Internationally hailed as one of the most prominent and wealthiest head conductors in the classical music field today, Riccardo Muti needs little introduction.

The superstar conductor, currently head of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Orchestra Giovanile Luigi Cherubini, recently wrapped up his first-ever opera academy in Asia -- the Riccardo Muti Italian Opera Academy -- held from May 22 to 29 at Gyeonggi Arts Center and Seoul Arts Center.

Muti, 74, first launched his eight-day-long opera academy in Italy last July and brought his teachings to Korea for the academy’s second go-around, inviting young talents to learn tips of the trade from one of the world’s best. After all, who better to teach the proper ways of an Italian opera than the master himself?

“When the music stops, your hands should stop, why all the unnecessary gestures?” Muti said to a student during a master class Friday morning.

“I’m against conductors who don’t show emotions. You need to kill them (your musicians) with your eyes, with your emotions in order to guide them. ... I presume that Korean people are passionate, when it comes to passion in music, don’t be afraid,” he told his students. “You need to remember that the piano (playing softly) does not mean without energy.” 

Starting the class 10 minutes late and unwilling to announce how long the break would last and when the rehearsal would resume again, the academy was certainly not without its faults. However, the maestro was surprisingly playful and lighthearted, sprinkling the occasional humorous remarks, saying: “Like Dumbo you have to open your ears.”

And despite his reputation of being partial to the entitled, the maestro did make a point of emphasizing the importance of humility to his students.

“We are conductors, we are human, we make mistakes. We are not God, most of the times we are dogs,” said the conductor. 

“Obviously Riccardo Muti is not a person who you can come across easily in your lifetime,” said Jeong Tae-yang, a budding opera coach -- a pianist who accompanies the opera production -- who took part in the maestro’s academy last week. 

“I can honestly say I have never met anyone more attuned to details. He doesn’t miss a thing,” Jeong continued. “Being able to learn from him, hearing his professional comments, having him in front of your very eyes and guiding you, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I am so thankful to have. I know that right now, this is my chance to grow and get better as an artiste like never before.”

The academy was opened to music majors coaching aged 18-32 in three categories: conducting, singing and opera. Muti held tutorial sessions for eight day on Verdi’s “La Traviata.” On Friday night, Muti also led the Gyeonggi Philharmonic Orchestra in a concert of Schubert and Tchaikovsky at the Seoul Arts Center’s Concert Hall.

“There really is no one else you can compare him to in terms of his caliber in classical music world and reputation as one of the world’ most respected conductors,” said Cho Min-sang, studying to be an orchestra conductor.

“To be honest with you, I was extremely nervous to take part in this program, I not only thought this academy would be difficult, but also I wasn’t sure what kind of teacher conductor Muti is and how strict and demanding his classes would be,” he added.

“Now having spent the past several days learning from him -- although I’ll admit he still makes me nervous -- Riccardo Muti has made me realize so many details about my style and habits as a would-be conductor than I could have ever realized before. Watching him teach, I kept thinking to myself, this man not only knows his music, but it is clear that he truly loves music,” Cho said.

“I think seeing his great passion for music is what inspired me and touched me the most -- that even after all these years and all of his experiences, his burning passion for music seems to have only gotten stronger. This is something I hope to strive to achieve in my future as a conductor.”

By Julie Jackson (juliejackson@heraldcorp.com)