FAME’S Institute Summer 2026 Orchestral Courses taking place in Skopje from June 29th to July 19th, 2026. These intensive programs provide a unique opportunity for students to engage with classical, world, hybrid, and film music under the guidance of internationally acclaimed mentors.
One of the areas in which students could generally benefit from more hands-on experience is studio recording, and this will be a particular focus of the program, alongside the final concerts.
They would gain a great experience from working in the studio, along with the opportunity to collaborate with outstanding mentors such as Vesko Eschkenazy (concertmaster of the Concertgebouw Orchestra), Rusanda Panfili, a professional violinist, soloist, composer, arranger, and producer, is an artist who has recorded extensively in professional studio settings and has significant experience in studio work, which she can meaningfully pass on to the students and Alastair King, one of the leading orchestrators and conductors in the UK, with outstanding experience in working with orchestras, studio recording, and the film industry.
PART 1 – Classical Music Orchestral Course
“Connected by Sound: The Transformative Power of World Music”
June 29–July 5, 2026
Mentor: Rusanda Panfili
This week offers students a unique opportunity to work with a full symphony orchestra under the guidance of renowned violinist, composer, and arranger Rusanda Panfili, known for her collaborations with Hans Zimmer, Andrea Bocelli, and Gavin Greenaway. The course blends classical, world, and film music, allowing participants to explore how cultural influences shape musical language and interpretation, from folk-inspired works to modern cinematic classics.
The repertoire has been carefully selected to provide students with a broad and immersive orchestral experience that bridges classical tradition, folk influences, and cinematic music. Spanning works from the Romantic period to contemporary film scoring, the program encourages stylistic flexibility, expressive versatility, and a deeper understanding of orchestral storytelling.
Through this selection, students will explore contrasting musical languages – from the rhythmic energy of folk-inspired works such as Bartók’s Romanian Folk Dances and Brahms’ Hungarian Dance No. 5, to the lyrical and expressive Romantic style of Lehár’s Gold und Silber. The program also includes iconic cinematic and contemporary repertoire such as Hans Zimmer’s Pirates of the Caribbean and Ennio Morricone’s Once Upon a Time in America, alongside Piazzolla’s work.
This combination allows students to engage with multiple performance traditions within a single orchestral setting, developing both technical precision and interpretative imagination. In addition, the program strengthens ensemble awareness and adaptability, as students move between diverse orchestral textures, phrasing styles, and musical aesthetics.
Why apply:
- Hands-on experience working with a full symphonic and string orchestra under expert mentorship.
- A unique combination of classical, world, and film repertoire that broadens both technical and artistic perspectives.
- Opportunities to prepare and perform works from globally recognised composers.
- Develop interpretive skills across diverse musical styles, from folk traditions to iconic film scores.
This week is perfect for students seeking practical orchestral experience, enhanced technical and interpretive skills, and the chance to explore how classical and folk traditions continue to shape music that resonates with audiences worldwide.
PART 2 – Hybrid Music Orchestral Course
“Unexpected Connections: Classical Music and the World of Tango”
July 7–12, 2026
Mentors: Vesko Eschkenazy & Stoyan Karaivanov
This week offers students a dynamic journey bridging classical repertoire with the passion and rhythm of tango, extending into cinematic sound worlds. Under the guidance of world-class soloists Vesko Eschkenazy, Stoyan Karaivanov, and pianist Viktoria Boyanova, participants explore how musical language evolves across styles and eras, from classical reinterpretations to traditional and modern tango, including Astor Piazzolla’s revolutionary tango nuevo.
This program offers a musical journey from classical repertoire to the world of tango. It explores how music changes across styles and time, and how different traditions can be connected through rhythm, expression, and interpretation.
The week begins with well-known classical works by Mozart and Mendelssohn, presented in new arrangements that introduce elements of tango style. From there, the focus gradually shifts toward traditional tango music and its characteristic rhythms and phrasing.
At the centre of the program are famous tango pieces such as La Cumparsita, El Choclo, and Por una cabeza. Students will also work on music by Astor Piazzolla (Libertango, Adiós Nonino, Oblivion), which combines tango with elements of classical music and jazz.
Additional works by composers such as Stravinsky, Schnittke, Bizet, and Jacob Gade show how tango has influenced music beyond Argentina and how it appears in different musical contexts.
Overall, this program helps students develop a better understanding of style, rhythm, and musical expression, while gaining experience in different types of repertoire within an orchestral setting.
Why apply:
- Work closely with leading mentors and soloists on both classical and tango repertoire.
- Experience performing in a hybrid orchestral setting, combining structured classical forms with rhythm-driven tango.
- Develop interpretive skills across multiple styles, including classical, traditional, and contemporary tango.
- Gain insight into the creative process of musical transformation, exploring the connections between genres, cultures, and eras.
This week is ideal for students who want to expand their musical versatility, explore cross-genre collaboration, and experience the expressive power of tango in an orchestral context.
PART 3 – Film Music Orchestral Course
“Scoring from Screen: From Orchestra to Soundtrack”
July 14–19, 2026
Mentor: Alastair King
This course offers performing musicians a unique opportunity to work in a professional recording studio environment, collaborating directly with composers and experiencing the full process of creating music for film. Under the guidance of renowned orchestrator and conductor Alastair King, participants will rehearse, perform, and record original film music while working under real production conditions and deadlines.
Featured repertoire includes: original compositions by participating composers, specially arranged film music, and selected works from the contemporary film scoring repertoire.
Why apply:
- Gain hands-on experience in a professional recording studio setting.
- Collaborate directly with composers on newly written works.
- Rehearse, perform, and record film music as part of a real production workflow.
- Develop precision, adaptability, and ensemble skills required for studio sessions.
This week is ideal for students who want to gain real-world recording experience, understand the workflow of film music production, and develop the skills needed for professional orchestral studio work.
All selected students will receive a fully funded scholarship. All costs related to masterclasses, studio work and recordings, accommodation, meals, and local transport in Skopje are covered by FAME’S Institute. Participants are responsible only for their travel expenses to and from Skopje.
As our partner institution, we are pleased to share this opportunity with you.
The application deadline is May 15, 2026.
Students can apply here: https://fames-institute.com/apply-now/
All the information about Fame’s and our courses can be found on this link: https://fames-institute.com/
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