown, pianist and soloists

Post Masterclass follow-up (as above)





FINAL MASTERCLASS AND CONCERT with Ensemble Cambrica: October 28 - November 1, 2025 

Brahms, Haydn Variations
Kodaly, Galanta Dances
Beethoven, Symphony no. 4

This is the culmination of our intensive programme of work. The repertoire forms the basis for the final concert which will take place in Cardiff with the professional orchestra Ensemble Cambrica (www.ensemblecambrica.co.uk). This eight day masterclass will be supported with virtual score study and preparation followed by five live masterclass days in Cardiff. When in Cardiff participants will work through a process of silent conducting, piano, quintet and orchestral sessions culminating in the final public concert. 


VIRTUAL: sessions over three days on Zoom: 17/18/19 October 2025
Day 1.  (as above)           
Day 2.  (as above)
Day 3.  (as above)

Travel: 

LIVE in Cardiff: October 28th - November 1
Day 4. Live. Silent Conducting
Day 5. Piano Sessions
Day 6 Quintet + 1 x Orchestra Session
Day 7 Orchestra
Day 8 Morning piano Session + Orchestra Rehearsal + Concert

Post Masterclass follow-up (as above)


Please visit the applications page for fees and further information.