IX Atlantic Coast Conducting Masterclass & Competition
2025, November 4 - 9, Vila do Conde (Oporto, Portugal)
Maestro Luis Miguel Clemente & Orquestra da Costa Atlântica
Transform Your Conducting Voice
Applications are now open for the 9th edition of the internationally recognised Atlantic Coast Conducting Masterclass & Competition, held in the stunning coastal town of Vila do Conde (Oporto, Portugal). This immersive six-day programme offers a rare opportunity to refine your conducting technique and deepen your artistic identity under the mentorship of Maestro Luis Miguel Clemente, one of Portugal’s leading conductors and an internationally respected pedagogue.
What Makes This Masterclass & Competition Unique?
Set against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean, the masterclass combines high-level podium experience, individualized feedback, and a collaborative artistic atmosphere. Participants benefit from intensive daily sessions with two professional pianists and the Orquestra da Costa Atlântica, renowned for its versatility and artistic excellence.
Whether you’re an emerging conductor or an experienced artist seeking fresh insight, the IX Atlantic Coast Conducting Masterclass & Competition provides the structure, challenge, and inspiration needed to elevate your work on the podium.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: August 31, 2025 (Applications are processed in the order of receipt)
Led by Maestro Luis Miguel Clemente
Under the mentorship of Maestro Luis Miguel Clemente —one of Portugal’s leading conductors and an internationally sought-after pedagogue— participants at the IX Atlantic Coast Masterclass & Competition will receive high-level training focused on technique, expression, and the art of orchestral leadership. The programme is designed to support both emerging and professional conductors in developing a confident, effective, and authentic conducting voice.
Maestro Clemente brings a rare combination of artistic depth and pedagogical clarity. A specialist in the techniques of Carlos Kleiber (on whom he completed his Doctorate in Conducting) and the Ilya Musin method, he is renowned for his rigorous yet inspiring approach to conductor training. As an experienced conductor and conducting pedagogue, with a rich academic background in Conducting, Musicology, Performing Arts and Ethnomusicology, he has taught and mentored conductors from across the globe in masterclasses spanning Europe, the Americas, and Asia.
Currently Head of Studies at the Atlantic Coast Conducting Academy and Chief Conductor of the Orquestra da Costa Atlântica, Maestro Clemente fosters a learning atmosphere grounded in professionalism, musical excellence, and artistic curiosity.
Whether you are a rising talent or an experienced conductor seeking refinement, the IX Atlantic Coast Conducting Masterclass & Competition offers a transformative and unforgettable experience.
About the MASTERCLASS
The IX Atlantic Coast Conducting Masterclass & Competition offers an exceptional opportunity for up to 10 Active Participants to engage in an intensive, high-level artistic experience, taking place over six inspiring days.
Designed for conductors aiming to deepen both technical skill and artistic insight, the masterclass features daily practical sessions with two professional pianists and the renowned Orquestra da Costa Atlântica.
At the heart of the program are individual coaching sessions, held directly in front of the orchestra and/or pianos, ensuring personalised feedback and focused development. These sessions are complemented by video analysis, group discussions, and individual mentorship with Maestro Clemente, creating a dynamic and immersive learning environment.
Participants will explore:
The phenomenology of conducting gesture
Rehearsal strategies and communication techniques
Analytical and interpretative approaches to the score
Artistic leadership and performance psychology
Maestro Luis Clemente offers in-depth mentoring tailored to each participant’s needs, helping refine the ability to communicate musical intention through gesture, shape artistic interpretation, and lead with clarity and confidence — all in a supportive, non-competitive setting.
The masterclass culminates in a public final concert at the magnificent Teatro Municipal de Vila do Conde, where each Active Participant will conduct the Orquestra da Costa Atlântica.
MASTERCLASS highlights:
Daily podium sessions with 2 pianos and full orchestra (2222–4200–T–Harp–88443)
Approx. 170 minutes of podium time per Active Participant
~45 min with piano | ~125 min with orchestra
Individual coaching directly in front of the ensemble
1:1 video analysis session with Maestro Luis Miguel Clemente
Video recordings of all sessions and the final concert (front camera, shared via cloud)
Group discussions on technique, interpretation, and critical reflection
Initial and final skills review with individual feedback
Estimated podium time per Active Participant: approx. 170 minutes
~45 minutes with piano
~125 minutes with orchestra
Professional photography of the final concert
Final public concert at the Teatro Municipal de Vila do Conde
Masterclass language: English (official), also Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, French
About the COMPETITION
All Active Participants are automatically entered into the IX Atlantic Coast Conducting Competition, a unique and motivating professional platform within the masterclass.
Designed to support growth rather than rivalry, the competition is designed as a professional development platform that promotes artistic growth, leadership, and motivation. It offers participants a unique opportunity to demonstrate their progress, refine their skills under pressure, and receive high-level artistic feedback in a supportive and inspiring environment.
At the conclusion of the Masterclass, Maestro Luis Miguel Clemente, together with members of the orchestra, will evaluate each participant through a positive, constructive, and pedagogical lens, selecting the most outstanding conductors for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prizes. The winners will receive a Special Diploma and Trophy, formally recognising their achievement.
Many former winners and participants have gone on to enjoy significant career advancements after their experience at the Atlantic Coast Conducting Masterclass & Competition, benefitting from both the artistic mentorship and the visibility provided by this prestigious program.
REPERTOIRE
R. Vaughan Williams | overture from The Wasps
F. Mendelssohn | Symphony No. 4 in A major, Op. 90 “Italian”
M. Ravel | Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunte
L. v. Beethoven | Symphony No. 7 in A major, Op. 92
A Proven Platform for Artistic Development
Since 2015, the Atlantic Coast Conducting Masterclass & Competition has become a reference in conductor training — combining musical integrity, technical depth, and real-world orchestral practice. It is more than a course; it is a transformative experience, tailored to help each participant find their most expressive and effective conducting voice.
The program is designed for established and emerging conductors, advanced students, music educators, and instrumentalists who wish to develop their leadership, sharpen their rehearsal strategies, and enhance their communicative power on the podium. Whether you are preparing for a professional debut, refining your technique, or seeking a deeper musical insight, this masterclass offers an invaluable opportunity for artistic growth in a collaborative and performance-focused setting.
If you are ready to take the next step in your artistic journey, we look forward to receiving your application.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Application deadline: August 31, 2025
Active Participants: 2175€ (payed in full or in 2 installments; see NB)
Semi-Active Participants: 400€ (see NB*)
Observers: 250€
Number of Active Participants: Up to 10 (no age limit)
Number of Semi-Active Participants & Observers: no number limit (no age limit)
NB: Please be aware that the applications will be processed by received order. The Active Participant applications will be closed when all the places available have been assigned.
NB*: The Semi-Active Participants will have 1 individual practical conducting session with pianos at the end of the week (aprox. 20 min.) & personal coach and feedback from maestro Luis Miguel Clemente
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Masterclass starts: Tuesday 4th November 2025 (09:30h)
Masterclass ends: Sunday 9th November 2025 (19.00h)
Final Concert: Sunday 9th November, 17.00h, at Teatro Municipal de Vila do Conde
Masterclass Venue: Teatro Municipal de Vila do Conde; Address: Av. Dr. João Canavarro, 4480-754 Vila do Conde