The Chief Conductor of the Uppsala Chamber Orchestra, Rebecca Miller, has launched an on-line platform to nurture orchestral conducting talent around the world.
Beyond Borders is Miller’s positive reaction to the strictures lockdown has placed on the lives of orchestral musicians.
It offers a new series of online presentations and masterclasses on the craft of conducting. As she says, ‘The courses aim to utilise Covid-induced isolation to unite participants from across the world.’
Miller’s plan is multi-faceted:
- to host a masterclass series to unite conductors, orchestral musicians, educators and music industry leaders from around the world
- to offer packages of online and personal support and learning resources for students, educators and institutions
- to produce special events for festivals, orchestras and concert societies
- to create bespoke sessions on leadership, engagement and teamwork for music professionals and amateurs
The first event is a three-day course from 2-4 October 2020 called Making Waves, an open invitation to all interested in the art of conducting.
Miller hosts the event, which includes on-line seminars, networking opportunities, masterclasses and interactive discussions. Primarily aimed at emerging and early career conductors, Miller says all are welcome, even complete novices.
The seminars offer a rare insight to the workings of orchestras and their leaders, including exploring the psychology of orchestras and how to get the best out of them, how to run a productive rehearsal, the art of persuasion and collaboration and understanding the needs of guest soloists.
Rebecca Miller has earned a global reputation for her skill as a conductor and as a champion for orchestral music for young people. She has conducted around the world, including at the Proms in the Royal Albert Hall, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, Orquestra Sinfonica Nacional de Mexico and the Southbank Sinfonia of London, where she is Associate Conductor.
She has taught at the Royal Academy of Music and is Director of Orchestras at the Royal Holloway University in London.
Applications for the limited ‘Full Package Plus’ membership of Making Waves close on 23 September, ‘Full Package’ applications close on 28 September and the more casual ‘Open Package’ is open for purchase until 6 November. www.beyondborders.org.uk.
