Applications open for DR Koncerthuset’s Malko Academy
Florence Lockheart
Thursday, March 3, 2022
The academy will offer six successful candidates training in musical analysis, aural training, musical theory, piano and conducting technique as well as masterclasses.
The DR Koncerthuset in Copenhagen has today opened applications for the Malko Academy for Young Conductors, a two-year educational programme for conductors from across Europe, offering musical training as well as conducting masterclasses.
The academy curriculum will include musical analysis, aural training, musical theory, piano and conducting technique. The academy’s most important aim is to give young aspiring conductors the chance to conduct professional musicians and so students will attend masterclasses by Danish National Symphony Orchestra (DNSO) chief conductor Fabio Luisi and regular guest conductors of the DNSO.
Luisi talked about the reasoning behind this approach. He said: ‘It is absolutely crucial to the future of classical music that we gain a new generation of proficient young conductors who can carry the music further. When I was young, I really had to struggle to get proper teaching and the opportunity to test my abilities in front of a real orchestra. So I feel a truly great responsibility for forming and raising a new generation.’
Tuition, travel and accommodation for academy students has been provided through a partnership with the Swiss Fondation Caris. Kim Bohr, head of DR Koncerthuset, said: ‘It is absolutely vital that it is not the financial situation of the applicants that decides whether or not they are able to participate in the educational programme in Copenhagen. We are only able to realise such high ambitions via external funding.’
The new academy will run in addition to DR Koncerthuset’s existing Danish Malko School of Conducting which teaches a younger age group. DR Koncerthuset also hosts the triennial Malko Competition for Young Conductors.
Manager of the new Malko Academy for Young Conductors, Dominik Falenski, said: ‘We know from the Malko Competition that most young conductors come from an academy of music background … with the new Malko Academy we would like to help such young people get up onto the conductor’s podium much earlier – possibly while they are still studying an instrument in their home country.’
Applicants must be 18-25 years of age and submit their applications via the Malko Competition website by 20 April 2022. Pre-selection will take place on 30 April, with entrance exams taking place on 24-27 June. Academy tuition for six successful candidates will begin on 2 September 2022.