Ammodo Conducting Masterclass 2020 day 1, evening

The Concertgebouworkest’s conducting masterclass is invaluable to the conductors participating, to the young musicians attending as listeners and to music lovers looking to learn more about the fascinating interaction between conductor and orchestra. During the 2019/2020 season, the masterclasses were given by Iván Fischer, one of the Concertgebouworkest’s most popular guest conductors. Four highly talented conductors had been selected to take part in the masterclass: Martijn Dendievel (Belgium), Corinna Niemeyer (Germany), Jaume Santonja (Spain) and Katharina Wincor (Austria).

In the conducting masterclass with Iván Fischer, each of the four participants conducted the orchestra each day. Iván Fischer gave each participant specific feedback about what he or she needs in order to grow and develop further as a conductor. This could include musical ideas, conducting technique, rehearsal technique, listening, communication, and leadership. The participants also received feedback from members of the orchestra.

Like the Concertgebouworkest itself, Iván Fischer attaches great importance to education and talent development. He has developed a hot chocolate concert series for young children, as well as surprise concerts and ‘one-forint concerts’ with his own Budapest Festival Orchestra, which he has successfully led for thirty-five years. The various festivals and open-air concerts he has initiated in Budapest have drawn thousands of listeners.

This masterclass is made possible with the generous support of Ammodo.