International Conducting Academy
“A Holistic Approach to Musical Leadership”
Director: Jonathan Mann
Artistic Consultant and Senior Tutor: Colin Metters
“ I am very pleased to be working with Jonathan Mann as Artistic Consultant and Senior Tutor for the International Conducting Academy. I believe our core programme brings some unique aspects to this key area of musical responsibility and represents a significant contribution to the opportunities available for aspiring conductors. It incorporates many levels of study, analysis and a broad range of conducting opportunities across a wide and challenging repertoire. Central to the programme is also designated individual and group time for discussion and self appraisal in a collaborative and non-competitive environment which offers the opportunity for real individual growth and development.”
Each season or year’s programme 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.
SEASON 2026
Each course has unique features that make the ICA way a comprehensive and unique way to learn; comprising zoom preparation days with open discussion, score study, individual silent conducting and one-to-one discussion with Colin Metters before embarking on the in-person days. Each course then has follow up virtual sessions.
1. MOZART, ROSSINI & RAVEL : 17-21 FEBRUARY 2026 (CARDIFF)
2026 launches with a masterclass designed to challenge us musically, stylistically and technically. The central work in the programme is a titan in the lexicon of classical music: Mozart's Symphony No 41. Alongside this, we have Rossini's Overture Italian Girl in Algiers and Tombeau de Couperin by Ravel. This course will be based in Cardiff, from 17-21st February, led by renowned pedagogues Colin Metters (Artistic Consultant and Senior Tutor) and Jonathan Mann (Director) and will culminate in a concert at the Ararat Baptist Church with Ensemble Cambrica.
This immersive programme is designed for conductors seeking practical podium time, deep musicianship training, and direct mentorship.
What to Expect
Zoom sessions in preparation
Silent conducting & score exploration
Sessions with ICA resident pianist Hamish and string principals from Ensemble Cambrica
Full orchestral rehearsals with
Ensemble CambricaA public concert to close the course
All sessions video recorded
Repertoire
Rossini — Overture to The Italian Girl in Algiers
Ravel — Le Tombeau de Couperin
Mozart — Symphony No. 41 “Jupiter”
Location
Cardiff
Cathedral School
Ararat Baptist Church
Details;
VIRTUAL: sessions over three days on zoom: February 5/6/7
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 CARDIFF February 17/18/19/20/21
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: (Dates/Times tba)
Colin Metters will meet each participant on zoom for a 30 minute individual de-brief/conducting session.
As can be seen from the details, this first project masterclass of the new season will begin with 3 days on zoom to include open discussion across the class, score study, a 30 minute individual one-to-one discussion with Colin Metters and a session of individual silent conducting to prepare the ground for the days ahead. These will take place in Cardiff, where across 5 days there will be silent conducting, work with our resident pianist Hamish Brown, plus sessions with piano and quartet, orchestral rehearsals, culminating in a public concert. Each day will close with open discussion, debriefing and analysis of the day's work.
2. ART OF REHEARSAL (Part 1): March 1-3, 2026 (BELFAST)
Art of Rehearsal Part 1 offers conductors dedicated time to explore the craft of rehearsal within the wider ICA
season, complementing ICA’s core work on gesture, physicality and non-verbal communication.
This course is designed, led and shaped by ICA Director Jonathan Mann, who works closely with participants
throughout the course. He leads all rehearsal sessions and guides participants through preparation,
communication, rehearsal strategy and reflective practice, ensuring a coherent, progressive and holistic learning
experience rooted in ICA’s values.
Christopher Clark contributes specialist workshops focused on presentation, focus and communication. Participants work closely with the Hard Rain Soloist Ensemble, a world-class group of musicians based in Belfast,
dedicated to the performance of modern and contemporary music. Paul McCusker brings extensive experience in contemporary music, offering insight into rehearsal strategies and
professional working practices.
All rehearsal sessions are professionally recorded and include video analysis and a recording workshop with a
professional producer.
Details;
VIRTUAL: sessions across zoom for one day (date tbc) involving score discussion, presentation and communication.
LIVE in BELFAST MARCH 1/2/3
Day 2. Live. Christopher Clark session, Score discussion & Silent Conducting
Day 3. Hard Rain SoloistEnsemble Rehearsal, group reflection & video analysis
Day 4. Recording Session, rehearsal & group reflection
(Repertoire tbc)
EARLY BIRD OFFER ENDS 16th JANUARY 2026.
3. CONDUCTORS' RETREAT : APRIL 7 - 12, 2026
Details to follow
4. CONCERTO ACCOMPANIMENT, MAY 2026, (LONDON)
Details to follow
5. VOCAL REPERTOIRE, JUNE 2026, (LONDON)
Details to follow
6. ART OF REHEARSAL, JULY 2026, (CARDIFF)
Details to follow
7. ORCHESTRAL PROJECT, AUGUST 2026, (MANCHESTER).
Details to follow
8. FINAL MASTERCLASS & CONCERT, OCTOBER 2026 ( CARDIFF)
Details to follow
Please contact icaconductorsinfo@gmail.com for fees and further information.
SEASON 2025
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)
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 contact icaconductorsinfo@gmail.com for application details, fees and further information.