Yesterday the 3rd International MasterclassBudapest has started with intense work on the two Divertimentos by Bartók and Rautavaara, and the charmingly beautiful Petite Symphony by Gounod. Players of the MÁV Symphony Orchestra delivered a delicate performance of all pieces, and provided a relaxed working environment. Tomorrow we continue with Les Preludes and Sibelius 2nd Symphony!

The final concert of the Masterclass took place at the Celebration Hall of the National Museum in Budapest. The honorary guest of the concert was Petri Tuomi-Nikula, Finnish ambassador. The MÁV Symphony Orchestra played a splendidy the program, including Beethoven, Brahms, Sibelius and Bartók's pieces, under the batons of our talented participants.
A big thank you to our conductors, the musicians of the orchestra, all our supporters, and of course: to the Maestro!

The general rehearsal for the final concert has just started.

Every day, the four hours session with the MÁV Symphony Orchestra is recorded on video. After lunchbreak, the videos are analyzed together with Maestro Panula. Each participants can see (and hear!), what they have done in the morning, with comments from the Maestro. It is a great way to see certain moments several times, or ask questions regarding technique or music, in a relaxed athmosphare. Also, a good possibility to learn from each other. The participants receive their recordings each day, so they can analyze it further.
Besides the intense sessions, there is also time to discover Budapest, with the help of professional guides, and taste some local food and drinks.

The Second Masterclass Budapest has officially started. Extensive lessons with Maestro Jorma Panula and the MÁV Symphony Orchestra.

Photos by Yoko Yokota, Huba Holloköi
Las Saturday, the MAV Orchestra played a splendid concert under the baton of the participants of the Budapest Conducting Masterclass. The hard work during the week payed off very well, the audience could enjoy a wonderful music making and honored all the participants with long applause. 

In the morning, from 10-14, the participants work on the course repertoire with the MAV Symphony orchestra in equally devided time slots. The morning sessions are video recorded, and the sessions are analyzed in the afternoon by Maestro Ed Spanjaard. The afternoon is also the time to discuss special musical and technical details - sometimes with the help of the piano.

Mojca Lavrencic is conducting Les Preludes on the general rehearsal. Toi toi toi! 

Photo by Yoko Yokota 

Because of the sudden illness of Maestro Panula, the past few weeks became very busy, but we can say, we could not be happier to have Maestro Ed Spanjaard on board! The lessons have started yesterday, the orchestra is tuned, and the nine participants from all over the world do their best to prepare for the final concert on Saturday. 
Here are some images from the past two days.