Prof. Wildner Symphonic Journey XIII

IMB Proudly Presents:
57th International Masterclass for Orchestral Conductors in Berlin:

 Prof. Johannes Wildner back in Berlin!
SYMPHONIC JOURNEY XIII

PURLEY WIENER KLASSIK!

Prof. Johannes Wildner Vienna University of Music and Arts, Wiener Philharmoniker 
Berlin Sinfonietta
Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven
November 18th – 22th 2024
Berlin, Germany

We are happy to welcome back, for the first time after a long pause, one of the most active conductors and sought after teachers, Prof. Johannes Wildner, until recently professor for conducting at the Vienna University of Music and Arts and a long time member of the Vienna Philharmonic. For this masterclass, titled “Purely Wiener Klassik!“, Prof. Wildner selected a collection of masterpieces from the core repertoire every conductor should master. These timeless masterpiece will be thoroughly explored during the class. From Haydn’s 88th, through Mozart’s “Haffner” Symphony to Beethoven 4th and the mighty Coriolan Overture, we will be covering and deep dive into a wide span of symphonic literature and examine its exciting and challenging features in all aspects.  

This selection of these pieces present a great challenge even for experienced conductors and orchestras. During the week we will be working in details with Prof. Wildner on musical content and technical issues during the theoretical/technical sessions, the piano sessions and the orchestra rehearsals. These preparations towards the Final Concert at the end of the masterclass in which ALL PARTICIPANTS WILL HAVE THE CHANCE TO CONDUCT, will most definitely contribute enormously for the conducting and rehearsing skills of the participants of this masterclass.

“Johannes Wildner studied conducting, violin and musicology and has established himself as one of the foremost Austrian conductors. His years of experience as a member of the Vienna Philharmonic and the Vienna State Opera Orchestra have given his conducting a distinctive stamp.”

Prof. Wildner, born and raised in, Austria, will share with the masterclass participants his views and his vast experience on the tradition and the style of the performance of the Viennese Classics in practice from the technical and the musical aspects. It is truly a rare opportunity to study closely this core repertoire pieces from a conductor of such degree and expertise, and to see “how it should be done” artistically and technically.

Here is all you need to know about the masterclass’ 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 Prof. Wildner 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 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. (A specific schedule will be sent at a later stage)

To our very respected conductors and musicians, participants in our masterclasses –
YOU are the center of IMB’s philosophy, and we want to assure you that with us you are in the best, and most experienced hands! Since 2012 we have been working hard to produce the most professional conducting masterclasses in the field. Employing only established teacher and conductors, who possesses vast knowledge and real musical substance, and that are able to impart their incredible knowledge to the students. We have gained a lot of experience and perfected our organisation in all aspects. Be ready for a top notch event with second to none organization.

Here are just few of feedbacks we have received from satisfied participants after successful masterclasses:

• “I feel lucky that I have been part of the Masterclass you put together in Berlin with Colin. I don’t think of anything that “could have been better“… really amazing. I will remember my time there for a long time.” May 2024
• “I had a memorable experience with you and Colin and have come away with so many new ideas. Your orchestra were friendly and musically flexible partners – please pass my compliments to them.” May 2024
• “I didn’t get a chance to say a huge personal thank you for all of your organisation and bringing lots of fun and life to the course! It was a really inspiring and valuable week for me and it was a pleasure meeting you. Many thanks for the recording.” May 2024
• “…thanks again for the great organisation and the support throughout the week.” May 2024
• “Thank you for the organization and keeping everything flowing last week!” May 2024
• “Thank you so much for all your work and effort for the workshop! These few days were full of inspiration and joy. And many thanks to the orchestra who has given us a great amount of patience and support!”
• “Thank you so much for creating such a wonderful masterclass!
  You know exactly everything that we as conductors need in order to learn and grow. That is one of the things that separate this masterclass from the others.”
• “What an incredible gift of art and inspiration you’ve provided for growing artist.
  Thank you for all that do, and congratulations for the 50th masterclass.”
• “The International Masterclasses Berlin was a transformative experience for me. It was the perfect balance between podium time, group discussion, and one-on-one consultations. I not only grew as a conductor, but as a musician and as a person after this masterclass. Strongly recommend!”
• “It was an amazing week. Thank you and congrats for all the spectacular organization.”
• “Thank you much again for the beautiful organization and atmosphere of this past week. It has been a beautiful experience for me!”
•  “Thanks again for all you do to ensure a good masterclass experience.”

Video Recordings

All of the conductors will receive a high quality in 4K 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 a high quality SD-Card, which they may keep as a souvenir from the week.

Together with the SD-Card with all of the video recordings, each participant, active and passive, will receive an official Certificate of Participation signed by Prof. Wildner.

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, Prof. Wildner and the other conducting colleagues will be able and happy to assist.

LIMITED NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS!

Location:

For this masterclass we are happy to be invited to hold the masterclass week including the final concert in the very intimate St. Lukas Church, in the center of Berlin, (Bernburger Str. 3-5, 10963). The church has great atmosphere and its regular concert visitors. We are thankful that the masterclass’ final concert was inserted to the church’s concert season programs, and expecting many audiences. (image: Berlin Sinfonietta and English Choir Berlin performing at the final concert of one of our masterclass, in front the full St. Lukas Church.)

You are more than welcome to apply here.