Application deadline: June 20, 2026, 23:59, EET
Application
“Forces of Destiny – How Verdi, Mozart, Wagner, Brahms, Beethoven, Rachmaninov and Tchaikovsky Faced Fate In Music“ Masterclass with John Axelrod and Bucharest Symphony Orchestra
All ages, active, beginner, and passive students are welcome. There is no limit on the number of attendees for passive seats. Active participants, up to 27 seats.
Application fee: €50. Selection is based on the submitted video, evaluated by the Jury. The Jury’s decision is final — no appeals accepted. Applying to both Masterclass and Competition requires only one fee.
After applying, you’ll receive a personal anonymous code to track your application status at https://conducting.academy/live-application-status/.
If your status shows “Awaiting Proof of Payment,” pay your package fee and email proof of payment (PDF) to info@conducting.academy.
July 2-5, 2026
Location
Sala Auditorium – National University of Music Bucharest, Stirbei Voda 33, 010102 Bucharest, Romania, Sector 1. The hall is located near the Cismigiu Park.
Masterclass Repertoire
The Masterclass will be held in English/French.
The participants must provide their own scores.
Overtures
- Giuseppe Verdi – La forza del destino Overture, Revised version, 1869, Publisher Info. Milan: G. Ricordi, n.d.(ca.1904)- Download from IMSLP
- W.A. Mozart – Don Giovanni Overture, K.527 – Publisher Info. Leipzig: C.F. Peters, No. 4505, n.d.[1941]. Plate 11456.- Download from IMSLP
- Richard Wagner – Siegfried Idyll, WWV 103 – Leipzig: Breitkopf und Härtel, n.d.(ca.1900). Plate Part.-B. 2426. Reprinted New York: E.F. Kalmus, n.d.(1933–70).. Download from IMSLP
Concerto
- Serghei Rachmaninov – Piano Concerto No.3, Op.30 – Reprinted London: Boosey & Hawkes, 1910. Plate B. & H. 16855 – Download from IMSLP
Symphony
- Johannes Brahms – Symphony No.1, Op.68 – Publisher Info. Sämtliche Werke, Band 1 Leipzig: Breitkopf & Härtel, 1926-27. Plate J.B. 1 Download from IMSLP
Schedule
Welcome Ceremony, July 2, 09:00am @ Sala Auditorium.
July 2, 2025
- 09:30-10:30 – Opening Ceremony / Seminar with John Axelrod
- 11:00-16:00 – Masterclass with BSO – reduced formula / chamber orchestra (10m / student)
July 3, 2025
- 10:00-15:00 – Masterclass with BSO (10m / student)
- 17:00 – Seminar / Student Video Analysis with John Axelrod
July 4, 2025
- 10:00-15:00 – Masterclass with BSO (10m / student)
- 17:00 – Student Video Analysis with John Axelrod
July 5, 2025
- 10:00-15:00 – Masterclass with BSO (10m / student)
Each student will have the opportunity during the Masterclass to conduct the orchestra four times.
The schedule is subject to change.
No phones, guests, or recording devices are permitted in the session. An official recording of your performance can be ordered for €50, payable in Bucharest.