2025 International Conductors Guild Conference

The 50th International Conductors Guild Conference is set to take place in London from 2-5 January 2025. Connect with leading conductors from around the world for four days of networking, presentations, discussions and more.

Conductors, often the solitary figure in a room full of musicians, are in a unique but sometimes isolated position. The opportunity to share burdens, successes, and questions with others is a rare and valuable experience. This is where the International Conductors Guild (ICG) steps in to bridge the gap! Each year, the ICG hosts a three-day conference for conductors of all types — professional, amateur, choral, band — you name it! If you conduct, this conference is for you. This year, it will be in London, England, from 2-5 January 2025, in the Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall at the Royal College of Music.

The ICG conference offers a unique opportunity for conductors to connect with their peers from around the world. It's a chance to be in a room of people who understand the same challenges and celebrate the same momentous occasions. Conductors who attend year after year build a global network of friends. Affiliate-centred dinners and happy hours, such as the women conductors' annual dinner, bring together like-minded conductors for free-wheeling conversations about everything under the sun.

The other aspects of the conference are the panels and presentations. Participants prepare their academic research on a wide array of topics and present their findings to a room full of their peers. Most of this cutting-edge discussion can be found nowhere else in the world. Topics range from historic conductors and their contributions to the profession to work-specific talks that help illuminate rarely heard and popular music designed to give you ideas for programming. This year's schedule includes talks on the future of technology in the conducting profession, British women composers, a discussion of the contributions of George Hurst, a presentation on Gustav Holst as a music educator, a conversation about creating the best recording, a deep dive into the original plan for Shostakovich's 9th symphony, and much more!

During the conference, ICG sponsors a unique conducting workshop for attendees to refine their skills and observe the teaching process. The esteemed Mark Wigglesworth, the new Chief Conductor of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, will be joining us in January to share his wisdom with a select group of conductors.

Members of the ICG also have access to the Mentorship program, where they are paired with a conductor for a private conversation based on their needs. This is a great opportunity to learn from experienced conductors and receive personalized advice on anything—from work-specific questions to help with contracts and boards to career focused goals such as a new position or more guest conducting.

As an introduction to ICC, British and Belgian conductors get special registration rates! Come dip your toe into the wonderful world of the ICG without breaking the bank. You also get a complementary year of membership with ICG as part of your conference registration. 

Join us in January for four days of networking, presentations, discussions, good food, and camaraderie. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with your peers and enhance your skills. 

Register now on the ICG website. Stay up-to-date with latest ICG news by following them on Facebook / Instagram / X (Twitter)

We look forward to seeing you in London!