Conducting Master Class Now Enrolling

November 1, 2004

Applications are now being accepted for the 2005 Oregon Bach Festival Master Class in Choral Conducting. The Master Class takes place June 22-July 10 in Eugene, Oregon, at the University of Oregon and the Hult Center for the Performing Arts. Conducting and non-conducting participants embrace the wisdom and teachings of master teacher Helmuth Rilling and class director Thomas Somerville, and lead soloists, chorus, and orchestra in rehearsals and performances.

Participants immerse themselves in the distinctive study, preparation, and ultimate performance of J.S. Bach’s most joyful cantatas. Participants attend seminars in conducting technique, Baroque style and interpretation, and repertoire study.

This year’s conducting repertoire includes Bach’s Ascension and Easter Oratorios, the Hunting Cantata, “Sing Now of Triumph” (BWV 149) and “Eternity, Thou Thunderous Word’ (BWV 19).

Class students can participate as conductors, leading the Festival chorus and orchestra in six public lecture-concerts, or as non-conductors. All participants attain in-depth experience observing rehearsals and performances of Festival concerts.

This year’s highlights are the northwest US premiere of La Pasion Segun San Marcos by Osvaldo Golijov; the American premiere of “The Uncle from Boston,” a newly found opera by Mendelssohn; Bach’s Christmas Oratorio; Haydn’s Creation; and Handel’s L’Allegro.

Further opportunities include observing the Festival’s Youth Choral Academy, conducted by Anton Armstrong, and work sessions with guest conductors John Nelson and Maria Guinand.

Guinand, director of the Schola Cantorum-Caracas, conducted the world premiere performance and recording of Golijov’s Pasion, a role she will repeat in Eugene.

Nelson is noted for his vibrant and unique performances of opera, Baroque music, and sacred masterpieces. Making his Oregon Bach Festival debut, he has served as Music Director with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Opera Theatre of St. Louis, and is currently the Music Director for Ensemble Orchestral de Paris.