First: A Small Ensemble
A string quintet with piano provides the basic ensemble for the early sessions. The small group and more intimate environment have proven highly beneficial for participants: There is less pressure, and the conductor has more freedom to try new concepts, while being supported by the teachers, other participants, and the members of the ensemble.

Next: A Chamber Orchestra
Later, the ensemble is augmented with more musicians. Every year several pieces are done with complete instrumentation. Examples from past retreats: Stravinsky's Dumbarton Oaks, Appalachian Spring of Copland, Schubert Symphony No. 5, Barber's Knoxville, Summer of 1915, Mozart Symphonies 29 and 41.

Finally: A Concert
At the end of the two-week session, every participant who wishes to perform is given an opportunity to do so. Conductors request repertoire from the list of pieces they have studied during the Retreat. Additional musicians are engaged, a final dress rehearsal is held, and a public concert is given. During the summer of 2002, the professional orchestra of the Portland Opera Repertory Theatre (comprised of members of the Portland Symphony and Boston area freelance musicians) was engaged for the final rehearsals and concert, allowing participants the opportunity to conduct a full, professional orchestra in Mozart Symphony No. 31, the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto, Faure's Pelleas and Melisande, and the Brahms Symphony No. 4.

Many of our participants find this to be an extremely rich and valuable experience which provides crucially important musical and personal results. This is true no matter what kind of ensemble they conduct, whether large or small, instrumental or vocal, professional or academic. Every year several participants return for a second, third, or fourth summer at The Conductors Retreat at Medomak.  

The 2008 application deadline has passed, however applications submitted now will be received and considered, as a few positions occasionally become available during the weeks prior to the beginning of the Conductors Retreat. If you have any questions, please send an e-mail to info@conductorsretreat.org.