Ten active participants will enjoy an intensive five-day conducting masterclass in Helsinki with maestro Sasha Mäkilä and the Helsinki Metropolitan Orchestra.
The course includes four orchestra rehearsals, a public final concert, and daily technique sessions with a faculty pianist in preparation for each rehearsal.
Each conductor is guaranteed a minimum of 20 minutes of podium time with the orchestra every day, plus a performance at the final concert on February 26. The focus of the masterclass will be on conducting technique, rehearsal skills, and communication with the orchestra and soloists. The course will once again include collaboration with singers from the Mirjam Helin Singing Academy.
All sessions may be videotaped for personal study. String players are encouraged to bring their instrument and join the orchestra in rehearsals and in the final concert.
PROGRAM
Ludwig van Beethoven: Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67
Leevi Madetoja: Elegia for string orchestra
Opera arias with singers from the Mirjam Helin Singing Academy
Mezzo-soprano Emma Karsten
Further soloist and repertoire details TBA
ORCHESTRA
The Helsinki Metropolitan Orchestra was founded in 2017 by a group of professional musicians, music students, and dedicated amateurs. The orchestra performs symphonic concerts, participates in opera productions, and is active in the wider Helsinki metropolitan area music scene.
VENUES
Piano sessions:
Käpylä Music School
Käpylänkuja 1, Helsinki
Orchestra rehearsals:
Koskela Church
Käpyläntie 11, Helsinki
Final concert:
Venue TBA
PRELIMINARY SCHEDULE
Monday, February 22
12:00 Registration
13:00–15:00 Piano session
17:00–21:00 Orchestra rehearsal
Tuesday, February 23
13:00–15:00 Piano session
17:00–21:00 Orchestra rehearsal
Wednesday, February 24
13:00–15:00 Piano session
17:00–21:00 Orchestra rehearsal
Thursday, February 25
13:00–15:00 Piano session
17:00–21:00 Orchestra rehearsal
Friday, February 26
Dress rehearsal
Final public concert
Feedback session and afterparty
Exact times on the final day will be confirmed later.
FEES
Active participant: €1600
Early Bird: €1500 if the full course fee is paid by November 30, 2026.
To secure a place on the masterclass, a €600 deposit is required upon acceptance. The deposit is credited toward the total course fee.
Passive participant: €200
Cancellation policy
A €100 reservation fee included in the deposit is non-refundable in case of cancellation. Further cancellation terms will be communicated upon acceptance.
LODGING
Participants arrange their own accommodation, but Helsinki offers a wide range of options.
Sharing accommodation with other students is encouraged as a practical way to reduce costs. Käpylä and Koskela are easily accessible by public transport from central Helsinki.
APPLICATIONS
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
There are 10 places for active participants. Applications may close once all active places have been filled.
Applicants are asked to submit the information requested in the online application form, including a short professional biography and a publication-quality headshot.
FACULTY
Sasha Mäkilä
Taru Ritavesi (piano)