Gabriel Pierné International Conducting Masterclasses

Metz

Based on the observation that young conductors at the start of their careers have few opportunities to rehearse and work with professional orchestras, the Cité Musicale-Metz held in September 2020 the first edition of its orchestral conducting masterclasses. Initially scheduled for July, the masterclasses were postponed from September 1 to 4, due to the health context and in order to allow all the young chefs selected to participate.

As a tribute to Gabriel Pierné, born in Metz, who was not only a remarkable composer but also distinguished himself as a talented conductor, notably at the head of the Colonne Concerts (1910-1934), these masterclasses allowed 6 young female conductors and conductors (3 women and 3 men) to improve their skills over 4 days under the direction of David Reiland with the Metz National Orchestra.

These public masterclasses were held in the Great Hall of the Arsenal, a prestigious hall renowned internationally for the quality of its acoustics.

The objectives of this project are to discover young orchestral conducting talents, to contribute to their professional integration and to support their early career. It was one of the main ambitions of Metz’ bid as a UNESCO creative city.

It also mirrors to the commitment of the Metz National Orchestra and the entire Cité Musicale-Metz to step up their action in favour of equality between women and men within orchestras.

Among the 90 profiles interested in this masterclass, 6 participants were selected on file by a jury made up of David Reiland and musicians from the Metz National Orchestra.