With Music Director Valentina Peleggi

Richmond Symphony
Conducting Seminar

Dates: May 17 - 20, 2026

Location: Dominion Energy Center,
600 E Grace St, Richmond, VA 23219,
United States

Fee: $2500

Level/Ability: Graduate/Post Graduate/Early Career

Featuring: Talk and Q&A with special guest Marin Alsop

Fee Details & Scholarship Opportunities

Fee Details & Scholarship Opportunities

Fee $2500

Includes seminar events and accommodations at the Hilton Richmond Downtown (across the street from the Dominion Energy Center). Round-trip travel to/from Richmond and most meals are not included with the fee and will be the responsibility of the participant.

Accepted Participants in the seminar will be required to submit an initial non-refundable payment of $1250.00 USD by February 1, 2026 to reserve their place. The remaining $1250.00 USD will be due by May 1, 2026. Scholarship opportunities based on need are available.

For a need based scholarship request, a recent pay stub AND photocopy of the most recent Federal Tax Return OR official letter of proof from the coordinating agency for welfare, social security, unemployment, child support, maintenance and/or alimony compensation will be required. All financial aid questions can be directed to the education team at education@richmondsymphony.com

Overview

Richmond Symphony, the largest performing arts organization in Central Virginia, will be hosting a conducting seminar with Music Director Valentina Peleggi and an opportunity to conduct the Richmond Symphony in performance. This four day immersive masterclass will focus on several areas;  baton technique, individual body language, score study, rehearsal technique, and clear communication on the podium while always encouraging each participant to further develop their own personality.

The seminar offers conductors:

Q&A with special guest, Marin Alsop

One score-studying group session

Two individual conducting sessions with piano

Two days with the Richmond Symphony that includes 2.5 hours of orchestral podium time and a final conducting performance with the orchestra.

Recorded video of performance for personal use (e.g auditions)

Networking engagement opportunities with other conducting candidates, Symphony leadership, audience, board, donors, and musicians.

Repertoire

Mendelssohn, Symphony No. 4 (Complete)

Price, Andante for Strings

Beethoven, Symphony No. 1 (Complete)

Schedule

2026-05-17

Sunday, May 17, 2026

Travel to Richmond - Hotel Check-in

2026-05-17

2026-05-18

Monday, May 18, 2026

10:00am - 10:30pm Greetings- Orientation
10:30am - 12:30pm Rehearsal with Piano (approx 25 minutes per candidate)
Lunch on your own
2:00pm - 4:00pm Rehearsal with Piano (approx 25 minutes per candidate)
4:30pm - 6:00pm Review and Feedback
6:00pm Social Hour

2026-05-18

2026-05-19

Tuesday, May 19, 2026

10:00am - 12:00pm Orchestra Rehearsal 1 (approx 25 minutes per candidate)
Lunch on your own
1:30pm - 4:00pm Orchestra Rehearsal 2 open to donors (approx 30 minutes per candidate)
4:00pm- 4:30pm Meet and Greet with donors
4:30pm - 6:00pm Review and Feedback (including orchestra members)
7.00pm - Dinner with Music Director, President and CEO, and/or VP of Artistic Planning

2026-05-19

2026-05-20

Wednesday, May 20, 2026

10:00am - 12:30pm Dress Rehearsal with Richmond Symphony in concert order
Lunch on your own
3:00pm Performance recorded - Reception
5:30pm End of Seminar/Travel from Richmond

2026-05-20

Conducting Participant

Application Form

Application Due: November 1, 2025 at 11:59pm EST.
Notification of Acceptance: December 15, 2025

If you have trouble with this form or have additional questions, please email the Richmond Symphony Education Department at education@richmondsymphony.com

Conducting Seminar Application Form

"*" indicates required fields

Name*
Address of Residence*
I understand that, if I am accepted to the Seminar, an initial non-refundable payment of $1,250 for Candidates is required by February 1, 2026 to reserve my place, with the remaining $1,250 due by May 1, 2026.*
Please share unlisted Youtube or Google Drive links to no more than three conducting videos that are representative of your experience level.
Max. file size: 128 MB.
Please List Three References with Email Addresses*
Name
Email
 
Please let us know if you will request need based scholarship funds to attend. Proof of need may be requested upon acceptance into the program.
Newsletter Sign Up - Weekly school updates, upcoming events, new semester classes, and school announcements.

Attention Auditors

Would you like to attend this seminar as an auditor? A select number of candidates will be permitted to attend all conducting rehearsals as an observer to audit the seminar. In addition, there will be an opportunity to connect with Valentina Peleggi. The fee for auditing May 18 - 20, 2026 is $100. 

Conducting Seminar AUDITOR Form

"*" indicates required fields

Auditor Form

Please use this form to apply as an AUDITOR for the Richmond Symphony's Conducting Seminar from May 18-20, 2026 at the Dominion Energy Center in Richmond, VA. If you have trouble with this form or have additional questions, please email the Richmond Symphony Education Department at education@richmondsymphony.com
Name*
Address of Residence*
Newsletter Sign Up - Weekly school updates, upcoming events, new semester classes, and school announcements.