In most cases as an audience in concert, we are hardly able to observe the conductors from their front. Even for those musicians on stage, the off-podium life of conductors is often veiled under obscurity. Therefore, the Conducting Division of the School of Music, CUHK-Shenzhen has launched the series activity "Meet the Maestro", which unfolds to us the conductor's real mind, decisions, and philosophy from more angles. During each event, the invited guest conductors are featured to deliver lectures, masterclasses, rehearsals, or talks.

The "Meet the Maestro" series has ushered in its fourth session. We are honored to invite internationally renowned conductor Christian Ehwald to visit and hold a wonderful masterclass for our students and conducting enthusiasts. Christian Ehwald was born in Germany. After the completion of his studies in Berlin, he continued his education under Arvid and Mariss Jansons at the Leningrad Conservatory. In 1979 he became a Laureate of the Herbert von Karajan International Conducting Competition. He has served as the Chief Conductor of many renowned symphony orchestras in Europe and around the world. His contributions and influence in the field of modern music are significant. As an outstanding conductor, Christian Ehwald has not only demonstrated excellence in musical interpretation, composition, and music education but also gained much attention for his unique conducting skills and style.

Christian Ehwald's forthcoming visit presents a valuable opportunity for students to engage in a rare and enriching learning experience. Through the master class activities, Prof. Ehwald will deliver personal instruction on his distinctive conducting style and techniques, and offer a comprehensive analysis of the art of conducting, aimed at elevating students' performance and creative proficiency. With an interdisciplinary approach that delves into the music creation process, style, and historical context, Christian Ehwald's teaching methodology promises to provide students with a multifaceted view of the art of conducting, enabling them to develop a profound understanding of its intricacies and nuances. In addition to the academic benefits, Christian Ehwald's visit is also expected to yield significant rewards for the audience, who will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the allure and emotion of music under his tutelage and gain insights into the excellence and distinctiveness of conducting art.

This upcoming masterclass is a two-day event featuring three sessions, in which eight conducting students will participate and complete diverse musical pieces. We anticipate that this masterclass will provide an exceptional opportunity for musical development and learning, and we extend a warm invitation to all students and conducting enthusiasts who share a passion for the art of conducting to join us in exploring the complexities of conducting with Christian Ehwald.

【Programme】

10AM, 15th May 2023 (Monday)

ZHANG Yue, piano | Celine CHEN, piano

1.

ANTONÍN LEOPOLD DVOŘÁK

(1841-1904)

Symphony No.8 in G major, Op.88

I.    Allegro con brio

2.

LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN

(1770-1827)

Symphony No.5 in C minor, Op.67

I.     Allegro con brio

3.

ANTONÍN LEOPOLD DVOŘÁK

(1841-1904)

Symphony No.8 in G major, Op.88

I.    Allegro con brio

2PM, 15th May 2023 (Monday)

ZHANG Yue, piano | Celine CHEN, piano

1.

LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN

(1770-1827)

Coriolan Overture, Op.62

2.

ACHILLE-CLAUDE DEBUSSY

(1862-1918)

Prélude à l’Après-midi d’un Faune

10AM, 16th May 2023 (Tuesday)

ZHANG Yue, piano | YUAN Fangqixiong, piano

1.

ANTONÍN LEOPOLD DVOŘÁK

(1841-1904)

Symphony No.9 in E minor, Op.95

I.    Adagio

2.

LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN

(1770-1827)

Symphony No.4 in B flat major, Op.60

I.     Adagio-Allegro vivace

3.

LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN

(1770-1827)

Symphony No.3 in E flat major, Op.55

I.    Allegro con brio

II.   Adagioassai

【Venue】

106 Multifunction Room, 

School of Music, CUHK-Shenzhen

Honorary Music Director of Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra: 

Christian Ehwald

Christian Ehwald was born in 1953. After the completion of his studies in Berlin, he continued his education under Arvid and Mariss Jansons at the Leningrad Conservatory. In 1979 he became a laureate of the Herbert von Karajan International Conducting Competition.

From 1981 to 1988 Christian Ehwald was the main conductor of the Jena Philharmonic. It was also during this time that his close cooperation with the Berlin State Opera began, with Ehwald conducting several premieres and numerous performances. In addition, he conducted the Berlin State Orchestra on concert tours in Great Britain, Australia and New Zealand.

Christian Ehwald has gone on to perform as a guest conductor with all the leading German orchestras, including Berlin Philharmonic, Dresden Staatskapelle, Dresden Philharmonic and the symphony orchestras of the Bavarian Radio Munich, Western German Radio Köln and Berlin Radio. Invitations from the Gewandhaus Orchestra of Leipzig have followed especially frequently. Abroad Christian Ehwald has served as a guest conductor with many important orchestras in Europe, America, Japan, Korea and China. He has appeared in numerous television productions with the NHK Orchestra Tokyo, St. Petersburg Philharmonic, RAI of Rome, Prague Symphony and Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra.

From 1998 to 2003, Christian Ehwald was the General Music Director of the Magdeburg Theater and principal conductor of the Magdeburg Philharmonic. In 2002 he was appointed professor at the Hochschule für Musik Hanns Eisler Berlin. From 2007-2016, he has been the music director and chief conductor at Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra. Currently, he is the honorary music director of Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra.

• We apologize for any inconvenience caused, please note that children under the age of 3 are not permitted to enter.
• The digital full score of the masterclass repertoire is available to download at the entrance, upon request only.
• Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!