The Finnish conductor Sasha Mäkilä will be leading an intense masterclass over six days in Sofia, Bulgaria. Ten students will have the opportunity to work with Sofia Sinfonietta on masterpieces by Beethoven, Mozart and Mendelssohn. The course consists of five rehearsals and a public concert at the cultural center “Nadezhda”, as well as technique sessions together with a faculty pianist. Each participant will enjoy approximately 20 minutes of podium time at each orchestra rehearsal, plus the final concert on July 6. The focus of the masterclass will be conducting technique and communication skills with the orchestra. Participants are allowed to videotape all the sessions. The course is open to conductors of all ages and skill levels.
REPERTOIRE
Mendelssohn: Overture “Die Schöne Melusine”
Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 1
Mozart: Overture “Idomeneo”
Beethoven: Symphony No. 1
ORCHESTRA:
Sofia Sinfonietta is a professional orchestra working in the Bulgarian capital. http://oki-nadejda.com/en/main-page/музикални-състави/симфониета-софия/
VENUE:
The venue for all sessions, rehearsals and the final concert will be “Nadezhda” Cultural Center right next to the metro station Han Kubrat. The address is 2 Lomsko Shosse street, Sofia.
SCHEDULE (tentative):
Mon Jul 1: At 9 registration, 10–12 piano session, 14–18 orchestra
Tue Jul 2: 10–12 piano session, 14–18 orchestra
Wed Jul 3: A DAY OFF!
Thu Jul 4: 10–12 piano session, 14–18 orchestra
Fri Jul 5: 10–12 piano session, 14–18 orchestra
Sat Jul 6: 16–18 dress rehearsal, concert at 19, feedback
FEES:
The course fee is €1600 which does not include accommodation. There is an EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT €50 for those, who pay their masterclass fee in full before May 8, 2024. To reserve your place on the masterclass you will have to place a €600 deposit after you receive an invitation, and the rest of the fee you can either pay via bank transfer before the masterclass starts, or in cash on the first day of the masterclass. We also accept PASSIVE PARTICIPANTS. By paying a fee of €200 you can observe all the sessions.
DEADLINE:
Early Bird deadline May 8. After that we will be accepting applications until the course is full (maximum 10 students).
LODGING:
Every student takes care of their own accommodation. There are many affordable hotels in Sofia, and the public transport is good. Remember also to check AirBnb and Couch-surfing options!