IMB Presents:
36th Masterclass and Final Concert in Berlin
The Symphonic Conception
A Musical Journey from 1718 to 1816
Maestro Mark Laycock (Philadelphia Orchestra, English Chamber Orchestra)
Berlin Sinfonietta
Bach, Haydn, Mozart, Schubert
June 3rd- 8th 2019
Berlin, Germany
With great pleasure we are announcing our second masterclass with Maestro Mark Laycock. It is a unique honor to work again with such an experienced conductor and instructor. We are expecting to have a fascinating and very intensive week of rehearsing, studying and culminating in an exciting Final Concert. We have chosen to focus on the development of the orchestral symphonic writing, exploring it from its early conception, through the Sturm und Drang period and into its further evolution. This masterclass’ program consist a selection of some of the greatest orchestral masterpieces from four different eras, covering a hundred years arch of development. The pieces are closely linked in their form and instrumentation, and are a “must have” repertoire for every conductor, from the beginner to the most experienced and for orchestras as well. Conducting these pieces are a great challenge musically and technically. We will explore these musical gems in detail with close attention to the various styles. Maestro Laycock, an experienced Viola player, will present us with the opportunity to study the different techniques and the variety of traditional approaches to the string section of the orchestra. Join Maestro Laycock and the Berlin Sinfonietta for a great week of great music and profound learning in the great city of Berlin.
Mark Laycock made his conducting début at age 21 with the Philadelphia Orchestra, returning to the podium of that great orchestra on several occasions over the ensuing years. He has conducted more than 2,000 works with a wide array of orchestras and opera companies in Europe and Asia, as well as in Israel, North America, Central and South America, with orchestras of London, Paris, Berlin, Zurich, Moscow, Kiev, Montréal, Mexico City, Seoul, and Taipei, among others. Maestro Laycock has conducted the English Chamber Orchestra on numerous occasions in London and in the United States, and also appears regularly with the Wiener Kammerorchester, Orquesta Sinfónica Naçional de Costa Rica, and the Georges Enescu Philharmonic in Bucharest.
Along his long career, Maestro Laycock instructed many conductors, instrumentalists, singers and ensembles. Maestro Laycock had the great benefit of receiving “old world” instruction. Instruction that came by way of first-hand knowledge and performance practice of the late 19th Century, where emphasis was on musicality, tone, and color. “These are the fundamentals for musical communication, and without them, no matter how well you play technically, the message behind the music is lost.” Here you can read his extensive biography.
About the masterclass
Here is all you need to know about the masterclass’s 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 Maestro Laycock 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 (4 hours long each) 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 our masterclasses. A specific schedule will be sent at a later stage)
Location
The masterclass will take place in Oranienburgerstr. 28, 10117 Berlin. The main hall of the Jewish Community Building in Berlin is located on the third floor. The Building is in Berlin’s Miete district, which considered to be “the heart” of the city, and close to all the attractions that the city has to offer. The modern and intimate hall is located next to the big and famous Synagogue.
Click here for more information about the location and accommodations nearby.
Final Concert
The Final Concert takes place in the very intimate and welcoming St. Lukas Church, Bernburger Str. 3-5, 10963 Berlin. Unlike others, we insist that ALL of the participants will take part and experience the live performance in the public Final Concert of the masterclass. For us it is the culmination and an integral part of the intensiv week of tutoring and learning. These concerts are advertised and always attract music lovers, and already became a tradition in the city musical landscape.
Video Recordings
All of the conductors will receive a HD 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 an 8 GB USB stick, which they may keep as a souvenir from the week.
Together with the USB stick with all video recordings, each participant, active and passive, will receive an official Certificate of Participation signed by Maestro Laycock.
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, Maestro Laycock and the other conducting colleagues will be able and happy to assist.
LIMITED NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS!
Repertoire:
J. S. Bach
Orchestral Suite No. 1 in C major, BWV 1066
J. Haydn
Symphony No. 44 in E minor Hob I/44 <Trauer>
Symphony No. 83 in G minor Hob I/83 <La Poule>
W. A. Mozart
Symphony No. 40 in G minor K. 550 (original version without clarinets)
F. Schubert
Symphony No. 5 in B♭ major, D. 485
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 a USB sticks.
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