International Conductors Guild - Stuttgart Conference - Call for Conference Proposals

The International Conductors Guild, the world's only educational, service, and membership nonprofit organization created by and for conductors of all types, will host its next international conference in Stuttgart, Germany, January 16 - 18, 2027.  This conference follows previous international conferences in Cophenhagen, Valencia, and London, as well as domestic US conferences in Dallas, New York City, Cincinnati, Chicago, and Fort Worth. The ICG has held an annual conference since 1975. 

This year's Stuttgart conference will provide an outstanding opportunity for scholars and experts in the field of conducting to share their expertise and research on a variety of topics germane to conductors.  A Call for Proposals has been sent to more than 1,200 members of the ICG and review of submissions will begin on August 1, 2027.

In recognition of the 200th annivesary of Beethoven's death, the International Conductors Guild (ICG) invities scholars, researchers, and presenters to submit conference presentation proposals focused on the great composer, his works, and his life.  We encourage proposals on composers and works influenced by Beethoven and may include but is not limited to:

• Great masterworks of the time period, or works from any time period that was influenced by Beethoven's legacy,
• Conductors of any genre known for their interpretation or advocacy of these works.

Proposals will not be accepted solely on the basis of a focus on Beethoven and his legacy; ideas and other topics centered around and important to conductors are encouraged.

Presentations should be on topics that engender deep discussion and discovery for professional conductors of all genres (orchestra, band, chorus, ballet opera, musical theatre, wind ensemble, etc.). Some fruitful discusions from past ICG conferences have included:

• Discussion on specific conducting techniques for different time periods, such as the Baroque,
• Specific conductor retrospectives,
• Unknown/lesser-known groups of conductors (Women, BIPOC, etc.),
• Deep dives into major works,
• Introductions of lesser-known works by major composers,
• Programming for specific holidays, time periods, anniversaries, or musical bodies, 
• Professional development for conductors, 
• New works, commissions and compositions,
• Presentations focused on the changing technology of the profession,
• Creation and presentation of out-of-the-box ways of performing. 

Presentations with strong music components, whether via video or live demonstration are highly encouraged.

Submission for proposals is Friday, July 31, 2026.  Submissions require membership in the International  Conductors Guild, conference registration, and will require an abstract, a social media blurb, and a presenter headshot and bio. Assistance is available, if needed.  

Individuals are encouraged to complete THIS FORM to submit a proposal.  

Membership in the International Conductors Guild is $120 per year, over 65 years of age - $100/year, and student membership is $25/year.  Conference registration discounts are applicable for first-time attendees, students, military members, and special cases.  

The ICG is pleased to partner with the Stuttgart Philharmoniker on this year's conference and will include access to both a dress rehearsal and concert on Saturday, January 16, as well as a performance of Beethoven's Missa Solemnis by the Bach Akademie of Stuttgart on Sunday, January 17.

For more information or assistance, please contact dominique@internationalconductorsguild.org