Many years ago, the Orchestra for Practical Conducting Lessons (OPD) was founded at the University of Music FRANZ LISZT. This ensemble is the ideal working tool for the practical training of conductors. It replaces the conducting training practised worldwide, in which the orchestra is usually replaced by pianos, with work on the correct orchestral sound.

This successful model was first copied throughout Germany, then several times in Europe, and has now provided conductors with valuable practical building blocks on their way to success for many years. Up to now, the OPD has been supported financially by private sponsorship or by the support of various associations.  Each player and each choir singer receives a fee per hour, with a rehearsal time of three hours.

In a classic win-win situation, on the other hand, instrumentalists get to know many works of standard literature that they will play in the orchestra later in their careers. During the rehearsals with concert literature, the students of the instrumental classes get the chance to gain experience as soloists with orchestra and conductor. The mutual perception of orchestra musician / choir singer / soloist / conductor is strongly encouraged.

It is especially important for all participants to learn how a conductor must work, why certain procedures do not work, where the instrumentalist must take responsibility. For the conductors, this is the most important part of the training, which cannot be learned in the simulation in the classroom: The direct confrontation with the orchestra apparatus and with the soloists, the differentiated listening to the overall sound in order to bring about specific changes or improvements, the psychological leadership of the group etc.