3rd - 6th October, 2024

Course Details

And Other Duties, in partnership with the International Vocal Competition, is proud to present Access All Arias: a conductor’s guide to working with opera singers.

As well as practical conducting sessions with soloists, piano and chamber ensemble, participants will be fully-immersed in the final days of the 2024 International Vocal Competition in s’-Hertogenbosch, attending vocal masterclasses and orchestral rehearsals and panel discussions of the World Federation of International Music Competitions. As with all And Other Duties courses, there will be in-depth networking sessions too, with the chance to meet opera directors and conductors, Intendants, casting directors and industry leaders from around the world.

Led by the General and Artistic Director of IVC, counter tenor Andrew Watts (La Scala, New York Philharmonic, Bayerische Staatsoper) and the directors of AOD, conductors Timothy Redmond (Covent Garden, Wiener Staatsoper, The Met) and Karen Ní Bhroin (Bregenz, ENO, INO), this is a rare chance for 6 conductors to learn first-hand about the opera world, to refine their skills on the podium, and to work with some of the most talented young singers in the world.

Andrew Watts

Masterclasses, discussion sessions and networking sessions with artists and management including:

Andrew Watts, counter tenor and General and Artistic Director of IVC
David Parry, conductor
Rob Hilberink, executive director, Rotterham International Conducting Competition
Rosemary Joshua, soprano and Artistic Director of Dutch National Opera Young Artists Programme
Karen Stone, General Director of Opera Europa
Roberta Alexander, soprano
Michael Chance, countertenor
Eva Maria Westbroek, soprano
Dame Gwyneth Jones, soprano
Monique Wagamakers, opera director
Sophie di Lint, Intendant of Dutch National Opera

Repertoire: to include arias and ensembles from operas by Mozart, Rossini and Puccini. Full details to be announced.

Dates: 3 – 6 October 2024 (3-5 are practical sessions; the panel discussions on 6 October are optional) 

Fee: €550

To apply: please submit links to 2 conducting videos (camera facing conductor), your CV and a 2 minute video explaining why you want to apply for this course. There is a €50 application fee which will be deducted from your course fee if you are successful.

Active places are strictly limited to 6 conductors. Priority will be given to applications received by 6 September 2024. This course is generously sponsored by an anonymous donor. AOD are not able to offer further scholarships on this occasion, but we offer flexible payment plans to those for whom it would be helpful.