2nd Thessaloniki LWI International Conducting Masterclass & Competition
About This Project
Date
April 14 – 17, 2026
Seminar Repertoire
Ludwig van Beethoven
- Symphony No. 8 (all movements)
Joseph Haydn
- Symphony No. 104 – 1st & 2nd movement
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
- Symphony KV 543 – 1st movement
Carl Orff
- Dance “Uf dem Anger” from Carmina Burana (for two pianos only)
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
- Cosi fan tutte, Recitative “Temerari…” T.44 – “Come scoglio” T.68 (for two pianos only)
- Die Zauberflöte, Recitative “Die Weisheitslehre dieser Knaben” (for two pianos only)
Workshop Topics
- Basic elements and optimization of technique (with and without baton)
- Score preparation
- Development of sound and interpretative goals/visions
- Repertoire analysis
- Enhancement of communication within the orchestra
- Confident appearance and presence
- Psychology and physiology of conducting
- Rehearsal methods and structure
- Analysis and preparation of score presentation at the piano
- Information on presenting an opera scene at the piano
- Information and analysis of overall requirements for entrance exams and competitions
- Through the participation of both the audience and the orchestra in the semi-final and final rounds, the competition ensures transparency and meritocracy, accurately reflecting professional reality, where a conductor’s success depends on their relationship with the orchestra and the response of the audience.
Masterclass Overview & Structure
The LWI Masterclass spans four days and offers the opportunity for complete professional video recording of all phases.
Orchestra rehearsals as well as the final concert/competition will be recorded and made available to all participants free of charge.
Additionally, participants will receive professional application photos at no cost.
The masterclass also includes personalized resume and application optimization sessions.
April 14 – 15 (Two Pianos)
At least 40 minutes per participant
Focus on score analysis and preparation, fundamental conducting techniques, and technical training in small groups.
Participants will reflect on individual goals and aspirations.
Each day concludes with a group session including video analysis if necessary.
Presentations will additionally cover:
- Essential conducting principles
- European requirements for auditions and competitions
- Key aspects of artistic management, communication, and psychology
April 16 – 17 (With Orchestra)
At least 40 minutes per participant
Intensive collaboration with the orchestra, including two daily rehearsals of 160 minutes each on the first day,
followed by a semi-final and a final concert on the second day.
Semi-Final – April 17
- The semi-final rehearsal will be professionally recorded, with all participants performing.
- Immediately afterward, the orchestra will vote on six finalists.
- All conductors will receive direct feedback from the orchestra.
Final Concert & Awards – April 17 (with audience)
- The final concert will be professionally recorded, with all participants performing.
- The orchestra and the audience will vote on three awards for the most outstanding conductors.
- The 3 award winners will conduct the concert of the 2nd International Piano Competition “Nora Loukidou” and will also receive direct feedback from the orchestra.
General Conditions
- Location: Thessaloniki (Greece), in collaboration with the Thessaloniki Youth Orchestra
- Languages: Greek, German, English
- Instructor: Maestro Symeon Ioannidis
Objective
To provide comprehensive training in orchestral conducting with a focus on preparation for European university entrance exams
and professional auditions for conductor vacancies and competitions.
Participation & Fees
Active Participation
- Fee: €1,500
- Discount: Particimants enrolling in two or more LWI Masterclasses per calendar year are eligible for a 10% discount.
- Selection: 15 active participants selected via video submission (minimum 5 minutes)
- Application Deadline: March 14, 2026
- Notification: By March 16, 2026
Passive Participation
- Fee: Free
- Access to all events
- Opportunity to ask questions
- Certificate of participation
Registration & Payment
- After acceptance, confirmation is required within 48 hours via email to maestroprimo@gmail.com.
- Participation fee must be paid simultaneously or proof of payment submitted.
- Detailed scheduling, payment, and logistics information will be provided upon confirmation.
The Orchestra
The Thessaloniki Youth Orchestra will provide the orchestra for rehearsals, the semi-final, and the final concert,
and will also vote on the awarding of the three competition prizes.
Workshop Instructor / Coordinator
Symeon Ioannidis is a graduate violinist, pianist, and conductor
(HfM Frankfurt/Main, HfM “Hanns Eisler” Berlin, HfM “Franz Liszt” Weimar) and cultural and media manager
(University of Music and Theater Hamburg).
With over 25 years of experience training young conductors and more than 30 years as concertmaster and guest conductor
at leading opera houses such as the Staatsoper Unter den Linden and the Komische Oper Berlin,
he specializes in European standards and professional requirements.
Through the participation of both the audience and the orchestra in the semi-final and final rounds, the competition ensures transparency and meritocracy, accurately reflecting professional reality, where a conductor’s success depends on their relationship with the orchestra and the response of the audience.
Contact
Symeon Ioannidis
Guest Conductor – Komische Oper Berlin, Staatsoper Unter den Linden
Lecturer – Universität der Künste Berlin
Email: symeonioannidis@hotmail.com
Phone: +49 179 5174126
Further Information
- https://symeon-ioannidis.com/en/2nd-thessaloniki-lwi-international-conducting-masterclass-competition/
- https://www.conducting-leadership.com/en
If an insufficient number of applications is received by March 14, 2026,
the masterclass will be canceled and all participation fees will be refunded in full.
Application Form
Date
April 14, 2026
