For the first time, the Belgrade Philharmonic is holding a Conductors’ Forum – a master class for younger-generation conductors, from 17-21 June. Chief Conductor Gabriel Feltz will mentor the forum participants, including two young ladies from Serbia and three young German conductors. All five conductors will take part at the final concert and will conduct the orchestra at the Belgrade Philharmonic’s Music Hall on 21 June, at 8:00 p.m.

The Conductors’ Forum is a German nationwide program with a view to preparing highly gifted young conductors for future leadership positions in the national and international music world. The idea of the forum is to facilitate a continual dialogue between younger-generation conductors and renowned conductors, as well as spreading this cooperation beyond the borders of Germany. Its comprehensive program is rounded off with cooperation with international partners, and as of 2017, the Belgrade Philharmonic has joined this significant project.

Many Conductors’ Forum alumni now have important positions in international musical life. Among them is Gabriel Feltz, chief conductor of the Belgrade Philharmonic and musical director of the Dortmund Philharmonic and the Opera in Dortmund. Participation in this program has been very important for Feltz’s career, and therefore he feels it is his duty to help others as a teacher.

The candidates who will have this opportunity are Olivera Sekulić-Barac and Natalija Mićić, the two Serbian representatives, and Felix Mildenberger, Valentin Egel, and Alexander Sinan Binder from Germany. At the final concert on 21 June, they will conduct the Belgrade Philharmonic in performing the Prelude and Love Death from Wagner’s opera Tristan and Isolde, featuring soprano Emily Newton, followed by Mozart’s Prague Symphony, Ristić’s Symphony No. 2, and Ravel’s La Valse. Admission to the final concert of the Conductors’ Forum is free.