KBS Symphony Orchestra and Music Director Inkinen Hold 'Youth Conducting Masterclass'

Sibelius Academy Graduate Director Inkinen Provides Direct Training for One Year

Pietari Inkinen posing, the new music director of the KBS Symphony Orchestra. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] The KBS Symphony Orchestra announced on the 8th that it will hold a conducting masterclass program for youth, personally taught by Music Director Pietari Inkinen.

The KBS Symphony Orchestra's "Youth Conducting Masterclass" will select up to five young participants. Starting from October, Music Director Pietari Inkinen will provide tailored instruction including conducting piano sessions and ensemble classes for one year.

Applicants must be born after 2004, have an interest in orchestral conducting, and have experience playing an instrument. Any student meeting these criteria can apply.

Applicants should submit an application form and an audition video on the KBS Symphony Orchestra's official website by August 22.

Participants will gain practical experience conducting the KBS Symphony Orchestra ensembles or chamber orchestra through various individual and group lessons. They will also observe rehearsals and performances of the KBS Symphony Orchestra's regular concerts. Opportunities will be provided to meet world-renowned conductors such as Myung-whun Chung and Dmitri Kitayenko up close during their guest performances.

The education system for youth conducting in domestic classical music education is significantly underdeveloped. In fact, the KBS Symphony Orchestra stated that among domestic arts high schools, only Seoul Arts High School has a conducting department, highlighting the poor environment for conducting education.

The Youth Conducting Masterclass was established according to the vision of Finnish-born Director Inkinen, who took office in January this year.

At his inauguration press conference, Director Inkinen expressed his thoughts on nurturing the next generation of conductors, saying, "I was fortunate to have access to various educational opportunities from a young age in Finland, which allowed me to grow like this. During my term, I will launch a conducting academy to train the next generation of Korean conductors."

He added that he plans to apply the educational methods he learned at the Sibelius Academy, a world-renowned music school in Finland from which he graduated, to pass on his know-how and knowledge.