Maestro Martin Sieghart & the West Bohemian Symphony Orchestra
November 23–27, 2026, Mariánské Lázně (Marienbad), Czech Republic
5-day masterclass for conductors
Program:
Wagner – Siegfried-Idyll (17'- 19')
Bartók – Divertimento for Strings (25-27')
Rossini – La scala di seta Overture (6')
Beethoven – Symphony No. 7 (38')
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
• each Active participant will conduct a 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 more semi-active options.
Concert
The Final concert will be held on November 27, 2026 at the City Concert Hall, in Mariánské Lázně
The concert program will be divided among participants. Apply to the masterclass
Schedule
Sunday, Nov 22 - arrival Monday, Nov 23 - piano rehearsals Tuesday, Nov 24 - 8:30-12:00 - orchestra rehearsal
afternoon - piano rehearsal Wednesday, Nov 25 - 9:30-12:30, 14:00-17:00 orchestra rehearsals Thursday, Nov 26 - 8:30-12:00 orchestra rehearsal, afternoon - video analysis session Friday, November 27 – orchestra rehearsal from 9:00 to 12:00;
final concert at 19:30 Saturday, Nov 28 - departure
MAESTRO
Martin Sieghart 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.
• Honorary Principal Conductor with the Arnhem Philharmonic Orchestra (Holland) (since 2009)
• Chief conductor of the Arnhem Philharmonic Orchestra (Holland) (since 2003)
• Permanent guest conductor with New Japan Philharmonic and Brucknerhaus Orchestra Linz
• Professor at the University of Music and Performing Arts, Graz. (2000-2016)
• Artistic Director of the chamber orchestra "Spirit of Europe" (2005-2008)
• Founder & Artistic Director of the opera festival "Mozart in Reinsberg" (2002-2006)
• Principal Guest Conductor of the Israel Chamber Orchestra (Israel) (since 2012)
• Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the Linz opera (1992-2000)
• Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the Bruckner Orchestra Linz (1992)
• Co-founder of the "EntArteOpera" festival together with Susanne Thomasberger and Philipp Harnoncourt. (since 1997)
• Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra (1990-1995)
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
Language
The masterclass will be taught in English, Maestro Sieghart also speaks German, Dutch, Italian,
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.
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.
