Carlos Miguel Prieto Conducting Fellowship

Highlights

Enhance conducting technique and interpretation, trained by master conductors
Receive guidance from a global network of mentors — Marin Alsop to Rafael Payare
Springboard to strategic career opportunities and advice from agents and managers
Win exclusive in-person appointments with partner festivals and projects

In partnership with

About the Fellowship

Informed by two decades on the world’s greatest stages from Carnegie Hall to ElbPhilharmonie, The Carlos Miguel Prieto Fellowship provides rising conductors with the formative tools needed to access world-class career opportunities. These include comprehensive technique, musicianship, and leadership training. Fellows study physical communication (gesture), thoroughly analyze core orchestra repertoire, and connect with world-class conductors and orchestra principals for enhanced professional guidance.

The 9-month remote interactive experience introduces participants to all aspects of the conducting profession guided by one of today’s most sought after and respected international conductors, Carlos Miguel Prieto.

Lead and guest Faculty

More to be announced.

Lead and guest Faculty

More to be announced.

OAcademy Artist Diploma

The OAcademy Artist Diploma is tailored to the busy lives of rising musicians on-the-go.

Offered by a select group of the world’s top music conservatories, the Artist Diploma is the universal standard of professional readiness for music performers.

The OAcademy Artist Diploma is a fast-track professional certificate that prepares rising conductors for the complex demands of an evolving performance industry.

Co-curated with Royal Academy of Music, the Fellowship lasts from January to October 2023. Each accepted Fellow engages in:

Studio classes in conducting technique with Fellowship Director Scott Wilson of London’s Guildhall School
Online masterclasses on interpretation with Fellowship Co-founding Lead Conductor Carlos Miguel Prieto
Online masterclasses on interpretation with Principal Guest Faculty Alexander Shelley of Canada’s National Arts Centre Orchestra

Interactive deep repertoire analysis and presentation sessions, featuring OAcademy digital orchestra & iconic guests
Personal exposure to world-class conductors through dedicated networking events with guest conductors
Lecture-discussions with leading agency representatives and artistic planning heads including National Arts Center Canada, Arabella Arts, HarrisonParrott, Sheldon Artists, and more
Access to observe OAcademy masterclass suite with world-class Faculty, including Sarah Willis, Gil Shaham, and Alisa Weilerstein
Interactive participation and certificate from OAcademy’s Reflective Leadership module curated by Harvard University’s DRCLAS faculty

2022 Conducting Cohort

Soo Jin Chung

South Korea & Canada

Soo Jin Chung is a Korean-Canadian pianist and conductor from Vancouver, British Columbia. She is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Orchestral Conducting at the University of Michigan under the guidance of Kenneth Kiesler. Prior to this, Soo Jin studied with Jon Kimura Parker at Rice University where she received her Master's degree in Piano Performance.

Jolie Gonzalez Masmela

Colombia & United States

Ms. Jolie Gonzalez Masmela is a native of Ibague-Colombia. Jolie was invited to the International Conducting Workshop at Pittsburg State University, was assistant conductor of the Rapides Symphony Orchestra, worked as Music director Of GMS in Shanghai, China, and just finished an appointment as Music director at Universidad de Ibague, Colombia. Currently is a Doctoral Student at UNCO, Colorado, US

José Luis Gutiérrez

Mexico & Germany

José Luis Gutiérrez is a Mexican conductor who was born in 1995. At the age of 24 he was appointed first Kapellmeister at the Mittelsächsisches Theater in Freiberg, Germany after successfully jumping in to conduct many operatic productions. He has been guest conductor of the Vogtland Philharmonie in Germany. He has also has conducted in Austria, Greece, England, Italy and Mexico.

Ingrid Martin

Australia

Australian conductor Ingrid Martin is at the forefront of a new wave of multi-skilled musical leaders, making orchestral experiences relevant and responsive to our community. Originally trained in medicine, Ingrid is the Artistic Director of the Victorian Youth Symphony Orchestra and Crosswinds Ensemble. In 2019 she founded Conducting Artistry, a global community for conductor learning.

Jubitza Nawrath

Chile, Austria

Jubitza Nawrath, Chilean, started by studying piano in her hometown Valdivia. In 2017 she moved to Russia to start her studies in conducting, since 2018 she is studying orchestral conducting with Dorian Keilhack and composition with Franz Baur in Tiroler Landeskonservatorium Innsbruck, Austria. Jubitza has been invited to play in chamber music concerts in Europe, such as Germany, Austria and Chile

Sejoon Park

United States & Germany

Sejoon Park is a Korean American conductor and pianist, currently pursuing Master’s Degree for orchestral conducting at the Robert Schumann Musikhochschule in Germany. After his years at the PianoArts, Astral Artists, and recent participation in Cabrillo Festival, Sejoon is a versatile musician in a constant search for sharing and experiencing diverse cultures with audiences worldwide.

Tatiana Pérez

Colombia

Tatiana Pérez is a Colombian conductor and cellist, she studied two master degree, cello and conducting, at Eafit University under the guidance of the renowned conductor Alejandro Posada. She have been in tour around the world with several ensembles and now she is focus on playing as assistant of principal cello teaching at Iberacademy and conducting different ensembles in the region.

Leonardo Pineda

Venezuela

Venezuelan violinist and conductor, Leonardo Pineda, has been praised for his leadership, musical and educational entrepreneurship and versatility on the podium. Leonardo was recently appointed resident conductor for the Classical Music Institute. He currently works for Bard College and Orchestra Now as guest artist, Director of Youth Music Education and South American music curator.

José David Rodríguez Ramírez

Colombia

José David Rodriguez R. is a Colombian Percussionist and Conductor. As a Conductor his career has been focused on the diffusion of pieces of Latin American music. José David is the founder of the Orquesta "A la Colombiana" and he is a proud artist of Marimba One, Exclusive Ears and Cumbia Percussion brands.

Santiago Ossa-Alzate

Colombia & Cyprus

Santiago Ossa Alzate (Colombia) started playing trumpet at "La Red de Escuelas de Música de Medellín", he is graduated of the Universidad EAFIT where he studied Orchestra Conducting with Cecilia Espinosa. Since 2019 Santiago is the Artistic Director and Conductor of Sistema Cyprus. Santiago is currently member of the cohort 2022 of Programa Líderes Emprendedores - La Fundación Bolívar Davivienda.

Santiago Ossa-Alzate

Colombia & Cyprus

Hannah von Wiehler

Russia & United States

Hannah von Wiehler is a Russian-raised, American-born conductor based in the UK. In 2016, she founded Oxford Alternative Orchestra, an ensemble dedicated to the intersection of classical music and social impact. She guest conducts frequently in Russia, the Ukraine, UK, and USA. She holds a doctorate from the University of Oxford in Soviet Opera, where she was a Rhodes Scholar.

2021 Fellows

Timeline

August 2022 - Applications open for 2023
15 October 2022 - Applications close for 2023
December 2022 - Results announced for 2023 Cohort
January 2023 - Carlos Miguel Prieto Fellowship starts
July 2023 - Summer recess
September 2023 - Self-paced module starts
October 2023 - Final projects due
December 2023 - Graduation

As a 2022 Conducting Fellow, I have learnt so much at OAcademy and appreciate the preparation and kindness I experienced in class.

— Leonardo Pineda | Venezuela

Through OAcademy I enhanced my knowledge as an orchestra conductor, and made contacts with some of the world's greatest musicians.

— Tatiana Pérez | Colombia

Thank you for the beautiful opportunity. All my admiration to OAcademy.

— Jolie Gonzalez Masmela | Colombia & Unitetd States

FAQ

Do Fellows need to own all the scores?

No, participants will receive most scores via online links. That being said, conductors are encouraged to purchase scores wherever possible. Advice regarding which scores to purchase (which edition / publisher etc) will be available throughout the course).

Do graduates receive a certificate?

All OAcademy Fellows who complete mandatory modules and projects will graduate with an accelerated Artist Diploma.

What are the technical requirements to participate in the CMP Fellowship?

Internet
Having access to reliable Internet access and a functioning device is essential to participate successfully in the Conducting Fellowship.

Device
While it is possible to connect using smartphones for extra workshops and lectures, any activities involving instrument playing require access to either tablet or computer.

Auxiliary audio equipment
All accepted Fellows must have access to headphones. External microphones are highly recommended.

Software
OAcademy and Conducting Fellowship sessions are accessible via Zoom. Other software might be required, but will be communicated in due course. Fellows are not required to purchase any licenses to use software required for participation.

What language will be used for communication during the CMP Fellowship?

English.

Auditions / Video Submissions

Audition concept / design:

The panel has designed the audition procedure in the hope that applicants don’t need to spend a long time preparing / recording / formatting videos. Video 1 and Video 2 are designed to be short tasks. Video 3 and Video 4 may be any current video you have of yourself conducting. The panel is happy to view Videos 3 and 4 from any time position: please just indicate the time from which you’d like the panel to view your video.

Why is Video 1 (Mozart: Symphony no. 41, 1st movement) required to be in silence, without an orchestra / ensemble / piano / recording / singing?

The audition panel feels that it is important that every applicant undertakes an identical task so that the best possible decisions can be made. Furthermore, this video presents an opportunity for a conductor to show how compelling they are: if you cannot be compelling in silence, it is unlikely you will be able to effectively compel an ensemble to follow your lead.

Why are ‘silent’ conducting videos accepted for Video 3 and Video 4?

Whilst it is important that applicants regularly undertake opportunities to conduct ensembles and orchestras, the panel understands that logistical considerations may prevent some applicants from achieving this within the audition time-frame. Therefore, in the hope of ensuring that these auditions are open to all, we are permitting ‘silent’ videos. (Please note that the audition panel recognises that your application is likely to be stronger if you do include videos of yourself conducting an ensemble / orchestra.)

Must I submit a recently recorded video?

No. Your videos may have been recorded at any time.

Other questions? Write to us: apply@oacademy.live

Step-up your conducting career with the 9-month Artist Diploma for music directors.

Highlights

In partnership with

About the Fellowship

Lead and guest Faculty

Marin Alsop

Paolo Bortolameolli

Martyn Brabbins

Daphne Burt

Nikki Chooi

Jessica Cottis

Roderick Cox

Juan Antonio Cuellar

Finnegan Downie Dear

Pedro Díaz

Marta Gardolińska

Barbara Hannigan

Eldbjørg Hemsing

Taras Krysa

Jonathan Lo

Yo-Yo Ma

Gergely Madaras

Holly Mathieson

Gabriela Montero

Rafael Payare

Jasper Parrot