Walter Strauss
Masterclass
This special program provides an intense and rich educational experience over the course of one week by bringing together five active young and emerging choral conductors and observer participants interested in choral music with internationally renowned guest choir conductors, who are experts in their fields and invited to our country each year.
During the week, active participants work closely with both the guest conductor and the Turkish State Choir, culminating in a final concert. While the main masterclass is held in English and tailored for advanced conductors, the Choral Conducting Workshop (conducted in Turkish) is designed for beginner and intermediate-level participants. Led by Burak Onur Erdem, conductor of the Turkish State Choir, this workshop offers a comparable experience to the masterclass.
For observer participants, the masterclass offers a valuable opportunity to closely follow and learn from the work of active conductors. By attending rehearsals and sessions, they gain a well-rounded perspective on the art of choral conducting.
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In addition to observing the masterclass, participants are invited to attend evening talks held by prominent music professionals from across Turkey. Each session focuses on a different topic, ranging from vocal techniques and choral structures to composer profiles and the development of polyphonic music in Turkey and worldwide.
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In order to receive a certificate of attendance, participants are required to attend the full program.
The Turkish State Choir’s masterclass, dedicated to its long-time conductor Walter Strauss, has become a significant event on the international stage by contributing to the sustainability of polyphonic choral music and fostering the growth of young conductors through training and professional development.
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Recommended by the European Choral Association (ECA), this event holds a prestigious position in the choral world. Over the years, many renowned guest conductors such as Paulo Lourenço (PT), Lorenzo Donati (IT), Ragnar Rasmussen (NO), Josep Vila i Casañas (ES), Jan Schumacher (DE), Georg Grün (DE), Gary Graden (SE) and Sebastjan Vrhovnik (SI), have participated in the program, inspiring a new generation of choral leaders.
This Season
In 2026, between January 25–31, the Turkish State Choir will host Hungarian choral conductor and educator Zoltán Pad.
During the masterclass, choral conductors will have the opportunity to work closely for one week with Zoltán Pad, Burak Onur Erdem, and the Turkish State Choir.
Applications will open on August 22, 2025, and close on November 30, 2025.