The Conductor's Art
The power, the fame, the glory! But what does a conductor really do up there? This course invites you backstage to discover the secrets of that most mysterious musician onstage, the one without an instrument. We’ll explore the evolving role of the conductor from historical, musical, sociological, and organizational perspectives. Who are our great conductors, past, and present? What does the future hold for classical music, symphony orchestras, and their maestri? We’ll also learn basic conducting techniques to deepen your appreciation of this complex art.
Faculty Bio
Violist and conductor Ben Simon has performed internationally with the New York and Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestras. Music Director of the SF Chamber Orchestra for 21 years, he has taught at Harvard, Stanford, and UC Berkeley.
This is an In-Person, Livestreamed + Recorded Course
- Classes will meet in person at the Golden Bear Center, Suite 365, at 1995 University Ave., Berkeley
- Classes will also stream live, and be video recorded
- You must be a current OLLI @Berkeley member to register. Learn about membership, including our fee assistance program.
Schedule Highlights
- Course starts on Thursday, April 3, and ends on Thursday, April 24
- Classes meet for 4 weeks, 2 hours per session (10–noon)
- All course materials will remain available to view and enjoy in Member Dashboards through May 31
Member Praise for Ben Simon
The instructor's very deep, well researched knowledge of the subject (Bernstein) was impressive. His presentation of the course was well organized and insightful.
This course was amazing! The instructor’s enthusiasm was infectious. I learned so much.