Calling all conductors. The Cork International Choral Festival has announced details of its International Choral Conducting Course. This four day intensive hands-on course for choir conductors, which runs from 30th April - 3rd May will provide invaluable training in both the theory and practical methods of guiding choirs.

Conductors will have the opportunity to learn from renowned international guest tutors, Angeliki Ploka and Lázló Nemes. Angeliki Ploka, a highly accomplished Greek choral conductor, has worked with several prestigious ensembles and choirs across Greece, Hungary, Spain, and the Netherlands. She is a member of TENSO's team of young conductors and has collaborated with acclaimed groups such as Cappella Amsterdam, Helsinki Chamber Choir, and The Norwegian Soloist Choir. She is currently artistic director of Leiderdorps Kamerkoor and Kamerkoor Lux.

Fellow guest tutor Lázló Norbert Nemes, recently appointed co-artistic director of the Nationale Jeugdkoren of the Netherlands (National Youth Choirs of The Netherlands), brings a wealth of expertise to the course. Together with co-artistic director Irene Verburg, he is following in the footsteps of Wilma ten Wolde, under whose artistic leadership the Nationaal Jeugdkoor established a highly prestigious position in the musical life of the Netherlands.

During the International Choral Conducting Course, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of a variety of methods of guiding their choirs, including aspects such as tempo, sound, and expression. The course will be further enriched by an Ensemble workshop with Chamber Choir Ireland, the country's flagship choral ensemble known for their diverse repertoire spanning various musical periods and incorporating established choral classics with cutting edge commissions.

Peter Stobar, Artistic Director, Cork International Choral Festival, said, "This course offers a great opportunity for conductors to elevate their skills and broaden their networks. With expert guidance from Angeliki Ploka and Lázló Nemes, as well as the collaboration with Chamber Choir Ireland, participants can get invaluable hands-on experience from some of the best conductors in Europe."

The cost is €295 per person and places are limited. A discount rate is being offered to conductors of 2024 participating choirs. For more information and to register to go corkchoral.ie/choral-conducting-course. Registration closes on 9th February 2024.

Established in 1954, the Cork International Choral Festival is regarded as the premier event of its kind both nationally and internationally.