About

• Haydn Symphony No. 88, Fourth Movement – 3 minutes 40 seconds
• Berlioz Carnaval Overture – 9 minutes 20 seconds
• Brahms Symphony No. 2, First Movement – 16 minutes
• Schubert Rosamunde Overture – 10 minutes 55 seconds
• Brahms Academic Festival Overture – 10 minutes
• Brahms Symphony No. 4, Last Movement – 10 minutes
• Weber Oberon Overture – 10 minutes 0 seconds
• Sibelius Finlandia – 8 minutes
• Beethoven Symphony No. 2, First Movement – 10 minutes 17 seconds
• Mozart Magic Flute Overture – 6 minutes
• Wieniawski Polonaise Brillante – Approx. 5-6 minutes
• Rachmaninoff Vocalise – 6 minutes
• Opera Aria (to be decided) – Duration TBD

• Application deadline: April 1, 2026.
• All tuition payments are non-refundable after April 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). You will need to provide proof of insurance cover to admissions faculty
• 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.

• A €500 deposit is required and non-refundable on successful acceptance of application. The €500 deposit to enroll is subtracted from the total tuition amount of the enrolling conductor.

• Tuition is fully refundable if the conductor cancels prior to April 1, 2026.

• If a conductor cancels, for any reason, on or after April 1, 2026 (GMT+2), the tuition is non-refundable.

• Remaining tuition amounts from enrolled conductors are due before April 1, 2026. The Gleeson Institute Conducting Summer Program reserves the right to cancel any conductor’s participation if the tuition is not paid in full prior to this date. In this event, tuition paid up until this date will be refunded, less the non-refundable deposit.

• Accommodation is included in the Tuition cost.

• Please note that there is no airport in Vratsa, and that all flight tickets should be booked in and out of the airport in Sofia, Bulgaria (SOF).

• Basic prerequisites:

• Practical knowledge of the following beat patterns: 4/4, 3/4, 2/4, 1, 6/8, 9/8, 5/4

• Conductors should prepare works with relevant cues marked, and formulated musical structure suitable to facilitate practical learning of each score.

• Scores are to be purchased OR at the very least, comb bound (if copies are used). No iPads are to be used in conducting sessions.

• Conductors should bring a computer capable of downloading/transferring their recorded sessions from each day as part of their record of progress/learning tool.

• All conductors are required to provide proof of health insurance that covers them in the event of emergency during their participation in the course.

• The course will be delivered in English so an intermediate level of language ability is required.

What does my tuition cover?

• All audio/video recordings of the rehearsal and concert sessions (including HD video footage)

• The entire lecture/rehearsal/concert program as presented.

What my tuition does NOT cover:

• Any Visa expenses, if applicable.

• Travel arrangements to/from Vratsa.

• Travel arrangements to/from the airport.

• Food expenses during your stay.

• Social expenses.

What is the language of instruction?

The masterclass will be conducted in English.

Is there an application process?

Yes, applications are reviewed on the basis of CV, conducting video, and statement of intent. Successful applicants will be notified by email and must pay the €500 deposit.

Do I need a Visa?

Most of the time, no – students can come to Bulgaria for the duration of the course on a travel Visa with no problem. Check if your country requires a Visa.

How will I get to Vratsa?

Sofia Airport is the arrival point. Options:

• Taxi ~100 leva (€50)

• Private car ~70 leva (€30)

• Bus 10–20 leva (€5–10)

What is the experience level of participants?

Intermediate and advanced level conductors seeking to refine technique.

Minimum age?

18 years unless accompanied by a guardian.

Why no reply to my email?

Check Spam/Junk folder. Allow processing time for review.

We respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal data. The information you submit via our application form is used solely for processing your application and administering your participation if accepted. Your data is stored securely and shared only with faculty and administrative staff. You may request access, correction, or deletion of your data at any time. A separate checkbox for GDPR consent should be added to the application form.

By participating, you grant permission for the organizers to photograph, film, and record rehearsals and performances for educational, archival, and promotional use. You retain the right to use your personal video rehearsal recordings for portfolio purposes. Public sharing of concerts is permitted.

If the Conducting Summer Program must be cancelled or postponed due to circumstances beyond our control (force majeure) such as natural disasters, strikes, pandemics, or insufficient enrollment, all tuition paid will be refunded in full or credited toward a future session, at your choice. Additional costs such as airfare or lodging cannot be covered by the organizers.

We are committed to a collegial, respectful learning environment. Participants must treat faculty, colleagues, and orchestra members with respect. Harassment, discrimination, or disruptive behavior may result in dismissal without refund. Valid health insurance must be maintained during the program.