GHCC

The George Hurst Conductors’ Course

Rodolfo Saglimbeni director

with Denise Ham biography

assisted by John Longstaff biography

6 to 13 August 2023

The George Hurst Conductors’ Course is internationally recognised as one of the foremost summer programmes for training conductors. Students from intermediate to advanced levels are invited to hone their craft through practical experience and tuition that is focused on their individual needs.

Key features:

All students who play orchestral instruments are expected to bring them to play in the class ensemble. Students who are competent pianists will be asked to assist with playing piano reductions and may wish to acquire knowledge of them in advance.

The course will start at 14.30hrs on Sunday afternoon. In this session all students will be invited to conduct a short section of a movement of their choice from the set repertoire so that the tutors can make a preliminary assessment.

Repertoire (Any reputable edition is acceptable but in case of doubt the following editions are recommended).

The course is designed for conducting students in full time study, professional performers, educators and amateurs.

The ethos of the class is collaborative, friendly and supportive.

All participants receive podium time in individually tutored workshops with a class ensemble or piano. For more advanced students there are repertoire sessions with a larger orchestra in the afternoons from Monday to Thursday and on Thursday evening. A camcorder will be available in orchestral sessions; all students are asked to bring their own labelled standard SD card if they wish to create a record of their work.

The course is structured to provide all students with daily technique sessions, musicianship classes, score preparation and rehearsal techniques. Observers are welcome from all musical backgrounds and at any level and can participate in technique sessions and the class orchestra. They do not receive individual tuition but towards the end of the week there will be an opportunity for them to conduct if they wish.

Mozart
Brahms
Dvorak

Stravinsky

Symphony No.41 (Jupiter), K.621
Tragic Overture, Op.81
Slavonic Dances, Op.46
The Firebird, Suite for Orchestra (1919)

Barenreiter
Breitkopf and Härtel
Breitkopf and Härtel
Eulenburg

Frequently Asked Questions

Score Learning Techniques

Private lessons in score learning skills will be available out of session time from John Longstaff. These will cost £25.00 per half hour and will be bookable at the summer school through the summer school office. Score learning technique lessons are open to both participants and observers.

Please note

The summer school does not have a music shop in residence. Students are asked to purchase course materials before they arrive at the school either from their local music supplier or from our nominated internet supplier, Forsyth Music. The following address will take you straight to the Sherborne Summer School section of Forsyth’s website and there you will find the music for your course ready to purchase:

https://www.forsyths.co.uk/34342-sherborne-summer-school-of-music-2023