Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the conference takes place entirely online with a video conferencing solution. Click on this link in order to join the conference.

How can young musicians learn to become professional orchestra players?

A sensitive mind, shared sense of creativity, advanced technical proficiency with their instrument and collective discipline are all skills that will stand an orchestra musician in good stead. In recent years, French and international orchestras –including Orchestre de Paris– have set up orchestral academies, either as orchestral playing sessions or as training courses. Comparisons with current models used outside of France can serve as an inspiration to adapt the content of the training programmes. 

Simultaneous French<=>English translation will be available during the event.

26 MARCH 2021

9:30am – GREETINGS: Emmanuel Hondré (Head of the Concerts and Performances Department, Cité de la musique-Philharmonie de Paris)
9:45am – INTRODUCTION: ‘’What makes a good orchestral player nowadays?’’ by Deborah Borda (President and CEO, New York Philharmonic Orchestra). 
Interview made by Charlotte Gardner (Journalist). 

SESSION 1 
THE EXPERIENCE OF ORCHESTRAL PLAYING: COURSES AND PROGRAMMES
10:15am-12:30pm
Moderator: Emmanuel Hondré (Head of the Concerts and Performances Department, Cité de la musique-Philharmonie de Paris)

10:15am – ‘’Panorama of the orchestral academies in the world: history, types and modes of organisation.’’ by Vincent Agrech (Journalist) 
10:45am – ‘’Youth orchestras in France and worldwide: identifying synergies with orchestra academies.’’ by Renate Böck (President, European Federation of National Youth Orchestras) and Pierre Barrois (Director, Orchestre français des Jeunes) 
Break

PANEL DISCUSSION 1 – 11:30am-12:30pm
‘’Expectations of future orchestral musicians and feedback from existing courses and programmes.’’ 

•    Emilie Delorme (Director, Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris)
•    Marshall Marcus (General Secretary, European Union Youth Orchestra)
•    Jeanne Bonnet (Double bass player, Orchestre de Paris)
•    Delphine Blanc (Violist, Associate reseacher at the centre Georg Simmel EHESS, Teacher at Sciences Po Paris)
•    Arthur Stockel (Clarinettist, Orchestre Philharmonique du Luxembourg)
•    Liselotte Schricke (Flutist, Orchestre de chambre de Paris)
•    Léo Genet (Double bass player, Concertgebouworkest)

SESSION 2 
CREATING TRAINING COURSES: THE ACQUISITION OF THE ARTISTIC SKILLS NEEDED TO PLAY AS PART OF A GROUP
2:00pm-4:15pm

Moderator: Emmanuel Hondré (Head of the Concerts and Performances Department, Cité de la musique-Philharmonie de Paris)

2:00pm – ‘’History and goals of the Karajan Akademie: the central role of mentoring sessions in building the sound of the orchestra’’ by Peter Riegelbauer (Manager of the Karajan Akademie, Berliner Philharmoniker) 
2:15pm – ‘'The Academy as Platform for Opening Minds and Doors’’ by Stephen McHolm (Academy Director, Verbier Festival) and Roberto González-Monjas (Violinist and Conductor; Verbier Festival Orchestra alumnus; Chief Conductor, Dalasinfoniettan)
2:30pm – ‘’Improvisation sessions and social engagement: involvement of orchestra members in designing the Academy programme.’’ by Gonneke De Jong (Academy Coordinator, Concertgebouworkest)
2:45pm – "The Orchestre de Paris: what advantages for an immersive academy ?" by Rachel Dale (Education and Outreach Manager, Orchestre de Paris)
3:00pm – "The first master's degree in France for Orchestra Players." by Aline Sam-Giao (Executive Director, Auditorium-Orchestre national de Lyon) and Mathieu Ferey (Director, Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Lyon)

3:15pm – Discussion  

PANEL DISCUSSION 2 ‘’Orchestra recruitment auditions in Europe’’ – 3:30pm-4:15pm 
•    Anne-Sophie Brandalise (Director, Orchestre de Paris)
•    Fabienne Voisin (Director, Orchestre National d’Ile-de-France)
•    Emmanuel Laville (Solo oboe, Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra)
•    Steve Roger (General Director, Orchestre de la Suisse Romande)
•    Nicolas Droin (General Director, Orchestre de chambre de Paris)

Break

SESSION 3 
SPECIALISED REPERTOIRE AND EXPECTED SKILLS 
4:30pm-6:30pm
Moderator: Emmanuel Hondré (Head of the Concerts and Performances Department, Cité de la musique-Philharmonie de Paris)

4:30pm –  ‘‘Classical contemporary music playing techniques.’’ by Felix Heri (Director, Lucerne Festival Academy)
4:45pm – ‘‘Training future musicians in the symphonic and operatic repertoires.’’ by Myriam Mazouzi (Director of the Academy, Opéra de Paris) 
5:00pm –  "Lost in translation: Are orchestras and conservatoires speaking the same language when discussing orchestral training?" by Jonathan Vaughan (Vice Principal & Director of Music, Guildhall School of Music and Drama)
5:15pm – ‘’Why does 21st century orchestra need to evolve?’’ by Philippe Manoury (Composer)
5:30pm – Discussion 

PANEL DISCUSSION 3 ‘’Specialised repertoire and training in period instruments’’ – 5:45pm-6:30pm
•    Paul Agnew (Musical Co-Director, Les Arts Florissants)
•    Olivier Leymarie (General Manager, Ensemble intercontemporain)
•    Raimar Orlovsky (Managing Director, Berliner Barock Solisten) 
•    Emmanuelle Haïm (Director, Le Concert d’Astrée)
•    Duncan Ward (Musical Director, Orchestre des Jeunes de la Méditerranée)

27 MARCH 2021

9:30am – INTRODUCTION : ‘’Roles and tasks of future orchestra musicians.’’ by Klaus Mäkelä (Artistic Advisor (2020-21), Music Director (from September 2022), Orchestre de Paris)

SESSION 4 
EDUCATION IN ORCHESTRAL CULTURE AND THE HUMANITIES
10:00am-1:00pm
Moderator: Anne-Sophie Brandalise (Director, Orchestre de Paris)

10:00am – ‘’Should the musicians think? Philosophy in the music academy.’’ by Michael Barenboim (Dean, Chamber Music and Violin Professor, Barenboim-Said Akademie) and Roni Mann (Director of Humanities, Barenboim-Said Akademie)
10:30am – ‘’Stay connected to our time: training a multi-profile musician.’’ by HE Doug (Vice President, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra; Executive Director, Shanghai Orchestra Academy; Secretary General, The League of China Orchestras) 

PANEL DISCUSSION 4 ‘’Training and awareness of future musicians in orchestral governance.’’ – 11:00am-11:45am 

•    Carjez Gerretsen (Solo Clarinet, Paris Mozart Orchestra)
•    David Alberman (Violonist, Chair of the LSO Board and Orchestra Committee, London Symphony Orchestra)
•    Marie Linden (General Director, Orchestre Philharmonique de Strasbourg)
•    Christian van Eggelen (First Violin ; Chairman of the Verenigingsbestuur ; Board Member, Concertgebouworkest)
•    Charlotte Juillard (Concertmaster and member of the artistic committee, Orchestre Philharmonique de Strasbourg)
•    Stefan Dohr (Principal Horn and Orchestra Board Member, Berliner Philharmoniker)

Break

12:00pm – ‘’Leadership and construction of the group within the orchestra.’’ by Donald Glowinski (Researcher in neuropsychology, University of Geneva) 
12:30pm – ‘’The Tanglewood Music Center: Preparing Students for Life as Professional Musicians’’ by Michael Nock (Associate Director, Tanglewood Music Center) 
Break

SESSION 5 
CULTURAL MEDIATION AND HEALTHCARE 
2:30pm-6:00pm
Moderator: Emilie Delorme (Director, Conservatoire National de Musique et de Danse de Paris)

2:30pm – ‘’Leading music in communities: Musician training and skills.’’ by Andra East (Director, LSO Discovery, London Symphony Orchestra) 
3:00pm – ‘’Musician health and wellness programme’’ by Barbara Smith (CEO, Orchestre des Jeunes du Canada) 
3:30pm – ‘’Mental projections and coaching.’’ by Katharina Kühl (Musician of the orchestra ; Member of the board, Akademie NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchester)
4:00pm – ‘’Risks prevention and stress management’’ by André-François Arcier (Physician and President, Association Européenne Médecine des Arts)
Break

PANEL DISCUSSION 5 ‘’Raising awareness on health issues for musicians’’ – 4:45pm-5:30pm 

•    Clémence Quesnel (Deputy director, Association Française des Orchestres)
•    Barbara Smith (CEO, Orchestre des Jeunes du Canada)
•    Katharina Kühl (Musician of the orchestra; Member of the board, Akademie NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchester)
•    André-François Arcier (Physician and President, Association Européenne Médecine des Arts)

5:30pm – CONCLUSIONS by Donald Glowinski (Researcher in neuropsychology, University of Geneva)

Organising committee

- Anne-Sophie Brandalise, Director, Orchestre de Paris, Cité de la musique – Philharmonie de Paris
- Emilie Delorme, Director, Conservatoire National Supérieur de musique et de danse de Paris
- Emmanuel Hondré, Head of the Concerts and Performances Department, Cité de la musique – Philharmonie de Paris
- Mathilde Thomas, Coordinator of the symposiums and conferences, Cité de la musique – Philharmonie de Paris