At the masterclasses, international musicians of the highest standing will work with students from the Elder Conservatorium. The series gives members of the public the chance to see and hear students being instructed by some of the best musicians in their fields.

The series is presented in association with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra.

Download the 2012 Masterclass Series Brochure

Tuesday 27 March 4:30pm to 6:30pm

Often described as a 'musician’s musician’, American conductor Joseph Swensen currently holds the posts of Principal Guest Conductor & Artistic Adviser of the Orchestre de Chambre de Paris. Also Principal Conductor of the Malmö Opera from 2005– 2011, he was widely recognised as the driving force behind its transformation into one of the most important opera companies in Sweden.

A fantastic opportunity to witness the making of a symphony... Four up and coming conductors and the Elder Conservatorium Symphony Orchestra work on Brahms Symphony No. 2 with Maestro Joseph Swensen.

FREE CONCERT - Come and join the ECSO with resident conductor Keith Crellin, for a complete performance of Brahms Second Symphony and the Prelude to Act 3 of Lohengrin by Wagner at Elder Hall on Thursday 29 March at 6pm.

Joseph Swensen performs with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra at the Adelaide Town Hall on Friday 29 March, 8pm & Saturday 30 March, 6.30pm. Subject to availability Masterclass ticket holders are also entitled to a 2 for 1 ticket offer to attend this ASO performance. To book, contact the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra on 8233 6253.

Monday 23 April 2:00pm to 4:00pm

One of the most engaging live performers of his generation, the multi award-winning pianist Jean-Efflam Bavouzet has a busy international schedule both with orchestra and in recital. An exclusive recording artist for Chandos, Bavouzet received a Gramophone Award in 2011 for his recording of works by Debussy and Ravel with the BBC Symphony Orchestra and Yan Pascal Tortelier.

Head of Keyboard Studies Lucinda Collins invites you to this public masterclass – also part of the Elder Conservatorium’s Piano Technique and Repertoire Class – as four talented young pianists work with this renowned French pianist.

Jean-Efflam Bavouzet performs with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra at the Adelaide Town Hall on Friday 27 April, 8pm & Saturday 28 April, 6.30pm. Subject to availability Masterclass ticket holders are also entitled to a 2 for 1 ticket offer to attend this ASO performance. To book, contact the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra on 8233 6253.

Monday 4 June 10:00am to 12:00pm

She was told she should ditch her dreams of becoming a classical saxophone player – but did Amy Dickson listen?

Of course not!

Born in Sydney and still only in her mid-twenties, Amy has rapidly established herself as one of the world’s leading saxophonists.

One of music’s best kept secrets has to be the classical saxophone... Enjoy discovering just how special it is in this masterclass.

Amy Dickson performs with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra at the Adelaide Town Hall on Thursday 7 June 6.30pm, Friday 8 June 8pm & Saturday 9 June 6.30pm. Subject to availability Masterclass ticket holders are also entitled to a 2 for 1 ticket offer to attend this ASO performance. To book, contact the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra on 8233 6253.

Thursday 13 September 10:30am to 12:30pm

Doug de Vries is one of Australia’s foremost guitarists, excelling in many musical genres from azz to choro, samba to bossa nova. He is considered Australia’s leading exponent of Brazilian guitar repertoire and is particularly noted for his sophisticated accompaniments, deep knowledge and daring improvisations in jazz and other settings.

A masterclass not only for Jazz enthusiasts, but for music lovers everywhere.

Doug De Vries performs in the Lunchtimes at Elder Hall concert series on Friday 14 September, 1.10pm. Doors open at 12.30 and admission is $7. He will be joined by Mike Bevan and Charmaine Jones in an exciting program of Jazz, Afro Samba and Bossa Nova.

Tuesday 25 September 11:00am to 1:00pm

Michael Collins’ dazzling virtuosity and sensitive musicianship have made him one of today’s most sought-after soloists. At 16 he won the woodwind prize in the first BBC Young Musician of the Year Competition and at 22 made his American début at Carnegie Hall, New York. Since then he has performed as a soloist with many of the world’s major orchestras and is indisputably one of the leading clarinettists of his generation.

Spend a couple of hours with this world-renowned and exciting musician. In the very special and intimate setting of the Hartley Concert Room* this workshop will be both encouraging and and inspiring.

* Note the special venue for this workshop.

Michael Collins performs with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra at the Adelaide Town Hall on Friday 28 September, 8pm & Saturday 29 September, 6.30pm. Subject to availability Masterclass ticket holders are also entitled to a 2 for 1 ticket offer to attend this ASO performance. To book, contact the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra on 8233 6253.

Tuesday 23 October 1:30pm to 3:30pm

Violinist Nicola Benedetti has captivated audiences and critics alike with her musicality and poise. She has the ability to communicate and enthrall audiences with dynamic and energy-filled performances.

Whilst she is highly sought after on the world platform, Nicola is also fiercely dedicated to music education. Through her work with such organisatins as Sistema Scotland, she has helped to demonstrate the power that music can have in transforming the lives of young people.

Come and join us for this special masterclass filled with energy, integrity and passion...

Nicola Benedetti performs with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra at the Adelaide Town Hall on Thursday 25 October 6.30pm, Friday 26 October 8pm, & Saturday 27 October 6.30pm. Subject to availability Masterclass ticket holders are also entitled to a 2 for 1 ticket offer to attend this ASO performance. To book, contact the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra on 8233 6253.