Lead the Future of Performing Arts
Become a 360° Maestro
International Conducting Competition & Fellowship
Conducting Competition│Conducting Laboratory/Workshop│Professional Mentorship │ Holistic Leadership │ Global Recognition │ Career Advancement │ Exclusive Networking │
Applications for 2027
Coming Soon
The 360° Maestro
International Conducting Competition & Fellowship
By ©Performing Arts Laboratory
Artistically Designed, Scientifically Proven & International Awarded
Mission:
The 360° Maestro nurtures conducting leaders by combining advanced artistic training, performing arts leadership, mentorship, and real-world professional experience within an international platform.
Highlights:
🎼➡️🏛️ Podium-to-Profession Training
Go beyond technique. The program bridges high-level conducting practice/training with holistic leadership, rehearsal strategy, and institutional realities, preparing you to lead modern performing arts institutions with clarity, authority, and vision.
🌍 International Visibility & Career Acceleration
Selected conductors gain global exposure through an internationally competition framework, professional evaluation, and alignment with Performing Arts Laboratory’s global network.
🤝🎼 Direct Mentorship & Profession-Focused Training
Work in close mentorship with Maestro Diego Barbosa-Vásquez and outstanding mentors, supported by selected orchestral principals and guest international professionals. The program is designed as an intensive, one week high-level environment that mirrors the artistic, leadership, and human realities faced by conductors in today’s performing arts ecosystem.
The World Is Watching!
Are You Going
to Miss It?
Where & When...?
TBA
TBA
TBA
2027
M-F: 8am - 7:15pm
&
S: 3:30 pm - 7:00pm
Can't Make It to Bloomington?
Join The 360° Maestro – Global Access (Online)
Top-tier leadership experience is no longer bound by geography. Thanks to The 360° Maestro™ Apprenticeship track, performing arts professionals and emerging leaders from around the world can now access high-level training from the comfort of their home city—with full, live access to our world-class curriculum.
Whether you're an early-career conductor, an arts administrator, a composer, or a curious professional, you can now participate in the complete 360° journey without leaving your home.
Three Levels of Expertise
A place for everyone...
1 Single application
Maestro
For Advanced Experts
4 Finalist Selected
From the Conducting Fellows pool, based on their holistic performance during the full week of Conducting Labs/Workshops.
✅ Full Competition Experience:
Engage in an international-level competition framework with real-time evaluation.
✅ Full Live Concert Experience:
Conduct a chamber orchestra in a complete performance setting including audience interaction and live broadcast.
✅ Full Rehearsal Immersion:
Lead rehearsals from first note to final bow, building ensemble authority.
✅ International Visibility & Career Acceleration: Gain exposure through PAL’s global network and professional recognition.
✅ + Conducting Fellowship:
Includes all benefits of the Conducting Fellowship tier during the week of Conducting Labs and Workshops.
🏆Prizes & Awards
🥇1st Prize Winner
💰 $3K
+
🎼 Invitation as Assistant Conductor of the Bloomington Opera Camp™ 2027
📈Three Personalized sessions of Branding and Marketing for Individuals PAL Consultation to Transform Your Talent: Elevate Your Brand, Amplify Your Art (Valued in $250 Each)
🚀 Two conducting career strategy sessions with Diego Barbosa-Vasquez & Daniel Mallampalli
🥈2nd Prize Winner
💰 $1K
+
📈 One Personalized sessions of Branding and Marketing for Individuals PAL Consultation to Transform Your Talent: Elevate Your Brand, Amplify Your Art (Valued in $250)
Conducting Fellow
For Rising Artists
Accepted as "Active Podium Time" Participants based on their CV and Videos.
✅ Podium-to-Profession Real Experience
Bridge high-level conducting with holistic orchestral leadership, rehearsal strategy, and institutional realities.
✅ Repertoire & Leadership Mastery
Refine conducting and rehearsal techniques, interpretive skills, and ensemble leadership for modern orchestras.
✅ Full Conducting Lab Access
Participate in all masterclasses, workshops, and rehearsal exercises as active participant.
✅ Multiple Ensembles Rehearsal
Hands-on experience leading a wide range of professional ensembles in focused, intensive settings.
✅ Performance Preparation & Feedback
Receive individualized critique and guidance to elevate your conducting effectiveness and presence.
✅ Session Recordings & Evaluations
Access recordings of all rehearsals and workshops, paired with expert evaluations for self-review frameworks for continued growth.
✅ Holistic Professional Development
Learn beyond music: communication, fundraising, leadership, team management, career strategy, and orchestral governance essentials.
✅ Professional Networking
Connect with international conductors, industry leaders, and orchestral principals to expand your global career opportunities.
💰 Tuition
An Investment in Your Future
TBA
In Person
Conducting Apprentice
For:
- Emerging Conductors: Seeking foundational mastery.
- Arts Professionals: (Administrators, Board Members, Composers) who want deep insight into the conductor's world.
- Curious Guests: Committed to understanding the full scope of artistic leadership.
Accepted as "Passive" Participants, accepted based on the CV and goals.
Insiders - Without Podium Pressure
✅ Comprehensive Insider Access:
Gain unfiltered access to the conductor’s complete realm—from rehearsal technique and score study to institutional strategy and stakeholder dynamics—all without podium pressure.
✅ Cross-Disciplinary Leadership Immersion:
Whether you're an early-career conductor or a professional from administration, composition, or management, this tier provides the holistic framework to understand and collaborate with conductor-leaders.
✅ Podium-to-Profession™ Curriculum:
Attend the same leadership sessions as the Fellows. Master the essentials of programming, budgeting, communications, and career branding that define modern arts leadership.
✅ Guided Video Analysis & Critical Evaluation:
Learn to analyze conducting artistry using evidence-based frameworks. Develop a critical eye for gesture, rehearsal strategy, and interpretive communication through recorded sessions.
✅ Network with the Ecosystem:
Connect directly with conductors, faculty, orchestral musicians, and a cohort of peers from across the performing arts landscape, building your professional network from the inside.
💰 Tuition
Your Next Step into Conducting
TBA
In-Person
or
Online Access
(Save on hotel, meals, and transportation)
The 360° Maestro (2026) Experts Jury Panel
Distinguished Mentors. Global Perspective. Direct Access.
Diego Barbosa-Vásquez
Conductor
Chief of Jury
General Director | Performing Arts Laboratory
Music Director | The Americas Chamber Orchestra
Music & Artistic Director | Bloomington Opera Camp™
Arthur Fagen
Conductor
Music Director Emeritus | Atlanta Opera
Co-Chair | Orchestra Conducting Department - Jacobs School of Music - IU
Regular Guest Conductor at the most prestigious
Opera Houses, Concert Halls, and Music Festivals globally.
Geoffrey Larson
Conductor
Music Director | Seattle Metropolitan Chamber Orchestra
Resident Conductor | Windsor Symphony Orchestra
Music Director | Windsor Youth Symphony Orchestra
Camilo Téllez
Conductor
Music Director | Marywood Orchestra
Former Dudamel Fellow | Los Angeles Philharmonic
Regular Guest Conductor | Across Asia, Latin America, and Europe,
Joachim Gustafsson
Conductor
Music Director | Orquesta Filarmónica de Bogotá
Artistic Leader | Tommie Haglund Festival in Halmstad
Regular Guest Conductor | At prestigious
Opera Houses, Concert Halls, and Music Festivals in Europe.
Daniel Mallampalli
Artistic Administrator
Assistant Vice President of Artistic Planning | Boston Symphony Orchestra
Former Associate Director of Programming | Los Angeles Philharmonic
Former Artistic assistantships | Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra’s May Festival, and the Vienna State Opera.
Sonja Thoms
Orchestra Manager
Director of Operations & Personnel | Chattanooga Symphony & Opera
Founder | Orchestra Careers
Former Executive Director | Wheeling Symphony Orchestra
Former Vice-President & General Manager | Nashville Symphony Orchestra
Justin Benard
Artistic Administrator
Assistant to Artistic Managing Director | San Francisco Opera
Former Artistic Director | Bloomington Chamber Opera
Former Road Manager | African American Arts Institute
Aaron You-Xin Li
Violinist
Violinst | Seattle Symphony
Former Violinist | London Symphony Orchestra, Kansas City Symphony, New World Symphony
Who We’re Looking For
Advance Conductors
Conducting Fellowship Tier
✅ Open to all nationalities!
✅ Prior Conducting Experience: Demonstrated ability conducting ensembles (orchestras, chamber groups, or choirs) at a professional, semi-professional, or advanced student level.
✅ Leadership & Musical Interpretation: Strong foundation in score study, rehearsal technique, and ensemble management.
✅ Technical & Artistic Skills: Proficiency in baton technique, gesture clarity, and the ability to shape phrasing, dynamics, and articulation effectively.
✅ Collaborative Openness: Willingness to receive mentorship, work closely with peers, orchestral principals, guest artists, and the program team, and adapt in real-time to artistic and organizational feedback.
✅ Professional Materials Required:
• CV/Resume
• Short Cover Letter explaining why you want to be part of The 360° Maestro
• Contact of 3 professional references (including emails and phone numbers)
• 2 contrasting conducting videos (each under 3 minutes) demonstrating your skill and interpretive range.
Early Conducting Students & Performing Arts Professionals
Conducting Apprenticeship Tier
✅ Open to all nationalities!
✅ Interest in Conducting: Early-stage conducting students, or professionals from related fields (arts administration, composition, instrumentalists, singers, musicology, and other performing arts disciplines) who want an in-depth understanding of conducting: Leadership, rehearsal strategy, conducting practice, the conducting role in the full organization.
✅ Holistic Learning: Enthusiasm for learning both the musical and managerial sides of conducting, including ensemble communication, rehearsal design, and leadership principles applicable to performing arts and beyond.
✅ Collaborative Spirit: Willingness to actively observe, reflect, and participate in discussions, workshops, and labs without direct podium pressure.
✅ Professional Materials Required:
• CV/Resume
• Short Cover Letter explaining why you want to be part of The 360° Maestro
The 360° Maestro™
is led directly by our General Director
Maestro Diego Barbosa-Vasquez
Forbes
ForbesLife - FORBES.CO
International Press
“Natural-Born Leader, Diego Barbosa-Vásquez contributes to the International Transformation of the Performing Arts[...] Integrates four essential dimensions: The Artistic, the Financial, the Social, and the Ecological."
Arthur Fagen
Music Director Emeritus | Atlanta Opera
Co-Chair | Orchestra Conducting Department - Jacobs School of Music - IU
Regular Guest Conductor at the most prestigious
Opera Houses, Concert Halls, and Music Festivals globally.
"[Diego] is a strong conductor with a very good baton technique, temperament, musicality, and a great knowledge of the scores he conducts. I might add that he knows all of his scores by memory. [...]I have seen his strong commitment to reach high artistic quality every time he conducts and to making music and art accessible to all communities."
Thomas Wilkins
Principal Conductor | The Hollywood Bowl Orchestra
Principal Guest Conductor | The Virginia Symphony
Artistic Partner for Education & External Engagement | Boston Symphony Orchestra
Professor of Orchestral Conducting | Jacobs School of Music (IU)
Music Director Laureate | Omaha Symphony Orchestra
Golden Baton 2022 | League of American Orchestras
"[Diego] is a fabulous musician, and artistically very thoughtful. In addition, he is also extremely bright. I am also happy to report that above all he is a wonderful and warm human being."
El Tiempo
Colombian National Press
“[Diego] has become a role model for the children and young people of our country”
The 360° Maestro™
Transforming emerging & advance conductors into visionary leaders for the global Performing Arts...
The 360° Maestro™ is an intensive international conducting program that equips emerging and advanced conductors with the skills, tools, knowledge, experience, and leadership mindset needed to excel in today’s performing arts world. Through a strategically designed experience that includes concert, competition, live rehearsals, masterclasses, mentorship, and holistic training, participants gain hands-on professional conducting experience with multiple ensembles, develop repertoire mastery, and acquire deep insight into the institutional and artistic realities of modern performing arts—preparing them to lead with excellence, authority, and global impact.
The Conducting Lab/Workshop
Boosting your Podium Authority
8:00 am to 9:20 am
Morning sessions focused on Repertoire Mastery, Conducting/Rehearsal Techniques, and Rehearsals Preparation for Optimal Performance.
Repertoire Mastery
Podium Authority by Knowledge
A few examples of this session’s focus:
1. Daily deep dive into score study and musical and extra-musical components understanding.
2. Analyze of each unique style needs: colors, phrasing, harmonic structure, rhythm, pacing, etc.
3. Prepare mentally to ensure confident, effective, and expressive sessions with coherent artistic results.
4. Memorization Strategies Boost: Structural mapping, harmonic landmarks, cue-based memory, orchestration logics in-depth analysis for memorization, and mental rehearsal to strengthen security, freedom, and leadership on the podium.
Conducting & Rehearsal Techniques
Podium Authority by Skills
A few examples of this session’s focus:
1. Define basic gestures needs, cueing strategies, and key points of expressive communication.
2. Practice gestures, pulse control, internal-mental guidance, conducting technique, and clarity of intent.
3. Identify technical and expressive challenges to anticipate in rehearsal and define their necessary and time effective solutions.
Rehearsal Preparation for Optimal Performance
Podium Authority by Clarity
A few examples of this session’s focus:
1. Plan rehearsal structure and approach: Prioritizing needs, define concentric mindset work by sections, balance ensemble, and sequence technical work.
2. Strategies to define, prepare, and share clear conducting notes before rehearsals (bows, breaths, extra scores notes, etc).
3. Develop strategies for addressing technical, artistic, and stylistic nuances efficiently under limited rehearsal time.
Boosting your Podium Experience
9:35 am to 1:20 pm
Sessions focused on Hands-on Conducting Experience with Diverse Ensembles.
**15 Minutes of Secured Podium per day for Conducting Fellows**
Monday
Mozart 40 - 1st Mov
(With Piano)
Conducting what is NOT written.
A few examples of this session’s focus:
1. Phrase-based beating (anti-square conducting)
2. Subdivision without over-showing it.
3. Left hand independence
4. Emotional restraint vs. propulsion
5. Release → re-attack precision
Tuesday
Beethoven 1, 1st & 4th Movs
(With Piano)
Conducting Music grammar under pressure.
A few examples of this session’s focus:
1. The sound result of a gesture.
2. Preparatory gesture & temporal authority
3. Metric stability through harmonic ambiguity
4. Clear Transitions: Adagio → Allegro con brio / Adagio → Allegro Molto e Vivace,
5. Articulation hierarchy
6. Classical release techniques
Wednesday
Rossini & Anelli, L'Italiana in Algeri, Cruda Sorte! & Rossini & Sterbini, Il barbiere di Siviglia, Una Voce Poco Fa
(With Piano + Singer)
The Art of Opera Conducting
A few examples of this session’s focus:
1. Lead by following and follow by leading.
2. Pulse Authority & Tempo Ownership
3. Preparatory Gestures & Character Initiation
4. Gesture Economy & Technical Precision
5. Expressive Flexibility & Adaptive Leadership
6. Left-Hand Function & Musical Communication
Thursday
Tchaikovsky, Serenade for Strings, 1st Mov
(With Quartet)
Conducting
Strings
A few examples of this session’s focus:
1. Gesture as Sound Shaper
2. Balancing inner voices with minimal gesture
3. Strings Bowing and its direct influence in music results.
4. Harmonic and Emotional Pacing
5. Long-Line Shaping & Legato Continuity
6. Precision, Sensitivity & Ensemble Feedback
Friday
Ardila-Pineda – Un Mar de Fueguitos
(With Strings Orchestra)
Conducting Contemporary Repertoire
A few examples of this session’s focus:
1. Go beyond standard pitch and rhythmic. In depth work on each piece stylistic needs.
2. Pulse authority in shifting meters
3. Preparatory gestures for extended techniques
4. Strategies to define the required stylistic useful gesture.
5. Texture–rhythm coordination
6. Releases and re‑attacks in non‑tonal contexts
7. Clear rehearsal strategies for contemporary works.
Solidifying Unique Artistic Aesthetics
3:00 pm to 5:45 pm
Video-review sessions focused on critical analysis and guided observations to refine gesture, interpretation, and coherent artistic vision.
**10 Minutes of Secured Guided Video Analysis per day for Conducting Fellows**
Guided Video Review Analysis
✅ Review of gesture clarity and expressive precision
✅ Analysis of Rehearsal strategy and ensemble communication
✅ In depth discussion of musical phrasing, tempo, and interpretive choices.
✅ Developing professional and coherent communications about your artistic choices.
Conducting Video-Evaluation Framework™
✅ Learn how to use PAL’s Conducting Video Review Framework to review (holistically) self and peer conducting videos in a scientific way.
✅ Identifying strengths, weaknesses, and growth areas.
✅ Applying scientific evaluation techniques understanding multiple rehearsal contexts and artistic perspectives.
Future Growth & Professional Preparation
✅ Developing practice and rehearsal plans for continued improvement
✅ Understanding leadership, collaboration, and decision-making in real context
✅ Translating conducting insights to broader performing arts careers.
The Podium-to-Profession Intensive
Beyond the Podium:
Mastering the Conductor’s Professional Landscape
6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Sessions focused on mastering programming, budgeting, stakeholder communication, marketing, and career development for conductor-leaders
Monday
Programming and Repertoire
Repertoire as the
Main Governing Document
A few examples of this session’s focus:
1. Principles of programming a balanced concert season for artistic and audience engagement.
2. Aligning repertoire choices with the institution’s vision, mission, and identity.
3. Strategic planning for thematic cycles, special projects, and premieres.
4. Understanding repertoire as a governance tool: setting artistic standards and ensemble expectations.
Tuesday
Fundraising and Financial Stewardship
Budget as the second
Main Governing Document
A few examples of this session’s focus:
1. The Basics of Performing Arts budgeting from a conductor’s perspective.
2. Identifying/nurturing funding sources: grants, sponsorships, donors, and ticketing strategies.
3. Linking artistic decisions to financial planning and sustainability.
4. Techniques for presenting programming and projects to funders effectively
5. Analyzing real institutions budgets to understand trade-offs and priorities from artistic perspectives.
Wednesday
Interacting with the Internal Stakeholders
Learning the Organization
from Inside
A few examples of this session’s focus:
1. Effective communication strategies with artistic staff, artists, and management.
2. Building trust and collaboration with the CEO and C-Suite peers.
3. Understanding board structures, responsibilities, and expectations.
4. Managing conflict and facilitating consensus in artistic decisions.
Thursday
Interacting with the External Stakeholder
Leading the Organization from Outside
A few examples of this session’s focus:
1. Developing an orchestra’s public profile through strategic marketing initiatives.
2. Community engagement: outreach programs and audience development.
3. Integrating the conductor into media, public speaking, and community events.
4. Techniques for engaging audiences during concerts and pre/post-performance interactions.
5. Crafting effective speeches, introductions, and program notes for public presentation.
Friday
Portafolio Development
Crafting your Branding for Global Reach.
A few examples of this session’s focus:
1. Clues for compelling conductor CV highlighting skills, achievements, and leadership.
2. Strategies for a personal website and digital portfolio to showcase artistry and experience.
3. Leveraging social media to grow visibility and professional networks.
4. Preparing for next steps: applications, auditions, and networking after the program.
Saturday
Assistant Conductor Applications
**10 am to 12m**
Mastering the Professional Gateway
A few examples of this session’s focus:
1. Decoding job postings and tailoring cover letters & CVs to meet unspoken institutional needs.
2. Curating video submissions that demonstrate rehearsal aptitude, collaborative skill, and podium readiness beyond concert performance.
3. Preparing for multi-stage auditions: score tests, mock rehearsals, and interviews with music directors, management, and musicians.
4. Understanding the role’s realities and strategically leveraging an assistant position for long-term career trajectory.
This session is lead by former LA Philharmonic Assistant Conductor (Dudamel Fellow) Maestro Camilo Téllez and current Resident Conductor of Windsor Symphony Orchestra Maestro Geoffrey Larson.
The 360° Maestro Competition
A Competition grounded on
REAL-LIVE Conducting
Sat: 3:30 pm to 7:00 pm
High-stakes international competition where selected Conducting Fellows demonstrate artistic authority, rehearsal leadership readiness, full stakeholders interaction, stage presence, and public communication through live rehearsals and concert performance with a Chamber Orchestra. Finalists are evaluated by musicians, staff, peers, and audience members, emphasizing the real-world professional accountability and impact.
Repertoire
Each Finalist will conduct 2 overtures
(1 from each pool)
Standard Cannon:
1. Beethoven: Coriolanus (Overture)
2. Mozart & Da Ponte: DonGiovanni (Overture)
3. Rossini & Popa: La scala di seta (Overture)
4. Hayden & Metastasio: L'isola disabitata (Overture)
Contemporary Works:
1. Barbosa-Vasquez, Emir, Sosa, Ardila-Pineda: Seeking/Buscando El Dorado (Overture)
2. Barbosa-Vasquez, Emir, Feng, Uran, Huff, Xu: Seeking/Buscando El Dorado Continues (Overture)
*Contemporary piece will be shared 3 weeks in advance to participants (Fellows and Apprentices)
**Pieces will be assigned by ballot on Friday
Rehearsals
Each Finalist will rehearse with the Chamber Orchestra for 30 Min:
All the rehearsal will be lead entirely by the finalist, deciding:
1. Rehearsal order
2. Rehearsal time for each piece
3. Use of assigned bows, change them, or bring his/her/their own parts.
4. Full coordination with staff before, during, and after rehearsals and concerts will be part of the competition review.
5. Any additional, musical, artistic, or other rehearsal each finalist considers necessary for his/her/their concert.
Concert
Each Finalist will Conducting the Chamber Orchestra in Public Concert
1. The order of candidates will be decided by ballot on Friday after assignment of works.
2. The order of which overture will be performed first will be decided by the finalist (to showcase and defend his/her/their artistic authority).
3. Each finalist will have a maximum of 3 minutes for audience speech to be used (or not) at his/her/their own discretion (in order and duration).
4. The concert will be recorded to help with Finalist portfolio development.
Prizes
Launch, amplify, impact
YOUR CAREER!
🥇1st Prize Winner
💰 $3K
🎼 Invitation as Assistant Conductor of the Bloomington Opera Camp™ 2027
📈Three Personalized sessions of Branding and Marketing for Individuals PAL Consultation to Transform Your Talent: Elevate Your Brand, Amplify Your Art (Valued in $250 Each).
🥈2nd Prize Winner
💰 $1K
📈 One Personalized sessions of Branding and Marketing for Individuals PAL Consultation to Transform Your Talent: Elevate Your Brand, Amplify Your Art (Valued in $250)
Jury
Creating Full Transparent by Multi-Stakeholder Evaluation
Diverse Perspectives: Feedback from conducting panel experts, musicians, staff, peers, and audience ensures evaluation reflects the full art of conducting, beyond just technique or momentary excitement.
Transparent Decision-Making: PAL's 360 Maestro – Conducting Evaluation Matrix makes every vote visible, creating an open, accountable process where all voices are heard.
Real-Orchestra Leadership: Conductors navigate collaboration, negotiation, and communication among stakeholders with diverse—and sometimes conflicting—needs.
Beyond Sports-Style Competitions: The competition mirrors professional realities, valuing artistic vision, leadership, and institutional building as much as podium technique.
The 360° Maestro (2026) Experts Jury Panel
Your Step onto the International Stage Begins Here
Diego
Barbosa-Vásquez
Conductor
Chief of Jury
Diego Barbosa-Vásquez is an internationally active opera, orchestra, and ballet conductor. Colombian-born and based in the United States, he is General Director of the Performing Arts Laboratory, Music Director of The Americas Chamber Orchestra, and Music & Artistic Director of the Bloomington Opera Camp™. He has collaborated with leading Orchestras and Opera companies in the Americas and Europe, holds a Doctorate in Conducting from Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music, and is internationally recognized for his PostDoctoral research in Performing Arts Sustainability.
Arthur Fagen
Conductor
Arthur Fagen is a distinguished opera and orchestral conductor and Music Director of The Atlanta Opera. He serves as Co-Chair of Conducting at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music and has appeared with leading orchestras and opera houses worldwide. Widely respected for his musical integrity and deep knowledge of the repertoire, Maestro Fagen is internationally recognized for his excellence in conducting and artistic leadership.
Geoffrey Larson
Conductor
Geoffrey Larson is the Resident Conductor of the Windsor Symphony Orchestra, Music Director of the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber Orchestra, and a Cover Conductor for the Virginia Symphony Orchestra. He previously served as Assistant Conductor and Chorus Master of Berkshire Opera Festival. He was awarded second prize in the 2021 International Orchestral Conducting Competition “UAL” in Spain and has appeared as a guest conductor in opera, ballet, and symphonic performances in the US, Canada, and Europe.
Camilo Téllez
Conductor
Camilo Téllez is a Colombian conductor based in the United States and currently serves as Music Director of the Marywood Orchestra. He maintains an active international presence across Asia, Latin America, and Europe, and has conducted ensembles such as the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra, the Bogotá Philharmonic, Naples Philharmonic among others. A former Dudamel Conducting Fellow in LA Phil, Téllez is recognized for his dynamic programming and his advocacy for Latino repertoire.
Joachim Gustafsson
Conductor
Joachim Gustafsson is one of Scandinavia’s leading conductors, acclaimed for his dynamic artistry and wide-ranging repertoire. He is Music Director of the Orquesta Filarmónica de Bogotá and appears internationally with major orchestras across Europe and Latin America. His recordings span Beethoven and the late-Romantic tradition to leading Nordic and contemporary composers, earning recognition for both symphonic cycles and opera productions.
Daniel Mallampalli
Artistic Administrator
Daniel Mallampalli is Assistant Vice President of Artistic Planning for the Boston Symphony Orchestra, overseeing artistic strategy, programming, and collaborations, including the Tanglewood Festival Chorus. He previously held key programming roles with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and assistantships with the Vienna State Opera, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, and the Boston Symphony Orchestra at Tanglewood.
Justin Benard
Artistic Administrator
Justin Benard is a member of the artistic planning team at San Francisco Opera. He previously worked at Lyric Opera of Chicago and served as Artistic Director for Bloomington Chamber Opera’s production of Treemonisha. He has also held positions at various performing arts organizations at Indiana University, where he received a master’s in arts administration.
Sonja Thoms
Orchestra Manager
Sonja Thoms found her love for orchestras as a young oboist in the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra and continued her studies at Eastman School of Music and Rice University. Now with over 20 years of orchestra management experience gained through working for the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Nashville Symphony, and Wheeling Symphony Orchestra, Sonja currently works at the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera as Director of Operations & Personnel. Sonja created a mentoring community called OrchestraCareers.com, and has been instrumental in growing the student constituency of the League of American Orchestras.
Aaron You-Xin Li
Violinist
Aaron You-Xin Li is a violinist with the Seattle Symphony. He has built extensive orchestral experience performing with distinguished ensembles such as the London Symphony Orchestra, the Kansas City Symphony, the New World Symphony, and many other orchestras. Li earned his Master’s degree at Indiana University under the tutelage of Grigory Kalinovsky. He has participated in numerous music festivals, including the Music Academy of the West, where he received the Zvi Zeitlin Scholarship, as well as the Spoleto Music Festival and the Sarasota Music Festival, among others.
Our Location and Accommodation
The 360° Maestro™
at the Hilton Garden Inn (2026)
For 2026 (our inaugural edition), The 360 Maestro™ Competition and Fellowship will take place at the Hilton Garden Inn in downtown Bloomington, Indiana, USA, offering an outstanding venue where all artistic activities happen in one inspiring location. It allow accepted fellows and apprentices to secure on-site accommodation (breakfast included) and full-day parking, creating a seamless, stress-free experience.
Staying on-site allows participants and families to fully immerse themselves in the program while enjoying comfort, convenience, and easy access to all activities.
Single Room
Single King
or
Two queen beds, allowing participants to stay with one family member if desired.
Breakfast Included
All participants that secure accommodation option through us, will received full breakfast for the participant and the family member on the room.
Parking Available
Participants may also choose full-day parking at registration (with unlimited in/out privileges), ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience in Bloomington, IN Downtown.
Unique Location
Strategically placed in Downtown Bloomington, within a half mile of the Indiana University campus, as well as the fun along Kirkwood Avenue and International Row. Events at Monroe Convention Center are just a five-minute walk away.
Extra Amenities
If you secure hotel through us, you'll enjoy:
Fitness Center, Streaming entertainment, The hotel offer pet-friendly rooms, Free Wifi, and On-site restaurant with special 20% discount to fellows and apprentices.
©Photos by Hilton Garden Inn
The 360° Maestro™
is led directly by our General Director
Diego Barbosa-Vásquez
Opera, Orchestra, and Ballet Conductor & Scholar
Maestro Diego Barbosa-Vásquez is an internationally acclaimed Opera, Orchestra, and Ballet Conductor & Scholar whose visionary leadership is transforming the global Performing Arts landscape. Profiled by Forbes as a “Natural-born Leader,” rooted in his Colombian heritage, and a regular guest with leading ensembles across the USA, Latin America, and Europe, he combines world-class training and international experience to create deeply immersive, community-driven artistic experiences that inspire musicians, audiences, and institutions alike. As General Director of the Performing Arts Laboratory, Maestro Barbosa-Vásquez brings over 15 years of sustained international artistic excellence, recognized for his dynamic conducting and pioneering research in Performing Arts Sustainability.
His collaborations span the world’s leading organizations, including the St. Louis, Indianapolis, Cincinnati Symphony, Greeley Philharmonic, and Magna Grecia Orchestras; Santa Fe, Atlanta, Houston, and Royal de Wallonie Opera Companies; IU Opera and Ballet Theater; League of American Orchestras; Opera America; World Federation of Amateur Orchestras; and the Ostrom Workshop. With an in-depth command of over 300 works—spanning the opera, orchestral, and ballet canon, as well as a profound commitment to Latin American repertoire—he is also a vital advocate for contemporary music, having commissioned, coached, premiered, and/or recorded over 30 new works across symphonic, operatic, and multi-disciplinary formats, combining artistic innovation with profound musical insight.
Holding a Doctorate in Conducting from Indiana University, along with PostDoctoral research in Latin American Music and pioneering international PostDoctoral Practical/Research in Performing Arts Sustainability—covering artistic, financial, social, and ecological dimensions with emphasis on international business, political economy, entrepreneurship, and public policy—Maestro Barbosa-Vásquez brings unmatched expertise to The 360° Maestro™. His leadership ensures every participant gains a transformative experience, while his global stature makes him a sought-after collaborator in the full performing arts landscape, guest conductor, and music director for orchestras seeking artistic innovation, institutional vision, and cultural impact.
Learn more at: www.barbosavasquez.com/bio
You-Xin Li
Second Violin | Seattle Symphony
Former Violinist | The Kansas City Symphony, New World Symphony
“[Diego] is a natural, sensitive, energetic, and supportive conductor with a lot of imagination and thoughts. [...] He communicates to the orchestra clearly and respectfully with his thoughts and interpretations. [Diego] respects and supports all the musicians, no matter how our identity was [...] treating every musician respectfully and professionally [...]. He brings out the good sides from the musicians and encourages us to become even better artists. With his energy and ability to unify the whole orchestra, I believe any orchestra will be very lucky to have him."
Sonja Thoms
Director of Operations | Chattanooga Symphony & Opera
Former Executive Director | Wheeling Symphony Orchestra
Former General Manager and VP of Operations | Nashville Sympho
"[Diego] is always advocating for ways orchestral institutions can develop stronger connections inside the organization and outside with their communities. [...] Diego equally prioritizes high artistic quality, diversity, inclusion, and sustainability in his work."
Yanella Bia
Composer & Oboist | National Symphony Orchestra of Uruguay (SODRE)
Oboist | Montevideo Philharmonic Orchestra
"...Have worked with Maestro Barbosa-Vasquez was an enormous pleasure for me. Transforming the cold score into music for the first time is not a simple task. Maestro Barbosa-Vasquez captured perfectly the spirit of the composition. His commitment, technical solvency and musicality, concluded in an excellent result of the work..."
Desireé Ward
Principal of Second Violins | Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra
"...Maestro Barbosa-Vasquez brought to the Greeley Philharmonic an explosion of colors. Not only is he incredibly experienced in Classical music as well as in Latin American music, but he also has a way of getting the orchestra to work with each other and listen to each other. It was such an honor and extreme pleasure to get to play beautiful music, extremely well done, and with a finesse and cohesiveness through the entire Orchestra.
Thomas Wieligman
Former Executive Administrator | Instrumental Ensembles at Jacobs School of Music - Indiana University
"[Diego's] methods rely on his ability to elicit emotional levels of playing from the ensemble while he maintains a strategic leadership approach and his deep connection with the music..."
General Editor
Nuestras Bandas de Música
Spain
"…as a synonym of energy, vitality, knowledge and security of a high artistic quality when a musical group is under his baton..."
J.L. Nave, III
Principal | Nave Strategies
Adjunct Professor | O'Neill School, Indiana University
"[...] A music director who could balance artistic excellence with financial stewardship, ensuring the sustainability and success of his future organizations. [...] His ability to find a balance between competing priorities and guide his team to a well-rounded final budget was a testament to his strategic thinking and adaptability. [...]
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