Choral Conducting Masterclasses in San Francisco, June 2011 -- Applications for Conducting Fellows Accepted through March 23

Date: March 8, 2011

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Location: California, USA

Chorus America will present two Conducting Masterclasses as part of the Chorus America Annual Conference in San Francisco, June 8-11, 2011. The Conducting Masterclasses allow early career conductors to work on the podium, in front of an audience of Conference delegates, with master teachers and a professional or professional-level chorus.

Choral-Orchestral Masterclass with Jeffrey Thomas and American Bach Soloists, June 9, 2011

The Choral-Orchestral Conducting Masterclass will concentrate on J.S. Bach and early music performance practice. Three Conducting Fellows will be selected to conduct eight singers and orchestra from American Bach Soloists. The master teacher is ABS artistic and music director Jeffrey Thomas. If selected, a Fellow will be asked to choose two of these four works: Missa Brevis in G Major, BWV 236; Jesu, der du meine Seele, BWV 78; Aus der Tiefen rufe ich, Herr, zu dir, BWV 131; Der Herr denket an uns, BWV 196, and, to ensure balance and variety, Thomas will select one of those two works for the Fellow to prepare for the Masterclass.

A Cappella Masterclass with Ragnar Bohlin and International Orange Chorale of San Francisco, June 10, 2011

The A Cappella Conducting Masterclass will concentrate on contemporary music and Scandanavian and Baltic repertoire. Three Fellows will conduct the International Orange Chorale of San Francisco (about 30 singers). The master teacher is Ragnar Bohlin, director of the San Francisco Symphony Chorus. If selected, all Fellows will prepare these four pieces for the Masterclass:

Unicornis Captivatur – Ola Gjeilo
I Seraillets Have – Wilhelm Stenhammar
Biegga Luohte – Jan Sandström
Hymne à Saint Martin – Vaclovas Augustinas

Conducting Fellow Applications

Conducting Fellows must be: (1) at least 22 years old by June 8, 2011, (2) at the early stages of their careers as choral conductors, and (3) an individual member or affiliated with a member chorus of Chorus America (see http://www.chorusamerica.org/membership.cfm). Applicants may apply to one or both Masterclasses. Selected Fellows will receive:

A 30-minute one-on-one meeting with the master teacher
At least 20 minutes of podium time with the master teacher in front of Conference delegates
A video recording of their podium time
A complimentary registration fee for the 2011 Chorus America Annual Conference ($495 value). Fellows are responsible for transportation, lodging, and other expenses during the Conference.

Applicants must submit the following:

A completed Application Form (see below).
$10 non-refundable application fee (check written out to Chorus America).
References from two professional conductors. References may be included in application packet or be can sent directly to Chorus America.
Four copies of a videotape or DVD of applicant conducting rehearsals/performances. See video guidelines and note different video/DVD requirements to apply to each Masterclass.
Deadline: all application materials must arrive at the Chorus America office by March 23, 2011.

Download the Description and Application Form for details.

For additional information, visit Chorus America's Conducting Masterclass website.