Welcome!
The upcoming masterclass in March seems to be full.
We encourage to join as auditors, or to apply to our next masterclass with Prof. Metters in June.
More information here.
IMB Presents: The 51st Masterclass and Final Concert in Berlin:
Symphonic Journey Vol. IX
Prof. Colin Metters (Royal Academy of Music, London)
Berlin Sinfonietta
Mozart, Beethoven, Mendelssohn
March 27th- April 1st 2023
Berlin, Germany
After fifty successful masterclasses in the past 10 years, IMB have established itself as the leading organization of conducting masterclass worldwide, with hundreds of participating conductors from all over the world.
Our philosophy was and will always continue to be, putting the conducting participants and their overall masterclass’ experience in the center of the masterclass, its planning and its organization. We are presenting a week of intensive learning, of transformation and growth with leading teachers, all in a great and friendly and very supportive atmosphere in the center of Berlin.
With the Berlin Sinfonietta, our exclusive partner for more than 10 years, we have created a unique space for these experiences to take place in. It is a one of a kind setting for advancing the art of conducting and the never-ending exploration of the most musically challenging masterpieces.
NEW! Even more inspiration in 2023:
IMB has always valued its collaboration with Maestro Colin Metters, recognized internationally as one of today’s outstanding teachers of conducting. Following the enthusiastic response to our latest masterclasses under his direction, we are excited to introduce a new element to our next, 51st masterclass with Maestro Metters. Within the masterclass schedule, under the title: Inspiration – Demonstration – Revelation Colin Metters, together with our two pianists, will lead the group of conductors through an innovative and interactive six hours of open discussion and demonstration exploring the musical and technical challenges of the two great symphonies on the program: Mozart’s Jupiter and Beethoven’s 2nd.
Through his own unique approach and insight, Maestro Metters will show and demonstrate the physical language of gesture and the technique involved in making these amazing scores a living musical reality for the orchestra players through the art of conducting.
Don’t miss the opportunity to take part in this interactive seminar as participant or auditor and experience first hand Colin Metters’ ability to Inspire, Reveal and Demonstrate through his own very personal and very special way of teaching.
Here are just few of feedbacks we have received after our latest masterclasses with Prof. Metters in 2022:
“Thank you so much for creating such a wonderful masterclass! You know exactly everything that we as conductors need in order to learn and grow. That is one of the things that separate this masterclass from the others.”
“What an incredible gift of art and inspiration you’ve provided for growing artist. Thank you for all that do, and congratulations for the 50th masterclass.”
“The International Masterclasses Berlin was a transformative experience for me. It was the perfect balance between podium time, group discussion, and one-on-one consultations. I not only grew as a conductor, but as a musician and as a person after this masterclass. Strongly recommend!”
“It was an amazing week. Thank you and congrats for all the spectacular organization.”
“Thank you much again for the beautiful organization and atmosphere of this past week. It has been a beautiful experience for me!”
“Thank you so much for all your work and effort for the workshop! These few days were full of inspiration and joy. And many thanks to the orchestra who has given us a great amount of patience and support!”
“Thanks again for all you do to ensure a good masterclass experience.”
About the masterclass
Here is all you need to know about the masterclass’ objectives, its content, logistics and the general schedule.
Besides intensive active conducting sessions with our professional orchestra, The Berlin Sinfonietta, and the piano sessions with two pianists, each one of the participants will have the chance to work with Prof. Metters on all the critical aspects of orchestra conducting. Be prepared for an intense week of deep score studying, musical analysis, conducting technique and more. As always we will hold four orchestra rehearsals with the dedicated and patient musicians of the Berlin Sinfonietta, where you will be able to try and learn in a superb, non competitive atmosphere. (Here you can see a typical schedule of the masterclasses. The specific schedule will be sent at a later stage.)
Location
St. Lukas Church – Bernburger Str. 3-5, 10963 Berlin
View on Google maps
For this masterclass we are happy to be invited to hold the masterclass week including the final concert in the very intimate St. Lukas Church, in the center of Berlin, (Bernburger Str. 3-5, 10963). The church has great atmosphere and its own regular concert visitors. We are thankful that the masterclass’ final concert was inserted to the church’s concert season programs, and expecting many audiences. (image: Berlin Sinfonietta, soloists and the English Choir Berlin performing Mozart’s Requiem in the final concert of our Choral Masterclass with Prof. Colin Metters)
Video Recordings
All of the conductors will receive a high quality in 4K video recording of all rehearsals and of the final concert. We also happy to offer the possibility for the conductors to watch their video on the same day of the rehearsal, in order to prepare for the next day’s session*. The recorded sessions (including the final concert) will be given to each participant right after the final concert on a high quality SD-Card, which they may keep as a souvenir from the week.
Together with the SD-Card with all video recordings, each participant, active and passive, will receive an official Certificate of Participation signed by Prof. Metters.
Participants are welcome to bring their own recording/filming devices.
The course is taught primarily in English and secondarily in German, though speakers of all languages are encouraged to join as well. The orchestra’s musicians, Prof. Metters and the other conducting colleagues will be able and happy to assist.
LIMITED NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS!
Repertoire:
F. Mendelssohn Bartholdy
The Hebrides Overture op. 26
Selections from “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” op. 61:
1. Scherzo
5. Intermezzo
7. Notturno
W. A. Mozart
Symphony No. 41 in C major KV 551 <Jupiter>
L. v. Beethoven
Symphony No.2 in D major Op. 36
Participants are expected to prepare all the repertoire pieces in order to gain the maximum from the masterclass’ week.
*Conductors who wish to review their video on the same day, should bring a device that can play videos (a laptop or a tablet) that have the option to read files from SD-Cards
Conductors in all stages of their development are welcome to apply here.
For more information, don’t hesitate to email us.
See you in Berlin!
IMB