We are pleased to anounce the future collaboration with the Nova Orchester Wien (NOW!), which will also serve as the official orchestra for the International Erich Bergel Conducting Competition in September 2026.

The International Erich Bergel Association cordially invites applications for the 1st Conducting Masterclass in memoriam Erich Bergel, led by world-renowned conductor and pedagogue Prof. Uroš Lajovic. This masterclass is aimed at advanced conducting students, young professional conductors, and experienced musicians with a background in conducting. Held in memory of the distinguished German Romanian conductor Erich Bergel (1930 – 1998), the course honors his artistic vision, intellectual depth, and lasting pedagogical legacy that continues to inspire generations of musicians.

Participants will engage daily in conducting technique and rehearsal practice (3 sessions with piano and 2 sessions with orchestra and 1 concert performance, totaling 115 minutes of podium time). The program includes individual lessons, video analysis, and final rehearsals. The masterclass will conclude with a public final concert. Active participation is limited to 12 conductors.

Maestro Uroš Lajovic, was born 1944 in Ljubljana. He studied composition and conducting at the Academy of Music in Ljubljana (graduating in 1967 and 1969) and received the Student Prešeren Prize in both years. He continued his studies with Prof. Hans Swarowsky at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna, graduating with distinction in 1971. He also studied with Prof. Bruno Maderna at the Salzburg Summer Academy in 1968 and 1969.

From 1972 to 1991, he worked with the Slovenian Philharmonic, becoming Permanent Conductor in 1978. He also led the RTV Slovenia Chamber Orchestra (1974–76), was Chief Conductor of the Croatian RTV Symphony Orchestra (1979–81), and founded the Slovenicum Chamber Orchestra in 1988, leading it for twelve years. He served as Chief Conductor of the Belgrade Philharmonic (2001–05) and as Artistic Advisor and Guest Conductor of the Zagreb Philharmonic (from 2009). Between 2015 and 2017, he was again Chief Conductor of the Slovenian Philharmonic and Guest Conductor in Sofia and Shenzhen.

Appointed Professor of Conducting at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna in 1989, he was promoted to Full Professor in 1991. About 300 students from 58 countries studied in his class. From 2011 to 2014, he was also Professor at the Zagreb Music Academy. He retired from the Vienna University in 2012 and has given international masterclasses in cities such as Stockholm, Vilnius, Constanta, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Dubrovnik. His students have included Andrés Orozco-Estrada, Alexander Kukelka, and Kirill Petrenko.

We are excited to announce that Maestro Uroš Lajovic will serve as a jury member in the upcoming 3rd International Erich Bergel Conducting Competition, in September 2026 in Vienna.

Masterclass requirements and rules

The masterclass is open to conductors born after 1980. Applicants older than 45 years may be considered upon request - please contact us by e-mail. Based on video submissions, Maestro Lajovic will select up to 12 active participants. Each active participant will receive at least 115 minutes of podium time. Sessions will be video recorded upon request.
Passive participation is also possible and includes access to all sessions and the final concert.

Date and Location

Sunday, 7 to Friday, 12 September 2025

PALAIS EHRBAR, Ehrbar Saal and Kleiner Ehrbar Saal
Mühlgasse 30, 1040 Wien, Austria