Over the course of four interactive video sessions, Seattle-area conductor Adam Stern will teach the rudiments of conducting and share his own experiences, imparting information from the purely technical to the highly personal and anecdotal.

Particular attention will be paid to the dangers and delights of interpretation — how to come as close to a composer’s wishes as possible without abusing the power of the podium. Attendees will be encouraged to ask questions at the conclusion of each session, whether about composers and conductors, the physical actions that everyone sees, or the very private communing with scores that is at the heart of the conductor’s art.

Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival presents these four Zoom interactive video workshops on a large screen at Orcas Island Public Library at 7 p.m. on four Sundays, Jan. 19 and 26 and Feb. 2 and 9. All who are interested in gaining insights into the art of conducting are welcome to attend. People who would like to participate but won’t be on Orcas for the workshops can join remotely via the internet.

Through a generous grant from the Gould Family Foundation, these live video sessions are free. To preregister for any or all of the four sessions, or to learn how to participate remotely, contact Tracy at Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival by email at tracy@oicmf.org or by phone at 360-376-6636.