Master programme in Contemporary Conducting
Wednesday 15 April 2009
The Conservatorium van Amsterdam, in collaboration with the Metropole Orchestra, has taken the initiative to design the first master programme in Contemporary Conducting with a concentration on Jazz, World music and Pop styles.
As from September 2009, the programme offer to students an in-depth study of conducting non–classical orchestras, large jazz ensembles and big bands. Vince Mendoza, Chief Conductor and Artistic Leader of the Metropole Orchestra, will work several times a year with students on scores which will be performed by the Metropole Orchestra. Other parts of the curriculum will include theory, jazz and pop styles and history classes, performance instruction and “hands-on” experience with the Metropole Orchestra and Conservatorium ensembles. Lessons and classes will be taught by teachers from the Conservatorium van Amsterdam as well as invited guests.
Four to five students per year be admitted to the 2 year master programme. Applicants may be instrumentalists, arrangers or conductors.
For more information please view www.conservatoriumvanamsterdam.nl
From their yearly performances at the North Sea and Holland festivals to their countless Cds, TV and radio programs, the Metropole Orchestra has been seen and heard by millions. Since its foundation in 1945, they remain the world’s only full time symphonic Jazz and Pop orchestra. The Metropole is led by the four-time Grammy Award winner Vince Mendoza, the orchestra’s chief conductor and artistic director. Their new Flamenco CD “El Viento” is available worldwide.
Vince Mendoza is at the forefront of the Jazz and contemporary music scene as a composer, conductor and recording artist. His latest chamber-jazz CD “Blauklang” (ACT) has earned critical acclaim. Mendoza's arranging has appeared on dozens of albums with song writing legends such as Björk, Elvis Costello, Sting, Bobby McFerrin, and Joni Mitchell.
