Czech Holešov Workshop,
and Concert
June 25 - July 2, 2026
with
Donald Schleicher
WHERE: ZLIN, Czech Republic - 170 miles (270km) east of Prague; 125 miles (200km) north of Vienna
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WHEN: Arrive June 25, depart July 2 (Concert on July 1 at Holešove Castle)
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FACULTY:
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Donald Schleicher
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ENSEMBLE: Bohuslav Martinu Philharmonic (Zlin, CZ)
Established in 1945 as the Symphony Orchestra of Bata National Enterprise, the Bohuslav Martinů Philharmonic Orchestra has worked with a number of distinguished conductors. The repertoire of the orchestra includes a wide range of symphonic works of different periods and a considerable number of contemporary compositions. Cooperation with radio and television stations, recording projects, and international tours have become a regular part of the orchestra’s work.
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DESCRIPTION:
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This week-long intensive workshop features epic repertoire and outstanding faculty, takes place in the historic city of Zlin with the final concert at the beautiful Castle in the charming city of Holešov. The course includes:
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Baton technique classes
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Conducting exercises
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Score previews
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90+ minutes of podium time
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Video-recorded conducting sessions
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Public concert
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The best conducting workshop for the price – and it’s a lot of fun!
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REPERTOIRE:
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Glinka: Ruslan and Ludmila Overture
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Beethoven, Symphony No. 5
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Shostakovich, Symphony No. 5
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Donald Schleicher
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Maestro Schleicher served for 26 years as Director of Orchestras at the University of Illinois, where he was awarded the title of Daniel J. Perrino Professor Emeritus, School of Music, College of Fine and Applied Arts. Other previous positions include Resident Conductor at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music, Music Director and Conductor of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra, and Music Director and Principal Opera Conductor for the Pine Mountain Music Festival. At the outset of his career, he spent seven years as a high school band director in Williamsville, New York, and two years as Director of Bands at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. In addition, he served as both Associate Director of Bands and Associate Director of Orchestras at the University of Michigan.
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Schleicher has conducted the National Philharmonic of Ukraine, the Daegu (South Korea) Symphony Orchestra, the Incheon (South Korea) Philharmonic, the Gwangju Symphony (South Korea), the Guiyang (China) Symphony, the Orquesta Filarmonica de la UNAM of Mexico City, the South Dakota Symphony, and the orchestras of Bridgeport, Tallahassee, and Lansing. He has appeared as a guest conductor at the Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival and served as a cover conductor for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.
He is frequently invited to lead performances or provide conducting master classes at many of the country’s major music schools such as the Oberlin Conservatory, Eastman School of Music, Baylor University, University of Minnesota, Ithaca College, Ohio State University, and the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University. As an enthusiastic advocate of public school music education, Mr. Schleicher has conducted All-State orchestras, festivals, and youth orchestras in nearly every state of the United States.
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As a conducting teacher, Mr. Schleicher regularly appears as conducting clinician and is currently engaged as a lead teacher for the International Conducting Workshop and Festival as well as the Conducting Master Class and Workshop Series. Many of his former conducting students have gone on to hold prestigious conducting positions with orchestras and opera companies across the globe.
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Donald Schleicher was appointed Director of Orchestras at Northwestern University in the fall of ‘22.
TUITION AND 4-STAR LODGING
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Tuition: $3,399 (US) for active participants
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Tuition: $599 (US) for auditors
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4* Hotel (SHARED ROOM), including breakfast: $399
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4* Hotel (PRIVATE ROOM), including breakfast: $699
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Students may bring guests for an additional fee
You will be staying at the 4-star hotel Baltaci. https://www.baltaci.cz/en/
All accommodations are walking distance from the rehearsal and classroom venues, and include breakfast.
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