University of Rochester’s Eastman School of Music Hosts Conducting Masterclass

The University of Rochester’s Eastman School of Music will be hosting a masterclass for up-and-coming orchestral conductors on Friday, October 20, and Saturday, October 21.

Professor of Conducting and Ensembles Neil Varon will lead the program. 

The two-day masterclass will allow six experienced pre-professional conductors to conduct the Eastman Philharmonia, as well as receive valuable feedback from Varon.

 “The masterclass fulfills a need among young conductors who strive every day to better their craft,” said Varon. “They can only do so in front of a seasoned orchestra that is very familiar with the repertoire to be taught.” 

Each conductor will have a total of 40 minutes of podium time with the Eastman Philharmonia, who will be performing playing Mahler’s Symphony No. 4. The conductors will also meet with Varon beforehand to discuss how they can improve their performance. The masterclass ends with a follow-up assessment session.

Varon’s career as a conductor includes 40 years of performing and teaching, from serving as the music director of the Südwestfälische Philharmonic and the City of Gelsenkirchen, Germany, to being the first Kapellmeister of the Deutsche Oper am Rhein in Dusseldorf.  He has also served as guest conductor at the New York City Opera, Hamburg State Opera, Stuttgart State Opera, and Berlin Stattsoper.

He joined the Eastman School of Music faculty as Professor of Conducting and Ensembles in 2002.

Conductors can apply here.