This seminar marks the beginning of our annual orchestral program, consisting of two complementary courses that bring together musicians, professors, and students from across Europe.
Course 1: “Studio to Stage” with Daniel Rowland
February 4–10, 2026
Led by violinist Daniel Rowland, founder of the Stift International Music Festival and Professor at the Royal College of Music in London, this six-day recording course offers advanced string students the opportunity to engage in a professional recording project culminating in a public performance at the Skopje Philharmonic Hall on February 10.
The week will be fully dedicated to the recording process, including studio work, control room sessions, listening to recordings, and understanding the complete process of professional recording. The program will also feature lessons, evening chamber music sessions, and work in small ensembles.
The repertoire for the course will include The American Four Seasons by Philip Glass, Tenebrae by Osvaldo Golijov, and Metamorphosen by Richard Strauss.
Daniel Rowland has built an impressive international career as a soloist and chamber musician, including twelve years as leader of the Brodsky Quartet and numerous acclaimed recordings such as the Shostakovich Cycle.
Course 2: “Finding the Groove” with Tim Redmond and Douglas Marriner
February 12–17, 2026
This hybrid orchestral–jazz project, led by conductor Tim Redmond (Guildhall School of Music and Drama; London Symphony Orchestra) and jazz drummer Douglas Marriner (New York–based performer and educator), explores the meeting point between jazz and classical traditions.
The course brings together string players and advanced jazz musicians to explore rhythm, groove, and ensemble collaboration, covering a repertoire from jazz standards to disco-inspired works.
The second week will focus on improvisation, jazz techniques, and composition workshops, including lessons and discussions on jazz, improvisation methods, and the life and opportunities of jazz musicians. Students will have the opportunity to present the skills they have developed in the workshops in an open concert at a cultural centre in Skopje, followed by the final performance of the full week’s program at the Skopje Philharmonic Hall on February 17.
All selected students will receive a fully funded scholarship, with all costs for masterclasses, recordings, accommodation, meals, and local transport in Skopje covered by FAME’S Institute. Participants are responsible only for their travel expenses to and from Skopje.
The February Open Call is officially open and will remain open until December 25, 2025.
Students can find all the information about the February courses here:
https://fames-institute.com/
They can apply directly through this link:
https://fames-institute.com/
Deadline: December 25, 2025