Reading Symphony Orchestra Conductor Training 2026
The Language of Conducting with Andrew Constantine
Musin protege Andrew Constantine leads a two day class in Reading Pennsylvania with members of the Reading Symphony Orchestra and pianist Michael Sheppard. The class will be open to a maximum of eight participants.
Based on the principles of the legendary Ilya Musin, this class is fast developing an enviable reputation. Recent class participant feedback include:
“I learnt more in six hours from you than I did in the past three years at other workshops.”
“The best experience I have had with a North American symphony orchestra association.”,
“It left me truly inspired and having much to think about in my music making.”
Repertoire will include: Beethoven’s Symphony No. 1 and Elgar’s Enigma Variations.
Along with the conducting sessions with string quartet and piano, long time New York Philharmonic violist, and class participant Peter Kenote will lead a Q&A session as part of Saturday’s class.
The four sessions will take place at the WCR Center for the Arts on N. 5th Street, Reading, PA.
Saturday, November 14th 1:00-3:30pm and 5:30-8:00pm
Sunday, November 15th 10:00am-12:30pm and 1:30pm-4:00pm
Thanks to generous donor benefaction the total cost to each participant will be $350.
For more information email workshops@readingsymphony.org
Andrew Constantine, described by Ilya Musin as “A brilliant representative of the Conducting Art”, and by Yuri Temirkanov as “The real thing. A serious conductor.”
Reading Symphony Orchestra
Conductor Training Workshop
The Language of Conducting
Andrew Constantine, Music Director and Conductor
About Andrew Constantine
Andrew Constantine serves as Music Director of the Reading Symphony Orchestra in Pennsylvania and recently concluded a seventeen year tenure as Music Director of the Fort Wayne Philharmonic. His recent recordings of music by Elgar, Beethoven, Schumann, Mendelssohn and Chadwick with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra have received international critical acclaim, as has his recording of new music by the young American composer Patrick O’Malley. Future releases include music by Barber, Thomas Flaherty and Craig Morris with the London Symphony Orchestra and BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra.
Having gained a reputation in Europe and the UK as a conductor of great skill, charisma, energy and versatility, Andrew Constantine moved to the US in 2004 to become Assistant Conductor of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. Within his first season there he was promoted to Associate Conductor.
In the US he has won great praise for his ability to communicate with audiences and his energetic and compelling advocacy for classical music have gained him many admirers. In May of 2007, following a two year search and a pool of over 280 applicants, he was appointed Music Director of the Reading Symphony Orchestra in Pennsylvania. In July of 2009, after a similar process, he was also appointed Music Director of the Fort Wayne Philharmonic in Indiana.
After winning the first Donatella Flick/Accademia Italiana Conducting Competition, Andrew Constantine made his Royal Festival Hall debut with the London Philharmonic. Press reviews were unanimous in their praise: “Definiteness of intention is a great thing, and Constantine’s shaping of the music was never short of it” was the Financial Times’ view, whilst The Independent wrote, “Andrew Constantine showed a capacity RFH audience just what he is made of, ending his big demanding programme with an electrifying performance of Prokofiev’s Symphony No. 5.”
Described by Classic FM (the UK’s largest radio station) as “a Rising Star of Classical Music” Andrew Constantine has worked regularly with the UK’s leading symphony orchestras including The Philharmonia, Royal Philharmonic and London Symphony Orchestra, and by many others throughout Europe, including the St. Petersburg Philharmonic and the NWD-Philharmonie. He was recently awarded the inaugural AWARD FOR EXCEPTIONAL ARTISTIC LEADERSHIP by Arts United in Fort Wayne and holds an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Music from the University of Leicester, for his “contribution to music.” Andrew Constantine is also the recipient of a prestigious British NESTA Fellowship to further develop his international career.
DATES
November 14-15, 2026
Reading Symphony Orchestra Association
Reading, PA
REPERTOIRE
Beethoven Symphony No. 1 in C major, Op. 21
Elgar Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 “Enigma Variations”
WORKSHOP REQUIREMENTS
There is no age limit for this workshop.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Friday, October 16, 2026
WORKSHOP SCHEDULE
Saturday, November 14, 2026
1:00pm - 3:30pm - Musin Technique Session 1
3:30pm - 5:30pm - Q&A and Break
5:30pm - 8:00pm - String Quartet & Piano Session 2
Sunday, November 15, 2026
10:00am - 12:30pm - String Quartet & Piano Session 3
12:30pm - 1:30pm - Break
1:30pm - 4:00pm - String Quartet & Piano Session 4
WORKSHOP TUITION
Up to Eight (8) conductors will be selected as active participants for this workshop. Auditors are welcome to attend at no cost.
- Participating Conductor: $350 (USD)
- Auditor Conductor: Free (USD)
Each participant will be responsible for their own travel to and from Reading, as well as local transportation, and hotel accommodation. We are able to offer a reduced room rate to participants at the DoubleTree Hotel Reading.
APPLY
To apply, please submit your resume, and links to three (3) video recordings taken from the orchestra’s perspective. Video submissions may be with any size ensemble. Applications must be received by Friday, October 16, 2026.
Submit applications to workshops@readingsymphony.org
If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact us at workshops@readingsymphony.org or visit readingsymphony.org/conducting-workshops