Maestro Rüdiger Bohn & The West Bohemian Symphony Orchestra
June 15–20, 2025, Marienbad, Czech Republic
6-day masterclass for conductors
Program:
Mozart - Symphony No. 38
Beethoven - Symphony No. 2
Mendelssohn - Symphony No. 3
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 four hand 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 June 20, 2025 at the City Concert Hall, in Marienbad
The concert program will be divided among participants.
MAESTRO
Maestro Rüdiger Bohn is a German conductor, pianist, and educator based in Düsseldorf. He studied piano (Günter Ludwig and David Levine) and conducting (Volker Wangenheim) at the conservatoires in Cologne and Düsseldorf, attended masterclasses with Leonard Bernstein, Sergiu Celebidache, and John Eliot Gardiner. He gained opera experience in several engagements at various opera houses (Brussels, Basel, Lübeck) and served as the Artistic Director of the Contemporary Opera in Berlin for more than ten years.
As an orchestral conductor, he collaborated with orchestras all over Europe, as there are for example the RAI symphony orchestras in Rome and Turin, the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, the London Symphony Orchestra. He is a regular guest In Korea and Japan, working several times at the Tongyeong- and Takefu International Festival, with the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra and regularly as principal guest conductor with the Kobe Chamber Orchestra.
Rüdiger Bohn is a passionate educator. He teaches at several international masterclasses. Since 2005 he is a professor of conducting at the Robert-Schuman-Hochschule Düsseldorf. Read more about Rudiger Bohn here: https://ruediger-bohn.de/biographie/
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
Language
The masterclass will be taught in English, Maestro Bohnh also speaks German
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 videos via Internet.
Location
The course will take place in Marienbad, Czech Republic. The town is located 125 km from Prague. You can watch a short video about Marienbad here
Masterclass fees
The active participant fee is € 1950.
The fee includes:
- conducting the West Bohemian Symphony Orchestra | * 90 minutes
- individual lessons with Maestro Bohn | * 60 minutes of podium time in four-hands piano sessions;
- participation in all meetings, classes and rehearsals;
- the final concert;
- video recordings of orchestra rehearsals and the final concert
Semi-active participant fee is €600 Semi-active participant fee includes:
- 90 minutes of podium time in four hand piano sessions
- attendance at all meetings, classes, rehearsals, and the final concert as an observer
- Possible podium time with the orchestra (subject to availability)
Please email the Masterclass manager regarding other options. 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 Marienbad by Train
2½ hours via hourly IC/EC trains
The regular fare is €15.
Link: Click here to read more about trains from Prague to Marienbad.
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, Marienbad, Olomouc, Karlovy Vary.
