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See also our St Magnus Composers' Course

Course Information

The sixth Orkney Conducting Course will take place between 15th and 25th June 2008 . This ten-day course for emerging conductors overlaps with and is closely linked to the St Magnus Festival, Orkney 's midsummer celebration of the arts. One of the UK 's most vibrant and innovative festivals, St Magnus is set against the spectacular backdrop of Orkney at midsummer.

OCC Director for 2008 is Martyn Brabbins, 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 2008 these include the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, and the Hebrides Ensemble, conductors Sian Edwards and Charles Peebles, pianists Judith Keaney and Lynda Cochrane, composer Sir Peter Maxwell Davies and other Festival artists.

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 SCO and the Hebrides 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.

The repertoire for 2008 will include:

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'

see pictures from 2006 course