Conductor’s chance to train with the best

An opportunity to train with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra has been “like gold dust” to a handful of budding conductors from Australia and New Zealand.

Australian Conducting Academy participants rehearse with the TSO. Picture: FIONA HARDING

AN opportunity to train with the accomplished Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra has been “like gold dust” to a handful of budding conductors from Australia and New Zealand.

The eight conductors were selected for the Australian Conducting Academy Summer School from a field of 49 applicants.

They spent the past three-days rehearsing with the TSO leading up to a free public concert to conclude the program at Federation Concert Hall in Hobart last night.

Works by composers Brahms, Shostakovich and Sibelius were among last night’s repertoire.

Melbourne born and UK-based participant Scott Wilson, 33, said it was a rare and “unbelievable privilege” to train with an orchestra of such a high calibre.

Australian Conducting Academy participants Leonard Weiss and Scott Wilson. Picture: FIONA HARDING

“Time in front of a professional orchestra is hugely important,” he said.

“It’s quite difficult to get any time as a conductor and your training might be with community orchestras or with youth orchestras.

“A professional orchestra responds in a completely different way. Time in front of a professional orchestra is like gold dust.”

The eight participants received their training under the leadership of Course Director and TSO Principal Guest Conductor Johannes Fritzsch.

Students gained from rehearsals with pianists as well as six orchestra calls with the TSO over the course of the school.

Fritzsch is the Course Leader of the recently founded Australian Conducting Academy in co-operation between UTAS and the TSO.