International Conducting Masterclass

Lawrence Foster to Lead the IV Grzegorz Fitelberg International Conducting Masterclass – Masterclass 2025

Maestro Lawrence Foster, a world-renowned conductor, will lead the fourth edition of the Grzegorz Fitelberg International Conducting Masterclass at the Silesian Philharmonic. In June 2025, the most talented young conductors will have a unique opportunity to work with this outstanding artist, known for his masterful interpretations of both symphonic and operatic repertoire. Masterclass 2025 will offer one of the participants a direct qualification for Stage I of the XII Grzegorz Fitelberg International Conducting Competition in 2028.

Lawrence Foster, a Koussevitzky Prize laureate at Tanglewood, was an assistant to Zubin Mehta at the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Principal Guest Conductor of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. He has held music director positions at Houston Symphony, Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo, and Gulbenkian Orchestra. His impressive discography includes recordings for Pentatone and EMI, including the Grand Prix du Disque-winning performance of George Enescu’s opera Oedipe.

IV Grzegorz Fitelberg International Conducting Masterclass will take place on June 23–27, 2025, at the Silesian Philharmonic in Katowice and will be conducted entirely in English. The course includes two types of participation:

  • Active Participation (12 places) – participants will take part in:
    • Four days of conducting workshops with the Silesian Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra,
    • Recorded audio-video sessions,
    • Consultations on recorded materials,
    • Final rehearsal and concert on June 27, 2025,
    • Certificate of completion.
  • Passive Participation (20 places) – participants will observe the conducting workshops, final rehearsal, and concert, receiving a certificate of attendance. It will take place in a stationary or online formula (to be chosen by the Participant).

 Masterclass 2025 Program:

  • L. van Beethoven – Egmont Overture, op. 84
  • W. A. Mozart – Symphony No. 35 in D Major, “Haffner”, KV 385
  • C. Reinecke – Flute Concerto in D Major, op. 283
  • F. Schubert – Symphony No. 5 in B-flat Major, D 485

Award for the Most Outstanding Participant

Maestro Lawrence Foster, based on artistic merit, will automatically qualify one participant for Stage I of the XII Grzegorz Fitelberg International Conducting Competition in 2028.

Application for Masterclass 2025

To participate in the course, applicants must:

  • Be at least 18 years old (by May 14, 2025),
  • Have a musical education or be a student of a music program,
  • Speak English at a communicative level,
  • Demonstrate experience in conducting symphony orchestras.

Applicants must submit the following documents:

  • Completed application form (available at fitelbergcompetition.com),
  • CV with a short biography,
  • Portrait photo (600 dpi, TIF or JPG format),
  • Scan of a document confirming education or student status,
  • Link to an audio-video recording (3–10 minutes, AVI or MP4 format) showcasing the applicant as a conductor (e.g., a rehearsal or concert with an orchestra).

Application deadline: May 14, 2025

Participation Fees

Active Participation: 6,500 PLN or 1,550 €

Passive Participation: 500 PLN or 120 €