Application deadline Dec 5, 2025
We are excited to present Professor Florian Ludwig’s masterclass for professional conductors and advanced conducting students, in which a maximum of 12 active participants will have the opportunity to work with chamber ensembles and full orchestra.
From both a conducting and interpretative perspective, the program of this masterclass presents numerous challenges. From the stylistic approach to the works of the Viennese Classical period, through focused analysis of the compositions, to reflections on the cyclical structure of Johannes Brahms’s four symphonies, there will be much to discuss beyond purely technical conducting solutions. In particular, the repertoire commonly required for conducting auditions and applications for conducting positions is reflected in this course program, enabling the course to make a significant contribution to the professional development and career advancement of young conductors.
Masterclass Fees:
- Application fee: €75 (non-refundable)
- Course fee for active participants: €1890
- Course fee for passive participants: €300
- Deposit: €1200 payable due Dec 15, 2025,
- Balance: €690 payable due Feb 18, 2026, or in cash on the first day of the masterclass.
Please note that these fees DO NOT include travel and accommodation.
The selection of the active participants will be communicated via email within seven days after the application deadline.
The organizer reserves the right to postpone or cancel the masterclass in case of force majeure or other unforeseeable circumstances such as governments restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, travel bans, etc. The organizer will immediately notify participants of such changes and will refund the paid fee in full in case of event cancelation. Participants may not assert any compensation claims for travel, visa, accommodation costs, etc.
Prof. Florian Ludwig
Hochschule für Musik in Detmold
Since 2015, Florian Ludwig has held a professorship in orchestral conducting at the Hochschule für Musik in Detmold. In September 2025, he will also assume the position of Chief Conductor of the Vogtlandphilharmonie.
A student of Hermann Michael in Munich, Ludwig embarked on a traditional Kapellmeister career that led him to several German municipal theatres. Following posts at the Nationaltheater Mannheim and Theater Bremen — where, first as Second and from 2003 as First Kapellmeister, he played a key role in the theatre’s artistic successes under the directorship of Klaus Pierwoß — he served as General Music Director of Hagen from 2008 to 2017. There, he significantly raised the orchestra’s profile and popularity both regionally and nationally. His imaginative programming and the stylistic and artistic development of the Philharmonic Orchestra Hagen were honoured in 2014/15 by the Association of German Music Publishers with the award for the Best Annual Programme among all orchestras in the German-speaking world.
From 2020 to 2022, Ludwig was Interim General Music Director of the Philharmonic Orchestra and Stadttheater Gießen, where, during the pandemic, he brought a widely acclaimed concert performance of Tristan und Isolde to the stage.
He has conducted concerts and opera productions at numerous theatres and orchestras across Germany and neighbouring countries, and since 2019 has enjoyed an ongoing collaboration with the Chamber Opera Rheinsberg.
In his role as professor, Ludwig leads a highly regarded and successful conducting class in Detmold. Even before his appointment, mentoring young conductors and passing on his experience was a vital part of his artistic life. In his teaching, he guides students to translate their artistic vision and interpretative ideas into a clear, inspiring baton technique, coupled with open, respectful communication with the orchestra. He sees himself as a collegial mentor to the next generation of conductors.
Ludwig’s repertoire is marked by breadth and a keen openness to the new and unfamiliar. He is deeply committed to imaginative concepts for audience engagement and to forging strong connections between stage and listeners.
“Music can transcend boundaries and dissolve language barriers. It creates unity where once there was division. Its social significance today is greater than ever.” – Florian Ludwig
Wolfgang A. Mozart
Magic Flute- Overture
Ludwig van Beethoven
Overture, Leonore No 3
Ludwig van Beethoven
Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67
1st movement
Johannes Brahms
Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Op. 68
2nd and 4th movemets
Johannes Brahms
Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 73
2nd and 3th movements
23.02.2026, Monday
10:00-11:00h First class meeting
14:00-17:00h Ensemble
18:00-21:00h Ensemble
24.02.2026, Tuesday
14:00-17:00h Ensemble
18:00-21:00h Ensemble
25.02.2026, Wednesday
14:00-17:00h Full Orchestra
18:00-21:00h Full Orchestra
26.02.2026, Thursday
14:00-17:00h Full Orchestra
18:00-21:00h Full Orchestra
27.02.2026, Friday
14:00-17:00h Full Orchestra
18:00-21:00h Full Orchestra
28.02.2026, Saturday
Departure