Under the direction of some of the UK's top conductors and leaders, our Orchestral Programme offers a unique opportunity for young musicians. During this intensive three-week programme, talented young people from all over the world come together for an immersive experience of music-making at its best. Find out more!
World class conductors
Our conductors work at the top British conservatoires, including the Royal College of Music and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama; but they aren't just great teachers. Our conductors are renowned professionals who regularly give concerts with orchestras such as the London Symphony Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Ballet Sinfonia and Southbank Sinfonia, in the UK and internationally.
Sectionals with visiting experts
The orchestra schedule each week involves focussed sectional rehearsals, led by visiting professional musicians who are experts in their field. Visiting sectional leaders have included musicians from the UK's biggest orchestras including the London Symphony Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra.
One-to-one lessons with world-class professionals
Orchestral students receive individual tuition with a visiting professional each week. Our tutors are wonderful educators, and are carefully selected from of the UK's top orchestras.
Varied and exciting repertoire
The three-week programme includes a rewarding and carefully-selected range of repertoire, with different music every week - from the earliest orchestral music to recent contemporary works by living composers.
Workshops & Masterclasses
In addition to rehearsals, sectionals and lessons, orchestral students join their fellow students from all our programmes to take part in a broad and engaging range of workshops and masterclasses designed to broaden each student's musical horizons. These include improvisation, composition, chamber music, conducting, performance anxiety, Alexander technique and much more.
Chamber music and solo playing
Outside of the orchestral experience students have the opportunity to form small chamber ensembles, and to work on solo repertoire with our rehearsal pianist. We encourage students to collaborate with their friends from other programmes and rehearse in their free time. Solo and chamber performance opportunities include our internal Performance Platforms, our Garden Party, Cabaret Night and lunchtime recitals.
International music-making
Being part of the Ingenium Academy orchestra isn't just about learning from the best professionals in the UK. Our young musicians come from over 50 countries each year - the person next to you might have come from the other side of the world! It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn about music and life in other countries from young people who share your passion.
During the three-week summer school, students perform two public concerts - one in a prestigious venue in central London and in our final showcase concert on campus at Winchester College's concert hall. In addition to these two public performances, students also have weekly performance opportunities at our internal Performance Platforms. These evenings provide a friendly, safe and informal environment for students to experiment and to develop their performance skills, conquer nerves and build confidence. Parents and friends are welcome to attend our public performances.
