OCC Director for 2010 is Sian Edwards, a highly regarded and experienced conductor and teacher of conducting.

The course provides a stimulating and supportive environment in which conductors can share in an intensive period of study. Most importantly, as part of the St Magnus Festival, OCC enables participants to work with outstanding orchestras, ensembles, conductors and soloists. In 2009 these included the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, and the ensemble Psappha, conductors Martyn Brabbins and Charles Peebles, composer Sir Peter Maxwell Davies and other Festival artists. Participants will also work with the St Magnus Composers' Course and conduct a Festival concert of new works written by the composers during the course.

Initial sessions are with two pianos, focusing on clarity of communication of musical ideas. The students' work is video-recorded and time is spent analysing these recordings. The two-piano work prepares students for two days of rehearsal with the orchestra and resident ensemble.

Participants also direct a rehearsal with the St Magnus Festival Chorus, and work with visiting soloists on concerto repertoire. In addition, the course provides students with the opportunity to hear composers, including Festival president Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, speak about their work.

Comments from previous participants

'An exceptional experience. Easily the best conducting course in the UK.'

'Excellent teachers, warm, friendly, supportive staff, wonderful atmosphere among participants.'

'I cannot think of any other opportunity for professional development that compares. One of the most professionally stimulating weeks I have ever had.'

'… dug deep under the surface, went straight to the heart of the matter and at the same time managed to make all of us conduct better (rather than filling us with self-doubt!).'

'I am looking forward to rethinking many aspects of my technique (!) The environment has been supportive and constructive.'

'I have taken several conducting courses before and none has come close to this one for tuition, professional development, attention to personal factors alongside technical. I have benefitted hugely from participating'