Saint-Saëns: Symphony No. 2 in A minor op. 55 (25')
Robert Schumann: Cello Concerto in A minor, Op. 129 (23')
Ludwig van Beethoven: Symphony No. 4 in B-flat major, Op. 60 (35')
Conductors are expected to purchase and study their scores before the start of the masterclass for conductors. It is important that you listen to the pieces and prepare them thoroughly to gain the maximum benefits from the masterclass.
Each active participant will be entitled to:
• 90 minutes of podium time conducting The West Bohemian Symphony Orchestra
• 60 minutes of podium time in piano sessions
• attendance at all meetings, classes and rehearsals
• conducting the dress rehearsal and the Final concert Each Semi-active participant will be entitled to:
• 90 minutes of podium time in four-hand piano sessions
• attendance at all meetings, classes, rehearsals and the final concert, without the opportunity to conduct the orchestra
• Please contact the masterclass manager for additional semi-active participation options.
Concert
The Final concert will be held on 5 February, 2027 at the City Concert Hall, in Mariánské Lázně
The concert program will be divided among participants. Apply to the masterclass
MAESTRO
Charles Olivieri-Munroe is one of the most versatile musicians of his country. He is a conductor of worldwide demand, a teacher of many successful international students, a founder and music director of several festivals, a former longstanding principal cellist of the Vienna Symphony Orchestra, organist, repetiteur and has acted as an accompanist on the piano for his own Opera and Orchestral projects.
• International Director of the Nashville International Chopin Piano Competition (since 2025)
• Principal Guest Conductor of the Thüringen Philharmonie, Germany
• Honorary Music Director of the North Czech Philharmonic
• Resident Conductor at the Round Top Festival Institute, Texas, USA
• Regular Guest Conductor of the Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra (since 2015)
• Artistic Director of the Cracow Philharmonic Orchestra (2015–2021)
• Chief Conductor of Philharmonie Südwestfalen, Germany (2011–2018)
• Chief Conductor of the North Czech Philharmonic (1997–2014)
• Chief Conductor of the Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra (2001–2004)
• First Prize, Prague Spring International Conducting Competition (2000)
• Associate Conductor of the Brno Philharmonic (1995–1997)
• Associate Conductor of the Karlovy Vary Symphony Orchestra (1993–1995) Read more about Maestro Charles Olivieri-Munroe
Visit official website: https://www.olivieri-munroe.com/
ORCHESTRA
In the picturesque Mariánské Lázně, the West-Bohemian Symphony Orchestra (WBSO) stands as the oldest symphony orchestra in the Czech lands, with a rich history dating back to 1821. Renowned as a highly professional ensemble, the WBSO offers conductors an exceptional opportunity to refine their craft with musicians of the highest caliber.
The orchestra boasts an extensive touring schedule across Europe and a wealth of experience performing all major classical masterpieces. During the summer, it fulfills its traditional role as a Promenade orchestra, performing for audiences in Mariánské Lázně and neighboring regions, including Germany.
With a prestigious 50-year collaboration with the Chopin Festival and a commitment to excellence, the WBSO provides conductors the chance to lead a highly professional ensemble steeped in tradition yet adaptable to contemporary musical demands. Join the WBSO in the heart of Europe and bring your conducting vision to life in one of the most inspiring musical settings.
Link: WBSO
SOLOIST
Hemeizi Wu is a Chinese cellist and educator based in Germany, active in solo and chamber performance across China and Europe. Her artistic work brings together performance, chamber music and teaching, alongside a developing interest in artistic research.
She holds a Master of Music in Cello Performance from the Royal Conservatory of Brussels, where she studied with Viviane Spanoghe and Olsi Leka, and a Bachelor’s degree from Zhejiang Conservatory of Music. She has received further guidance from renowned cellists including Leonid Gorokhov, László Fenyő, Gary Hoffman, Maria Kliegel, Anne Gastinel and Andrei Ioniță.
Her recent performances include appearances at BOZAR – Centre for Fine Arts Brussels, the Malta Spring Festival and the Kronos Quartet’s Fifty for the Future Marathon. As a chamber musician, she won Second Prize at the 2023 SCO International String & Chamber Music Competition and First Prize at the 2021 China Silk Road International Arts Competition.
Wu also has experience as a principal cellist and is active as a cello and chamber music teacher. She is currently developing an Artistic PhD proposal at the University of Münster, focusing on the relationship between musical performance and the performer’s inner development.
Language
The masterclass will be taught in English, Maestro Charles Olivieri-Munroe also speaks German and Czech
Recording
Video recordings of orchestra rehearsals and the concert are included in the price.
All sessions with the orchestra will be video recorded and each conductor will receive their recordings via the internet.
The active participant’s fee is €2000.
The fee includes:
- conducting the West Bohemian Symphony Orchestra | * 90 minutes
- individual lessons with Maestro | * 60 minutes of podium time in piano sessions;
- participation in all meetings, classes and rehearsals;
- the final concert;
- video recordings of orchestra rehearsals and the final concert
Please email the Masterclass manager regarding other options.
We also offer flexible terms for half-active participants.
Semi-active participant fee is €600 Semi-active participant fee includes:
- 90 minutes of podium time in piano sessions
- attendance at all meetings, classes, rehearsals, and the final concert as an observer
- Possible podium time Daily Visitors' (passive participation) fee is €40
There is no registration or application fee. Payment schedule
- 25% of the participant fee must be paid upon confirmation of your participation by the organizers;
- the remaining balance must be paid via bank transfer no later than 30 days before the start of the masterclass.
The deposit is fully refundable only if the masterclass is canceled by the organizer.
For an individual payment plan, please contact the Course Manager
Accommodation
Accommodation costs must be covered by each participant of the masterclass. Participants are free to choose any hotel for their stay.
Transportation
Travel costs are to be covered by each participant. Getting from Prague to Mariánské Lázně by Train
2½ hours via hourly IC/EC trains
One-way fares typically start at approximately €15. Please check the
current timetable and fare before travelling.
Link: Click here to read more about trains from Prague to Mariánské Lázně.
Feel free to contact us; we will be happy to assist you with planning your trip A Certificate of Achievement will be awarded to all participants upon the successful completion of the masterclass for conductors.
Apply to the masterclass Masterclasses for conductors with a full-size orchestra. Conducting Programs include Opera & Orchestral Conducting masterclasses and workshops, Masterclass venues & locations: Prague, Mariánské Lázně, Olomouc, Karlovy Vary.
Charles Olivieri-Munroe is one of the most versatile musicians of his country. He is a conductor of worldwide demand, a teacher of many successful international students, a founder and music director of several festivals, a former longstanding principal cellist of the Vienna Symphony Orchestra, organist, repetiteur and has acted as an accompanist on the piano for his own Opera and Orchestral projects.
Hemeizi Wu is a Chinese cellist and educator based in Germany, active in solo and chamber performance across China and Europe. Her artistic work brings together performance, chamber music and teaching, alongside a developing interest in artistic research.
She holds a Master of Music in Cello Performance from the Royal Conservatory of Brussels, where she studied with Viviane Spanoghe and Olsi Leka, and a Bachelor’s degree from Zhejiang Conservatory of Music. She has received further guidance from renowned cellists including Leonid Gorokhov, László Fenyő, Gary Hoffman, Maria Kliegel, Anne Gastinel and Andrei Ioniță.