The Reina Sofía School of Music in Madrid, Spain, opens the application period for all young orchestra conductors interested in studying at this institution during the academic year 2024-2025.
The new "Zubin Mehta" conducting chair, supported by Aline Foriel-Destezet, will be led by Nicolás Pasquet, with Jordi Francés and Miguel Ángel García Cañamero as associate professors. It offers a unique academic program that results in a Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Orchestra Conducting Studies.
Practical information
To be admitted to the program, candidates must have previously obtained a bachelor's degree in orchestra conducting, and a master's degree is an advantage.
The duration of the program varies depending on the student's profile, ranging from 1 to 2 years. The priority is to provide an enriching and close teaching experience, so the number of students is limited to 4.
The practical approach is one of the foundations of the program. Students have the unique opportunity to collaborate with prestigious Spanish and European orchestras and immerse themselves in a fully professional environment. Orchestras such as Orquesta de Extremadura, Orquesta Sinfónica de Castilla y León, Orquesta de Córdoba, Filharmonie Hradec Králové and Anhaltische Philharmonie Dessau will participate in the collaboration.
The application period ends on December 18, and student selection will take place through an audition process on February 22, 23 and 24, 2024.
A pre-selection is made from all received applications, and the selected candidates must audition in person at the school, with talent being the only criterion. They will work with a pianist, demonstrate their instrumental and vocal skills and work with an orchestra for a jury.
Reina Sofía School of Music
The Reina Sofía School of Music, considered one of the best European schools for young talents who wish to pursue music professionally, was founded in 1991 by Paloma O'Shea as a center for high-quality professional training with a dual purpose: to support the development of young musicians and bring music closer to everyone.
At the Reina Sofía School of Music, all students enjoy free tuition, thanks to sponsor scholarships, and furthermore, the school has a system of financial assistance to help students meet all their needs during the academic year.
Nicolás Pasquet
Prof. Nicolás Pasquet, born in Montevideo, Uruguay, studied violin and conducting in his birthplace and later completed his studies at the Hochschule für Musik in Stuttgart and Nürnberg, Germany.
In 1986 and 1987, Pasquet was selected for the National Program for Young Conductors by the German Council for Music, and in 1987 he won First Prize at the 37th International Conducting Competition in Besançon, France.
He led multiple international concert tours and was chief conductor of orchestras in Hungary and Germany. Pasquet has an extensive discography and has been professor of conducting at the FRANZ LISZT University for Music in Weimar, Germany since 1994. He has also given masterclasses and has been chief conductor of the Hesse Youth Symphony Orchestra since 2009.