For more information Email: info@conductingsummerprogram.com
More podium time. More professional feedback. More musical leadership.
This is not just a program — it is the proving ground for the next generation of conductors.
This is the most podium-intensive conducting program on Earth — unmatched in scope, depth, and opportunity.
Set in the dramatic landscape of Vratsa, Bulgaria, featuring the Vratsa Symphony Orchestra and led by the team from the internationally acclaimed Gleeson Conducting Institute, this is a rare opportunity to command the sound of a professional ensemble — again and again.
Dates: July 9th – July 29th, 2026
Location: Vratsa, Bulgaria
Venue: Hemus Spa Hotel
This elite summer program is designed for intermediate to advanced conductors seeking the most generous podium time offered by any summer program worldwide. Over 21 days, participants rehearse with the Vratsa Symphony Orchestra, guided by master faculty and culminating in four public concerts.
Each day includes:
Across the program, each participant will spend over 7 hours on the podium — a level of orchestral access unrivaled by any other conducting program.
Participants receive dedicated mentorship and detailed feedback from globally respected conducting faculty:
Participants will prepare and conduct symphonic works by Brahms, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Schubert, and others (TBD), as well as selected opera arias, ensembles, and concertos for violin and piano. Repertoire is uniform during rehearsals to support shared learning, but concert assignments are individualized — each participant will conduct different works from each other in performance.
All rehearsals are video recorded, and each public concert is filmed and captured with additional professional-grade video and audio. Participants receive all files in editable formats suitable for auditions, competitions, and professional applications.
Participants are housed in the Hemus Spa Hotel, nestled in the Balkan Mountains. Each private room includes breakfast, Wi-Fi, and access to the hotel’s pool, sauna, and fitness center.
Additional nights available by request. This might be necessary for participants travelling from Asia, U.S., or Australia to give them time to get over jet lag before commencing the program.
Website: http://hotelhemus.com
Tuition Fee: €6,650
Includes: private accommodation, full access to all rehearsals and concerts, mentorship, recordings, and portfolio support.
Non-refundable deposit of €500 due upon acceptance. Remaining balance due by May 1, 2026.
This program is capped at a limited number of participants (12) to ensure extensive podium time for each conductor. Admission is competitive and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Scholarships are not currently offered.
A limited number of Auditor (Passive Participant) places are available for those who wish to observe the full program experience without taking the podium.
This is an ideal opportunity for emerging conductors, educators, or professionals considering future active participation in the program.
Due to the limited number of active participant spots (12), applications will continue to be accepted after capacity is reached. Each year, one or two selected participants are occasionally forced to withdraw due to illness, visa issues, or personal circumstances. As such, a waiting list is maintained to fill these vacancies on short notice. Candidates who are accepted onto the waiting list will be notified of their status and may be offered placement if an opening arises.
For sponsors, parents, or institutions supporting a participant, this program provides measurable outcomes and tangible career assets in exchange for a one-time investment.
The mentorship received here is personal, in-depth, and tailored to your trajectory — not generic advice. Participants have leveraged their footage to win festival invitations, guest conducting engagements, and entry into top-level graduate programs. A single professional recording can open the door to graduate school admission, assistantships, international conducting competitions, or professional jobs.
Admission is by application only. Applicants must submit the following:
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Early applications are encouraged due to the program’s limited capacity (12 active participants). Successful applicants will be notified within two weeks of submission. A €500 deposit is required to confirm placement.
Participants are responsible for their own travel to and from Sofia, Bulgaria. Ground transportation from Sofia Airport to Vratsa is available by train (approx. 2 hours), bus or private car.
Hemus Hotel is located in the center of Vratsa and is walkable to shops, restaurants, and cultural sites.
Additional excursions may be arranged based on interest and availability.
Visa support documents can be provided upon request for international participants.
All tuition payments are non-refundable after May 1, 2026.
In the event of program cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances, participants will receive a full refund.
Participants are responsible for their own insurance (health, travel, and instrument, if applicable).
The Gleeson Conducting Institute is not liable for any personal injury or property loss during the program.
By submitting payment, participants agree to be recorded (audio and video) during all sessions and grant permission for excerpts to be used for educational or promotional purposes, unless otherwise requested in writing.
Email: info@conductingsummerprogramme.com
Ph: +359 88 796 3030
The Conducting Summer Program is presented by the Gleeson Conducting Institute and operates under the auspices of the “Film Scoring Academy of Europe” for administration and banking.
Bulgarian Company Number: 207560434 Ltd
Bank Information:
Account Name: Film Scoring Academy of Europe
Bank Name: First Investment Bank
IBAN Number: BG73FINV91501017859485
BIC/SWIFT: FINVBGSF
Business Address: Sofia Office, 66 Vitosha Blvd., 4th Floor, Sofia 1463, Bulgaria
With only 12 places available each year, this programme fills fast.
Visit www.conductingsummerprogramme.com to reserve your place.