Gstaad Conducting Academy:
training tomorrow’s leaders
Founded in 2014, the Gstaad Conducting Academy trains 10 young talents each year
This masterclass for conductors takes place over two to three weeks, under the guidance of internationally renowned teachers, and together with the professional Gstaad Festival Orchestra. Participants have the opportunity to conduct the orchestra during dress rehearsals and weekly concerts and enjoy accompanying lectures, conducting lessons, and video analysis of their performances.
At the end, one or more laureates are chosen by a jury and awarded the Neeme Järvi Prize, which allows them to conduct one or more of the professional orchestras of the festival’s partners.
When envisioning a leader, many people picture a commanding figure orchestrating every move—much like a conductor leading an orchestra. This image, however, is more symbolic and simplified than accurate. In an era where challenges are complex and tasks interdependent, leadership demands more than authority; it requires collaboration, communication, and trust—qualities that are equally crucial in conducting an orchestra.
For decades, new leadership paradigms have been emerging, but opportunities to practice these theories in real-world settings are rare. An exception is the Gstaad Conducting Academy.
Leadership through conducting
Watching a young conductor at the Gstaad Conducting Academy interact with both mentors and the orchestra offers a unique glimpse into the process of leadership development. The immediate impact of the conductor’s choices on the orchestra is evident, making the stakes high and the feedback instantaneous.
“The orchestra can sense whether the conductor has a clear vision,” says Mischa Greull, a member of the Gstaad Menuhin Festival orchestra. “Focusing on the weaknesses of the group is a mistake. It’s much more constructive when there’s a genuine communication between the conductor and the musicians.”
The path to self-discovery
Sharing the belief that before a leader can inspire others, they must first understand and lead themselves, the Gstaad Conducting Academy places the process of self-discovery at the center of its training.
While charisma is essential, it manifests differently in each conductor. Some exude quiet intensity, while others lead with dynamic energy. The challenge for these youngsters is to find their authentic style—a journey that requires practice, risk-taking, and, above all, time.
“I wanted to create something special for young conductors, providing the right conditions and opportunities that didn’t exist before.”
Christoph Müller, founder of Gstaad Conducting Academy
A chance to thrive in action
Founded in 2014 by Christoph Müller, the artistic director of the Gstaad Menuhin Festival, the Gstaad Conducting Academy offers around 10 aspiring conductors the chance to work closely with the Festival’s orchestra, involving over 200 musicians, for two to three weeks. The academy was born out of a desire to create a unique environment where these up-and-coming conductors could thrive, with access to professional orchestras and the opportunity to conduct at a major festival—a concept that was previously unheard of.
The curriculum is intense. Students are exposed to a wide repertoire, ranging from classical to contemporary music, and receive instruction from top-tier professors like Jaap van Zweden and Johannes Schlaefli. Video analyses, individual lessons, and public performances, all offering a comprehensive learning experience, complete the program.
Since its inception, the academy has received over 1,500 applications from more than 60 countries, with 120 participants logging over 550 hours on the podium. The academy’s success is evident in the many graduates who now hold prominent positions in orchestras around the world.
“Participating in the academy was a transformative experience for me. Conducting a public concert with a professional orchestra and having it recorded opened doors for me, leading to roles with the London and Los Angeles Philharmonic orchestras.”
Luis Castillo-Briceño, a recent Academy alumni
Lessons beyond the orchestra
Going forward, there is an understanding of the need for diversity and the inclusion of feminine perspectives in leadership roles. “We don’t have many role models,” says Celia Llácer, who took part in the Academy in 2024. “There are a lot of questions for us, female conductors, about how to balance our professional and personal lives. But the field is changing, and new models are emerging. I hope to be one of them.”
The Gstaad Conducting Academy’s approach to leadership has broader implications. Imagine if, before assuming any leadership role, young talent had the chance to train, observe the real-time impact of their decisions, and receive constructive feedback—all while working with a team committed not just to following orders, but to fostering the leader’s growth.
As the Gstaad Conducting Academy shows, leadership is not about being the loudest voice in the room. It’s about creating harmony, fostering trust, and inspiring others to bring their best selves to the table. In a world that is increasingly interconnected and complex, these lessons are more relevant than ever.