2025 MASTERCLASSES PROGRAM
The Atlantic Coast Orchestra Conducting Academy presents a unique training program, conceived as an intensive annual course, structured in four exclusive masterclasses. Each of these masterclasses offers an in-depth, focused approach to repertoire and styles that are essential for the technical and artistic development of conductors.
For a more comprehensive and enriching learning experience, we encourage conductors to participate in all four masterclasses, thereby maximizing their progress and the impact on their artistic journey. However, recognizing individual needs and interests, each masterclass has been carefully planned as a stand-alone unit, allowing independent participation in any of them. All participants are warmly welcomed and encouraged to choose the format that best aligns with their ambitions and availability.
Join us and reach new heights in the art and craft of orchestral conducting.
Masterclass "THE ART OF CARLOS KLEIBER: Phenomenology of maestro Conducting Technique"
Date: March 29 (Online) & April 3,4,5 and 6 (In-Person), Porto (Portugal)
Repertoire: Brahms - Symphony No. 2 Op. 73; J. Strauss II - Die Fledermaus overture
The masterclass presents a unique and unmissable opportunity to delve deeply into the interpretative richness of two fundamental works of 19th century orchestral literature, the amusing overture Die Fledermaus by Johann Strauss IIand the extraordinary Symphony No. 2 by Brahms. Participants will explore the concept of "expressive conducting" - a fundamental pillar for effective artistic communication and excellent conducting technique.
Based on the phenomenological analysis of the art and technique of the legendary conductor Carlos Kleiber - the central theme of conductor Luís Miguel Clemente's doctoral thesis and area of specialization - this masterclass will explore the technical and artistic challenges facing conductors. It will provide valuable insights and practical tools to enhance each participant's artistic experience and overcome the interpretative demands of these works.
Supported by the resident accompanist pianists and professional musicians from the Atlantic Coast Orchestra, participants will immerse themselves in the repertoire and understand Carlos Kleiber's conducting technique.
-
Online Session: March 29, 2025
Face-to-face sessions: April 3, 4, 5 and 6, 2025
- - - -
Day 1 (Online): Phenomenological analysis of Carlos Kleiber's conducting technique; Score Study and theoretical discussion of the repertoire (c. 150 min.).
Day 2 (In person): Conception/Gesture/Interpretation: Phenomenological analysis of Carlos Kleiber's conducting technique (c. 60 min.); Silent Conducting/Individual practice & phenomenology of gesture (c. 200 min.); Individual feedback & group discussion (c. 60 min.).
Day 3 (In person): Conception/Gesture/Interpretation: Phenomenological analysis of Carlos Kleiber's conducting technique (c. 60 min.); Silent Conducting/Individual practice & phenomenology of gesture (c. 180 min.); Practical directing session with 2 Pianos (c. 240 min.); Individual feedback & group discussion (c. 30 min.).
Day 4 (In person): Conception/Gesture/Interpretation: Phenomenological analysis of Carlos Kleiber's conducting technique (c. 60 min.); Silent Conducting/Individual practice & phenomenology of gesture (c. 120 min.); Practical conducting session with Atlantic Coast Orchestra (1111-2000- 22221 + 2 pianos) (c. 240 min.); Individual feedback & group discussion (c. 60 min.).
Day 5 (In-Person): : Practical conducting sessions with Atlantic Coast Orchestra (1111-2000- 22221 + 2 pianos) (2 x c. 240 min.); Individual feedback & masterclass balance (c. 60 min.).
-
Number of Active Participants: min. 5 - max. 8.
Number of Observer Participants: no limit
- - -
Active Participant Fee: 1350€
Participant fee Observers: 250€
- - -
Total Podium Time per Active Participant: c. 220 min. (c. 90 min. individual technical coaching; c. 130 min. conducting with piano and orchestra)
Individual Mentoring per Active Participant: c. 120 min.
Masterclass languages: English (official language), Portuguese, Spanish and Italian
Certification: participation diploma handed out at the end of each masterclass
-
Deadline: March 15, 2025
-
The masterclass will be held in Porto (Portugal), at the ESMAE facilities (Escola Superior de Música e Artes do Espetáculo)
Masterclass "FRENCH MUSICAL IMPRESSIONISM: Debussy & Ravel"
Date: June 7 (Online), 12, 13, 14 and 15ho (In person), Porto (Portugal)
Repertoire: Debussy - Prelude a l'Après-midi d'un Faune; Ravel - Ma Mère l'Oye, Suite Op. 60
The second masterclass offers a unique immersion in the universe of French musical impressionism, through the study of two major works: Debussy's Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune and Ravel's suite Ma Mère l'Oye. These challenging works stand out for their refined orchestration, subtle dynamics and evocative atmospheres, requiring the conductor to have a deep understanding of musical texture, sound balance and gestural narrative. It's a unique opportunity to explore artistic sensitivity and expressive communication with the orchestra.
With the support of the Academy's experienced resident accompanying pianists and professional musicians from the Atlantic Coast Orchestra, we will study these works in depth and address the musical and technical challenges they pose to the conductor.
-
Online Session: June 7, 2025
In-Person Sessions: June 12, 13, 14 and 15, 2025
- - - -
Day 1 (Online): Score-Study and theoretical discussion of the repertoire (c. 150 min.).
Day 2 (face-to-face): Conception/Gesture/Interpretation: Silent Conducting/Individual practice & phenomenology of gesture (c. 240 min.); Individual feedback & group discussion (c. 60 min.).
Day 3 (In person): Conception/Gesture/Interpretation: Silent Conducting/Individual Practice & Phenomenology of Gesture (c. 180 min.); Conducting Practice Session with 2 Pianos (c. 240 min.); Individual Feedback & Group Discussion (c. 60 min.).
Day 4 (In person): Conception/Gesture/Interpretation: Silent Conducting/Individual Practice & Phenomenology of Gesture (c. 180 min.); Conducting Practice Session with Atlantic Coast Orchestra (1111-2000- 22221 + 2 pianos) (c. 240 min.); Individual Feedback & Group Discussion (c. 60 min.).
Day 5 (In-Person): : Practical conducting sessions with Atlantic Coast Orchestra (1111-2000- 22221 + 2 pianos) (2 x c. 240 min.); Individual feedback & masterclass balance (c. 60 min.).
-
Number of Active Participants: min. 5 - max. 8.
Number of Observer Participants: no limit
- - -
Active Participant Fee: 1350€
Participant fee Observers: 250€
- - -
Total Podium Time per Active Participant: c. 220 min. (c. 90 min. individual technical coaching; c. 130 min. conducting with piano and orchestra)
Individual Mentoring per Active Participant: c. 120 min.
Masterclass languages: English (official language), Portuguese, Spanish and Italian
Certification: participation diploma handed out at the end of each masterclass
-
Deadline: May 7, 2025
-
The masterclass will be held in Porto (Portugal), at the ESMAE facilities (Escola Superior de Música e Artes do Espetáculo)
Masterclass "MODERNITY ACCORDING TO Gustav Mahler"
Date: September 6 (Online), 11, 12, 13 and 14 (In-Person), Porto (Portugal)
Repertoire: Gustav Mahler - Symphony No. 4 (Soprano to be announced)
The third masterclass is dedicated to Gustav Mahler's extraordinary Symphony No. 4, a work that challenges conductors with complex artistic and technical issues, including working with a solo singer. This symphony reflects Mahler's progressive vision and his search for spirituality and expressive simplicity, combining a classical structure with modernist innovations. With a light orchestration, subtle irony and a transcendent vocal finale based on the text of Des Knaben Wunderhorn, the work presents unique challenges that demand a special sensitivity from conductors to care for the vocal line and integrate the human element into the orchestral texture. Experience of working with singers is therefore essential, not only because of the technical mastery needed to collaborate with soloists, but also because of the enrichment this practice provides for understanding the orchestral repertoire.
Under the insightful and creative guidance of conductor Luís Miguel Clemente, with the support of the Academy's resident pianists, musicians from the Atlantic Coast Orchestra and a soprano soloist, the masterclass will offer an in-depth study of this masterpiece of symphonic literature.
-
Online Session: September 6, 2025
In-Person Sessions: September 11, 12, 13 and 14, 2025
- - - -
Day 1 (Online): Score-Study and theoretical discussion of the repertoire (c. 150 min.).
Day 2 (face-to-face): Conception/Gesture/Interpretation: Silent Conducting/Individual practice & phenomenology of gesture (c. 240 min.); Individual feedback & group discussion (c. 60 min.).
Day 3 (In person): Conception/Gesture/Interpretation: Silent Conducting/Individual Practice & Phenomenology of Gesture (c. 180 min.); Conducting Practice Session with 2 Pianos (c. 240 min.); Individual Feedback & Group Discussion (c. 60 min.).
Day 4 (In-Person): Conception/Gesture/Interpretation: Silent Conducting/Individual Practice & Phenomenology of Gesture (c. 180 min.); Conducting Practice Session with Atlantic Coast Orchestra (1111-2100- 22221 + 2 pianos + soloist) (c. 240 min.); Individual Feedback & Group Discussion (c. 60 min.).
Day 5 (In-Person): : Practical conducting sessions with Atlantic Coast Orchestra (1111-2100- 22221 + 2 pianos + soloist) (2 x c. 240 min.); Individual feedback & masterclass debriefing (c. 60 min.).
-
Number of Active Participants: min. 5 - max. 8.
Number of Observer Participants: no limit
- - -
Active Participant Fee: 1700€
Participant fee Observers: 250€
Total Podium Time per Active Participant: c. 220 min. (c. 90 min. individual technical coaching; c. 130 min. conducting with piano and orchestra)
Individual Mentoring per Active Participant: c. 120 min.
Masterclass languages: English (official language), Portuguese, Spanish and Italian
Certification: participation diploma handed out at the end of each masterclass
-
Deadline: July 31, 2025
-
The masterclass will be held in Porto (Portugal), at the ESMAE facilities (Escola Superior de Música e Artes do Espetáculo)
IX Atlantic Coast Conducting Masterclass & Competition
Date: November 4-9, 2025, Vila do Conde (Portugal)
Repertoire:
R. Vaughan Williams | overture The Wasps
F. Mendelssohn | Symphony Nr. 4 op. 90, the Italian
M. Ravel | Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunte
L. v. Beethoven | Symphony No. 7 Op. 92
The annual program of the Atlantic Coast Orchestra Conducting Academy culminates with the IX Atlantic Coast Conducting Masterclass & Competition, an excellent and inspiring event to be held in Vila do Conde (Porto, Portugal). The IX Masterclass & Competition offers an extraordinary and exclusive opportunity for conductors to develop, perfect and consolidate their technique and art of orchestral conducting. This event takes place in an inspiring, constructive musical environment of artistic excellence under the guidance of Maestro Luís Miguel Clemente, one of the leading figures on the Portuguese music scene. The practical sessions will include rehearsals with two pianists and the Atlantic Coast Orchestra. Throughout the masterclass, Maestro Luis Miguel Clemente will guide participants in perfecting their ability to convey musical intentions through gesture, influencing all aspects of a creative, high-quality artistic performance.
The IX Atlantic Coast Conducting Masterclass & Competition will conclude with a public concert performed by the Atlantic Coast Orchestra, conducted entirely by the participants. This final performance will serve as the pinnacle of this enriching journey of musical learning and discovery.
-
-
Deadline: August 15, 2025
-
The masterclass will be held at the Municipal Theater of Vila do Conde (Portugal).
