International Choral Conducting Course: 2023 Tutors announced!

Conductors are being encouraged to sign up for the 2023 International Choral Conducting Course as part of the Cork International Choral Festival.

Now in its second year, the three-and-a-half day, intensive, hands-on course runs from 25th - 28th April 2023 and will offer a range of techniques to develop conducting skills under the leadership of expert international guest tutors Friederike Woebcken, Professor at University of the Arts Bremen and Erik Westberg, Professor of Choral Conducting and Choral Singing at the School of Music at Luleå University of Technology.

Both conductors studied under the renowned Eric Ericson in Stockholm. Prof Woebcken regularly tours internationally with the Madrigalchor Kiel and is an Artistic Board member of the International German-Scandinavian Music Week in Scheersberg. Erik Westberg has led numerous choirs in Sweden such as the YMCA Choir in Stockholm, the Oslo Philharmonic Choir, and the Swedish Radio Choir (guest conductor), while internationally, he has been engaged as guest conductor for Pro Coro Canada, Coro Nacional de España, Coro Sinfônica do Estado de São Paulo, and Jauna Muzika, Lithuania.

The course, which takes place in Cork City, will focus on core conducting skills such as physical gestures, good listening, repertoire details, rehearsal techniques, managing the ensemble, and leadership. Other key areas of developing conducting skills will be covered, including generating new repertoire ideas, as well as singing lessons with a focus on vocal health and helping yourself and others.

The culmination of all these skills will be displayed at an Ensemble Workshop on the final morning with Chamber Choir Ireland - Ireland’s flagship choral ensemble. This will be a public event.

Peter Stobart, Artistic Director, Cork International Choral Festival said, “The course is designed for anyone with experience in leading choirs of all kinds and is interested in taking their theory and practical skills to a new level while networking with other conductors. It will help conductors to guide their choirs, tempo, sound and expression. We are honoured to be joined this year by two world renowned conductors whose vast experience will provide a unique learning experience for participants.”

The cost is €295 per person, with a discount rate being offered to conductors of 2023 participating choirs. The rate includes tea/coffee breaks but does not cover main meals or accommodation. In order to create a bespoke experience for all participants, limited places will be available. More information and registration form are available here. Registration closes on 10th February 2023.