International Masterclass for Orchestral Conducting

with Eduardo Portal

Your chance to conduct

Rimsky-Korskakov Scheherazade + Schubert 5

with the

Vidin Symphony Orchestra

120+ Minutes of Podium Time + Concert Videos

Limited to 8 Spots

Early Bird Ends 20th September

February 22-25, 2027 | Vidin, Bulgaria | Led by Eduardo Portal

An intensive 4-day masterclass with a professional symphony orchestra. Prepare, rehearse, and perform in concert. Leave with professional video recordings of your entire experience.

What's included

Four Days of Intensive Orchestra Work

This isn't a lecture-based course. You'll be on the podium with the Vidin Symphony Orchestra—a professional ensemble experienced in working with developing conductors while maintaining the highest musical standards.

Repertoire

Rimsky-Korsakov Scheherazade

Schubert Symphony No. 5

Your Podium Time

120+ minutes of individual conducting time, 60+ during our preparatory online session and 60+ spread across the four days with orchestra. You'll work on both Rimsky-Korskakov Scheherazade and Schubert Symphony No. 5—two contrasting masterworks that will challenge different aspects of your technique and musical interpretation.

Public concert

You will have the chance to conduct in the final public concert on the evening of February 25th . This isn't a closed workshop performance—it's a real concert with a real audience, giving you the experience and video content that advances your conducting career.

Daily Video Analysis Sessions

After each day's podium work in Vidin, Eduardo Portal leads detailed video analysis sessions. You'll see exactly what your gestures communicate to the orchestra, identify what's working, and refine what needs adjustment. This immediate feedback loop accelerates your development in ways that aren't possible without professional orchestra experience.

Four Online Preparatory Sessions (February 2027)

Before you arrive in Vidin, you'll participate in four weekly online group sessions throughout February , led by Eduardo Portal. These aren't passive webinars—they're interactive conducting sessions where each participant conducts and receives feedback.

All sessions are recorded, so if you miss one due to time zones or scheduling conflicts, you can catch up. By the time you step onto the podium in Bulgaria, you'll already be familiar with Eduardo's teaching approach and have begun your work on the repertoire.

Video Recordings

Every conducting session and your final concert performance will be recorded. Raw footage becomes available within a couple of weeks after the masterclass.

These aren't just practice videos—they're documentation of you conducting a professional orchestra in concert-quality performances.

Observer Places

Observers are invited to watch all the sessions, both online and in person. Please note that the sessions with orchestra will not be broadcast live. Therefore, observers interested in attending the live sessions with orchestra must be present at the venue in Vidin.

Observers can choose whether to attend just the initial online individual sessions, just the live sessions with orchestra, or both.

About Eduardo Portal

Learn from a Conductor Who Performs

and Teaches at the Highest Level

Eduardo Portal isn't just a teacher—he's an active conductor working with major orchestras across Europe while teaching at one of the UK's leading conservatoires, the Royal Northern College of Music.

His conducting debut with the London Philharmonic Orchestra at Royal Festival Hall in 2011 launched a career that has taken him to the podiums of the Royal Philharmonic, Philharmonia Orchestra, BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Munich Symphony Orchestra, Barcelona Symphony Orchestra, and many others.

He's conducted at venues including the Berlin Philharmonie and Royal Albert Hall, and collaborated with soloists like Sheku Kanneh-Mason. This isn't theoretical knowledge—it's practical experience from someone currently working at the professional level.

A Teaching Approach Built on Decades of Experience

Eduardo has spent decades teaching conducting at the Royal Northern College of Music and previously at the University of Leeds. His approach is grounded in the methods he learned working alongside Sir Colin Davis, Bernard Haitink, Vladimir Jurowski, Sir Simon Rattle, and Ivan Fischer.

But his teaching philosophy is straightforward: maximum conducting experience and control on the podium.

You learn conducting by conducting. That's why this masterclass prioritizes podium time over lectures, and why you'll experiment, rehearse, and perform with a professional orchestra rather than just discussing technique in a classroom.

His Students' Success Speaks for Itself

Eduardo's former students have won international competitions and secured professional debuts with the New York Philharmonic, London Symphony Orchestra, Helsinki Philharmonic, and Paris Garnier Opera.

They hold positions as music directors, principal conductors, and conducting instructors around the world—not because they were handed opportunities, but because they developed the skills and experience that professional orchestras and institutions demand.

Why the Vidin Symphony Orchestra

The Vidin Symphony Orchestra is a professional ensemble that's both flexible and experienced in working with developing conductors. They understand how to respond to emerging technique while maintaining the musical standards of a professional orchestra.

This balance is crucial—you need an orchestra that will challenge you musically while giving you room to develop your conducting language. The Vidin Symphony Orchestra delivers both.

Student Success Stories

Real Conductors, Real Careers

The conductors who've worked with Eduardo Portal are building professional careers. Here are just a few examples:

Marco Giudici

Music Director at Salford Symphony Orchestra and Principal Conductor at Preston Symphony Orchestra. Marco turned his training into leadership positions with two established ensembles in the UK.

Libi Lebel

Winner of the American Prize for Conductors 2025, with professional debuts in Brazil, Bulgaria, and Moldova. Libi's competition success and international engagements demonstrate the level of preparation Eduardo's teaching provides.

Lidia Khaner

Artistic Director at Chamber Orchestra of Edmonton, Principal Conductor at River City Chamber Orchestra, and Conducting Instructor at the University of Alberta. Lidia now teaches the next generation of conductors while maintaining an active performing career.

Rosica Boyadjieva

Principal Conductor of Wind Orchestra "Vasil Abrashev" Targovishte and Wind Orchestra Dobrich. Rosica built her career in Bulgaria, proving that Eduardo's approach works across different musical contexts and regions.

Tarana Taylor

Professional debut with Houston Repertoire Ballet. Tarana expanded her conducting work into the ballet world, showing the versatility of skills developed through this training.

What Past Participants Say

Rosica Boyadjieva

"A truly unforgettable experience! My heartfelt thanks to our teacher Eduardo Portal, who skillfully guides us to the mysteries of conducting! Besides the experience on stage with an orchestra of young motivated musicians, I will keep the memory of the wonderful creative atmosphere and the new friendships."

Tarana Taylor

"What I most enjoyed and appreciated about this workshop was the great and challenging repertoire, your exceptional organizational skills, and the opportunity to perform the entire movement without interruption and have the freedom to manage the orchestra independently. Most importantly, your delicate and reassuring mentoring style of teaching was appreciated by every participant."

Complete Development Package

Your Development Doesn't End in June

The masterclass gives you intensive orchestra experience and professional video recordings. But what happens when you return home and need to continue developing your craft?

That's why every participant who is not yet a Passion for Conducting Academy member receives one month of free online Premium Membership at the Passion for Conducting Academy (£91 value), automatically starting June 1st, 2026.

What Premium Membership Includes

-Gradual access to 130+ conducting courses covering technique, rehearsal skills, score study, career management, repertoire preparation, and video analysis. These aren't generic tutorials—they're structured training designed for conductors at every stage of development.

-Weekly live training sessions including video analysis, Q&A sessions, and targeted skills training. You'll continue receiving feedback on your conducting even after the masterclass ends.

-Personal 1-on-1 tuition starting with an initial interview, a FREE Zoom lesson, and a customized learning path based on your specific goals and development needs.

-A global community of 400+ conductors who understand the challenges you're facing because they're navigating the same journey.

Ongoing Benefit

After your free month, you'll have the option to continue your membership at £82/month —a permanent £9/month discount from the regular £91/month rate, for as long as you remain a member.

This is recognition that four days with an orchestra, no matter how intensive, is just the beginning. The conductors who make real progress are the ones who continue training consistently after the masterclass ends.

Pricing & Deadline

Investment & Early Bird Savings

Standard Price: €1,650

Early Bird Price (until September 20, 2026): €1,450

You save €200 by applying before the early bird deadline.

What's Included in Your Investment

-120+ minutes of individual podium time (60+ online, 60+ with professional orchestra)

-Four weekly online preparatory sessions in May with Eduardo Portal

-Daily video analysis sessions throughout the masterclass

-Performance in the final public concert on June 18th

-Video recordings of all your conducting sessions and concert performance

-One month free Premium Membership (£91 value) for non existing members

-Ongoing discounted membership rate of £82/month (saves £9/month indefinitely)

Payment Terms

-€50 non-refundable application fee (due with application)

-50% of full price due within 5 days of acceptance

-Remaining 50% due by 10 December 2026

-Refund Policy: No refunds under any circumstances, except if Passion for Conducting cancels the masterclass (in which case a full refund is provided).

Only 8 Spots Available

With both limited spots AND the early bird deadline approaching, waiting means risking both the discount and your place in the masterclass.

How to apply

The application process is straightforward. We review applications based solely on your CV and conducting video—no interviews required.

What You Need to Submit

1. Current CV

Include your conducting experience, training, education, and any relevant musical background.

2. Conducting Video (5-10 minutes)

Submit a video showing two contrasting pieces. This helps us understand your current technical level and musical approach. The video doesn't need to be professionally produced—clear footage of you conducting is what matters.

3. Application Fee (€50)

A non-refundable €50 application fee is required with your submission.

Review Process

All applications are reviewed as soon as they are sent. You'll receive notification of acceptance or rejection no later than 1st December 2026.

Decisions are based solely on your CV and video. There are no interviews or additional steps in the process.

Who Should Apply

This masterclass is open to advanced conducting students and professional conductors . We strongly recommend that applicants have prior experience conducting orchestras, though formal conducting training or education is not required.

You don't need to be a virtuoso conductor to apply—you need to demonstrate genuine commitment to developing your craft and the foundation to benefit from intensive orchestra work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Application & Selection

What is the application process and what do I need to submit?

Submit a current CV, a 5-10 minute conducting video showing two contrasting pieces, and a €50 non-refundable application fee. All applications are reviewed by May 4th, 2026, and decisions are based solely on your CV and video—no interviews required.

What level of experience do I need?

This masterclass is open to advanced conducting students and professional conductors. We strongly recommend that applicants have prior experience conducting orchestras. Formal conducting training or education is not required—what matters is your foundation and commitment to developing your craft.

Logistics

Are accommodation and travel included?

No. Participants are responsible for arranging their own travel to Vidin and accommodation during the masterclass. We can provide recommendations for local accommodation options upon acceptance.

How is podium time distributed among participants?

Each participant receives 60+ minutes of individual conducting time with the professional orchestra, spread across the four days, plus 60+ minutes during the online preparatory sessions in May. Specific scheduling details will be provided closer to the masterclass dates.

Premium Membership

How does the Premium Membership work?

If you are not yet a member of Passion for Conducting, you will get a free month of Premium Membership (£91 value) starting automatically on February 1st, 2027. After the free month, you can continue at the discounted rate of £82/month (regular price £91/month), saving £9/month for as long as you remain a member. There's no obligation to continue after the free month.

Payment & Refunds

What are the payment terms?

Pay a €50 non-refundable application fee with your submission. Upon acceptance, 50% of the full price is due within 5 days, and the remaining 50% is due by the 10th December 2026.

What is the refund policy?

No refunds are provided under any circumstances, except if Passion for Conducting cancels the masterclass (in which case a full refund is provided).

Video Recordings

When will I receive my video recordings?

Video recordings of all your conducting sessions will be delivered within a couple of weeks after the masterclass. You can use this footage for auditions, applications, websites, and promotional purposes after the agreement of the orchestra.

Your Opportunity to Conduct Rimsky-Korsakov and Schubert

- 120+ minutes of podium time.

- Professional orchestra.

- Public concert.

- Career-advancing video recordings.

- Limited spots, and the early bird deadline is September 20th.

- Waiting means risking both the €200 discount and your place in the masterclass.

Master The Secrets Of The

World's Greatest Conductors

Stop just beating time. Start inspiring musicians.

Join 400+ conductors across 6 continents who have discovered the sophisticated techniques used by legends like

Carlos Kleiber, Sir Simon Rattle, Leonard Bernstein and Gustavo Dudamel.

The Academy

No piecing together random YouTube videos. No guessing.

Just a complete, proven system used by conductors leading orchestras on 6 continents

1. 📚 50+ New Courses each year

• Conducting technique

• Rehearsal techniques that transform ensemble sound

• Rehearsal planning

• Score study mastery

• Video analysis sessions breaking down the maestros

• Repertoire deep-dives

• Career management & professional development

2. Weekly Live Training Sessions

• Real-time analysis of YOUR conducting videos with personalised feedback

• Frame-by-frame breakdowns of legendary conductors in action

• Live Q&A to solve your specific challenges

• Listening training to develop your musical ear

• Rehearsal psychology & problem-solving strategies

• Facial expression & body language mastery

• Competition preparation and strategy

3. Personal 1-on-1 Tuition

• Initial personal interview to understand your unique goals

• FREE individual conducting lesson on Zoom

• Customised learning path tailored to your level

• Possibility to schedule regular individual conducting lessons

4. Global Community Access

• Connect with 400+ conductors worldwide in our exclusive online community

• Share experiences, ask questions, celebrate wins

• Network with peers who understand your journey

International Masterclass for Orchestral Conducting

with Eduardo Portal

Your chance to conduct

Rimsky-Korskakov Scheherazade + Schubert 5

with the

Vidin Symphony Orchestra

120+ Minutes of Podium Time + Concert Videos

Limited to 8 Spots

Early Bird Ends 20th September

February 22-25, 2027 | Vidin, Bulgaria | Led by Eduardo Portal

An intensive 4-day masterclass with a professional symphony orchestra. Prepare, rehearse, and perform in concert. Leave with professional video recordings of your entire experience.

What's included

Four Days of Intensive Orchestra Work

This isn't a lecture-based course. From day one, you'll be on the podium with the Vidin Symphony Orchestra—a professional ensemble experienced in working with developing conductors while maintaining the highest musical standards.

Repertoire

Rimsky-Korsakov Scheherazade

Schubert Symphony No. 5

Your Podium Time

120+ minutes of individual conducting time, 60+ during our preparatory online session and 60+ spread across the four days with orchestra. You'll work on both pieces, two contrasting masterworks that will challenge different aspects of your technique and musical interpretation.

Public concert

You will have the chance to conduct in the final public concert on the evening of February 25th . This isn't a closed workshop performance—it's a real concert with a real audience, giving you the experience and video content that advances your conducting career.

Daily Video Analysis Sessions

After each day's podium work in Vidin, Eduardo Portal leads detailed video analysis sessions. You'll see exactly what your gestures communicate to the orchestra, identify what's working, and refine what needs adjustment. This immediate feedback loop accelerates your development in ways that aren't possible without professional orchestra experience.

Four Online Preparatory Sessions (February 2027)

Before you arrive in Vidin, you'll participate in four weekly online group sessions throughout May , led by Eduardo Portal. These aren't passive webinars—they're interactive conducting sessions where each participant conducts and receives feedback.

All sessions are recorded, so if you miss one due to time zones or scheduling conflicts, you can catch up. By the time you step onto the podium in Bulgaria, you'll already be familiar with Eduardo's teaching approach and have begun your work on the repertoire.

Video Recordings

Every conducting session and your final concert performance will be recorded. Raw footage becomes available within a couple of weeks after the masterclass.

These aren't just practice videos—they're documentation of you conducting a professional orchestra in concert-quality performances.

Observer Places

Observers can choose whether to attend just the initial online individual sessions, just the live sessions with orchestra, or both.

About Eduardo Portal

Learn from a Conductor Who Performs

and Teaches at the Highest Level

He's conducted at venues including the Berlin Philharmonie and Royal Albert Hall, and collaborated with soloists like Sheku Kanneh-Mason. This isn't theoretical knowledge—it's practical experience from someone currently working at the professional level.

A Teaching Approach Built on Decades of Experience

But his teaching philosophy is straightforward: maximum conducting experience and control on the podium.

You learn conducting by conducting. That's why this masterclass prioritizes podium time over lectures, and why you'll experiment, rehearse, and perform with a professional orchestra rather than just discussing technique in a classroom.

His Students' Success Speaks for Itself

Eduardo's former students have won international competitions and secured professional debuts with the New York Philharmonic, London Symphony Orchestra, Helsinki Philharmonic, and Paris Garnier Opera.

They hold positions as music directors, principal conductors, and conducting instructors around the world—not because they were handed opportunities, but because they developed the skills and experience that professional orchestras and institutions demand.

Why the Vidin Symphony Orchestra

The Vidin Symphony Orchestra is a professional ensemble that's both flexible and experienced in working with developing conductors. They understand how to respond to emerging technique while maintaining the musical standards of a professional orchestra.

This balance is crucial—you need an orchestra that will challenge you musically while giving you room to develop your conducting language. The Vidin Symphony Orchestra delivers both.

Student Success Stories

Real Conductors, Real Careers

The conductors who've worked with Eduardo Portal are building professional careers. Here are just a few examples:

Marco Giudici

Music Director at Salford Symphony Orchestra and Principal Conductor at Preston Symphony Orchestra. Marco turned his training into leadership positions with two established ensembles in the UK.

Libi Lebel

Winner of the American Prize for Conductors 2025, with professional debuts in Brazil, Bulgaria, and Moldova. Libi's competition success and international engagements demonstrate the level of preparation Eduardo's teaching provides.

Lidia Khaner

Rosica Boyadjieva

Tarana Taylor

Professional debut with Houston Repertoire Ballet. Tarana expanded her conducting work into the ballet world, showing the versatility of skills developed through this training.

What Past Participants Say

Rosica Boyadjieva

Tarana Taylor

"What I most enjoyed and appreciated about this workshop was the great and challenging repertoire, your exceptional organizational skills, and the opportunity to perform the entire movement without interruption and have the freedom to manage the orchestra independently. Most importantly, your delicate and reassuring mentoring style of teaching was appreciated by every participant."

Complete Development Package

Your Development Doesn't End in February

The masterclass gives you intensive orchestra experience and professional video recordings. But what happens when you return home and need to continue developing your craft?

That's why every participant who is not yet a Passion for Conducting Academy member receives one month of free online Premium Membership at the Passion for Conducting Academy (£91 value), automatically starting February 1st, 2027.

What Premium Membership Includes

-Gradual access to 130+ conducting courses covering technique, rehearsal skills, score study, career management, repertoire preparation, and video analysis. These aren't generic tutorials—they're structured training designed for conductors at every stage of development.

-Weekly live training sessions including video analysis, Q&A sessions, and targeted skills training. You'll continue receiving feedback on your conducting even after the masterclass ends.

-Personal 1-on-1 tuition starting with an initial interview, a FREE Zoom lesson, and a customized learning path based on your specific goals and development needs.

-A global community of 400+ conductors who understand the challenges you're facing because they're navigating the same journey.

Ongoing Benefit

After your free month, you'll have the option to continue your membership at £82/month —a permanent £9/month discount from the regular £91/month rate, for as long as you remain a member.

This is recognition that four days with an orchestra, no matter how intensive, is just the beginning. The conductors who make real progress are the ones who continue training consistently after the masterclass ends.

Pricing & Deadline

Investment & Early Bird Savings

Standard Price: €1,650

Early Bird Price (until September 20th 2026): €1,450

You save €200 by applying before the early bird deadline.

What's Included in Your Investment

-120+ minutes of individual podium time (60+ online, 60+ with professional orchestra)

-Four weekly online preparatory sessions in May with Eduardo Portal

-Daily video analysis sessions throughout the masterclass

-Performance in the final public concert on June 18th

-Video recordings of all your conducting sessions and concert performance

-One month free Premium Membership (£91 value) for non existing members

-Ongoing discounted membership rate of £82/month (saves £9/month indefinitely)

Payment Terms

-€50 non-refundable application fee (due with application)

-50% of full price due within 5 days of acceptance

-Remaining 50% due by 10 December 2026

-Refund Policy: No refunds under any circumstances, except if Passion for Conducting cancels the masterclass (in which case a full refund is provided).

Only 8 Spots Available

With both limited spots AND the early bird deadline approaching, waiting means risking both the discount and your place in the masterclass.

How to apply

The application process is straightforward. We review applications based solely on your CV and conducting video—no interviews required.

What You Need to Submit

1. Current CV

Include your conducting experience, training, education, and any relevant musical background.

2. Conducting Video (5-10 minutes)

Submit a video showing two contrasting pieces. This helps us understand your current technical level and musical approach. The video doesn't need to be professionally produced—clear footage of you conducting is what matters.

3. Application Fee (€50)

A non-refundable €50 application fee is required with your submission.

Review Process

All applications are reviewed by May 4th, 2026 —one final decision date for all applicants. You'll receive notification of acceptance or rejection on that date.

Decisions are based solely on your CV and video. There are no interviews or additional steps in the process.

Who Should Apply

This masterclass is open to advanced conducting students and professional conductors . We strongly recommend that applicants have prior experience conducting orchestras, though formal conducting training or education is not required.

You don't need to be a virtuoso conductor to apply—you need to demonstrate genuine commitment to developing your craft and the foundation to benefit from intensive orchestra work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Application & Selection

What is the application process and what do I need to submit?

Submit a current CV, a 5-10 minute conducting video showing two contrasting pieces, and a €50 non-refundable application fee. All applications are reviewed by May 4th, 2026, and decisions are based solely on your CV and video—no interviews required.

What level of experience do I need?

This masterclass is open to advanced conducting students and professional conductors. We strongly recommend that applicants have prior experience conducting orchestras. Formal conducting training or education is not required—what matters is your foundation and commitment to developing your craft.

Logistics

Are accommodation and travel included?

No. Participants are responsible for arranging their own travel to Vidin and accommodation during the masterclass. We can provide recommendations for local accommodation options upon acceptance.

How is podium time distributed among participants?

Each participant receives 60+ minutes of individual conducting time with the professional orchestra, spread across the four days, plus 60+ minutes during the online preparatory sessions in May. Specific scheduling details will be provided closer to the masterclass dates.

Premium Membership

How does the Premium Membership work?

If you are not yet a member of Passion for Conducting, you will get a free month of Premium Membership (£91 value) starting automatically on February 1st, 2027. After the free month, you can continue at the discounted rate of £82/month (regular price £91/month), saving £9/month for as long as you remain a member. There's no obligation to continue after the free month.

Payment & Refunds

What are the payment terms?

Pay a €50 non-refundable application fee with your submission. Upon acceptance, 50% of the full price is due within 5 days, and the remaining 50% is due by the 10th December 2026.

What is the refund policy?

No refunds are provided under any circumstances, except if Passion for Conducting cancels the masterclass (in which case a full refund is provided).

Video Recordings

When will I receive my video recordings?

Video recordings of all your conducting sessions will be delivered within a couple of weeks after the masterclass. You can use this footage for auditions, applications, websites, and promotional purposes after the agreement of the orchestra.

Your Opportunity to Conduct Rimsky-Korsakov and Schubert

- 120+ minutes of podium time.

- Professional orchestra.

- Public concert.

- Career-advancing video recordings.

- Limited spots, and the early bird deadline is September 20th.

- Waiting means risking both the €200 discount and your place in the masterclass.