International Conducting Academy - ICA

There are few places more inspiring to spend a week immersed in music than The King’s School, Canterbury.

Steeped in history and nestled within the historic city of Canterbury, it provides the perfect setting to step away from everyday life and focus on artistic growth, reflection and meaningful musical exploration.

This July, conductors from around the world will gather at The King’s School, Canterbury for the first Colin Metters International Conducting Retreat – a week of music making, conversation, community and discovery in a truly extraordinary environment.

For more than five decades, Colin Metters has dedicated his life to music, conducting, and the training of future generations of conductors.

Emeritus Professor of Conducting at the Royal Academy of Music, teacher at the Royal College of Music, conductor across more than twenty countries, and mentor to countless successful conductors — his influence on conducting education is extraordinary.

What continues to define Colin, however, is his passion for teaching and his commitment to helping conductors discover their own artistic voice.

The International Conducting Academy is incredibly proud to have Colin as Senior Tutor and Artistic Advisor.

This summer brings something unique — the opportunity to spend an immersive residential week learning alongside Colin at The Colin Metters International Conducting Retreat.

A remarkable musician. An inspirational teacher. A rare opportunity.

As we come to the end of this year’s ICA Concerto Masterclass, it is important for us to reflect on just how central this work is to the philosophy of ICA. The art of accompanying, listening, breathing with a soloist and shaping music collaboratively sits at the heart of what we believe conducting and music making to be.

A huge thank you to our wonderful soloists Magdalena Filipczak and Luba Ulybysheva, and above all to our Senior Tutor and Artistic Advisor Colin Metters for his extraordinary depth of insight, generosity and belief in the long-term development of young conductors.

These days have felt very special.

Another amazing day at our ICA Concerto Masterclass with Colin Metters. Today we were joined by the string players, adding another dimension to the work as participants explored the relationship between conductor, soloist and ensemble in Mendelssohn and Tchaikovsky.

Incredible second day of work at our ICA Concerto Masterclass, now joined by soloists Magdalena Filipczak and Luba Ulybysheva. Participants working with Colin Metters on Mendelssohn and Tchaikovsky in preparation for ensemble sessions on days 3 and 4.

Day one of our ICA Concerto Masterclass at the inspiring Craxton Studios with . A focused and rewarding day exploring collaboration, listening and the relationship between conductor and soloist.

If you’re in London, you are very welcome to join us as an observer over the coming days — DM for more information.

🎼Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E minor 🎼Tchaikovsky’s Rococo Variations

Two widely recognised masterpieces which present unique and demanding challenges for the conductor.

✨️ 3 days of virtual score study and preparation
✨️ 4 days of intensive work in London with piano, quintet and two outstanding soloists: violinist Magdalena Filipczak and cellist Liubov Ulybysheva.

With this repertoire, these soloists and under the guidance of world renowned pedagogue Colin Metters, this masterclass offers a rare opportunity for conductors to deepen their understanding of the collaborative art of concerto performance.

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