Registration is now open for “Gesture & Style in Romantic-Era Conducting,” taking place January 9-10, 2027, in New Haven, Connecticut!
Presented in collaboration with the Yale Collection of Historical Sound Recordings, this intensive explores how 19th-century performance practice studies directly inform conducting technique and ensemble leadership today. Drawing on a variety of source material, the workshop will offer both masterclass sessions and lectures to develop the conducting skills that enable 19th century performance practices to flourish in ensemble contexts.
Open to musicians and conductors of all backgrounds and experience levels, including collegiate, graduate, and emerging professional conductors, as well as instrumentalists and leader-instrumentalists.
Prior conducting experience is welcome but not required.
Workshop Focus & Format:
Gestural & Interpretive Vocabulary: Participants develop their gesture for late 19th- and early 20th-century styles, focusing on historical approaches to ensemble leadership for tempo flexibility, period articulation, rubato, and expressive nuance.
Live Period Ensemble: Masterclass participants conduct a live period-instrument string quartet featuring repertoire by Tchaikovsky, Elgar, Grieg, and others.
Faculty: Led by Mark Bailey (Artistic Director, ABO; Laurence C. Witten II Curator, Yale Collection of Historical Sound Recordings) and Kevin Sherwin (Artistic Director, The American Romantics).
Details & Sign-Up:
Visit the program site for full information and registration: www.gestureandstyle.org
