Susanna Riddell - Our Conductor
Susanna Riddell is an accomplished UK-based orchestral conductor and cellist with over 25 years of international experience performing on the world stage, with outstanding conductors and soloists.
As a cellist with the London Philharmonic Orchestra she worked closely with renowned conductors and developed a long-standing mentoring relationship with the LPO’s Principal Conductor, Vladimir Jurowski.
Appointed Director of the Centre for Wessex Young Musicians and the award-winning Wessex Youth Orchestra in 2007, she led the organisation’s transition to independent CIC non-profit status in 2021, long-term excellence in musical ensemble training.
Susanna brings to the podium, her experience and knowledge of working in the orchestral profession; performing with world-class conductors and soloists, in the some of the most notable concert venues across the world including the Royal Albert Hall, Royal Festival Hall, Birmingham Symphony Hall; as well as offering insights into international touring and recording work including for TV and film. Above all, she is passionate about teaching young musicians how to be professional, an invaluable skill in any career path.
Moreover she has worked extensively with young musicians and conservatoire students across the UK. This interest has led to touring as guest conductor with the the Royal Holloway University London Symphony Orchestra, as well as projects at the Royal College of Music and Trinity College of Music. She currently conducts for the London Philharmonic Orchestra’s Junior Artists “Overture” projects, focusing on training and guiding the next generation of musicians.
First Glimpse
For BISYOC 2026, we are planning a symphonic orchestra. The aim for our repertoire will continue to embrace diversity in the programme, intentionally featuring contemporary pieces, highlighting the works of women composers, and including cherished classical orchestral works. As always, to further enrich the BISYOC experience, we’re creating a selection of intercultural activities that will not only be great fun but also form a strong sense of community and shared identity among our young musicians.
Who can apply?
Young people aged 16 to 26 years old, including both music students and students from non-music disciplines who are enthusiastic about it.
Yes! Our program also welcomes young musicians from any academic fields, as long as you’re enthusiastic about music and eager to participate.
No formal audition is required. However, you have the option to submit a short video showcasing your playing or musical skills if you wish. This is entirely optional and can help us better understand your experience and interests.
When & Where
DATES
The course will take place in the summer of 2026 around the turn of July and August. From 28.07.2026 to 09.08.2026. Mark your calendars!
LOCATION
The event will be hosted at the Jugendkloster Ahmsen, a former monastery in northern Germany that has been transformed into a welcoming educational and meeting centre.
Located in a somewhat secluded area, this lodging offers comfortable accommodations, practical facilities for rehearsals, and a calm atmosphere that fosters learning and intercultural exchange.
Concerts
The concerts are set to take place in:
- Forum Hasetal, Löningen – 07.08.2026
- Alte Weberei Nordhorn – 08.08.2026 Get Tickets here!
Repertoire
The program of BISYOC 2026 is set to:
- Dvorak (9. Symphony)
- Copland (Appalachian Spring)
- Lilli Boulanger (D’un matin de printemps)
- Ruth Seeger (Rissolty Rossolty)
Tutors
Michael Dooley – Bassoon (Ireland)
Michael is a distinguished Irish woodwind specialist and conductor, holding honours degrees from Waterford Institute of Technology and Trinity College Dublin. He currently serves as the principal bassoonist with both the Irish Symphonic Wind Ensemble and the L.C.U. Orchestra, and he has performed with several orchestras throughout his career.
Michael is also a founding member The Limerick Philharmonic and leads both the Galway Youth Orchestra and the Festival Orchestra in Manchester.
Stephen Altoft – Trumpet (UK/Germany)
Steve’s research in microtonality led him to develop innovative trumpet mechanisms and new programmes for trumpets and flugelhorns in 12-, 19-, 24- and 38-tone systems. His artistic work has ranged from performing, composing to recording for radio and television.
Beyond exploring harmonic microtonal environments, he also focuses on improvisational works, including spontaneous performance. With his extensive background and development, he now shares his expertise at the Waldkirch Musikschule, Germany.
Ella Vala Ármannsdóttir – Horn (Iceland)
Born in northern Iceland, Ella Vala is a horn player with an international career spanning Iceland, Germany, and Switzerland; specialising in modern and natural horn. She has held long-standing roles with the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and the North Iceland Symphony, worked extensively with leading baroque ensembles across Central Europe, and contributed to numerous historical performance recordings.
Now focusing primarily on her conducting profile alongside studies in civil engineering, Ella brings deep orchestral experience and a strong educational background and she’s delighted to return to the youth orchestra world.
Fernando Zorita – Violin (Spain)
Fernando is a violinist from León, Spain., who began his musical studies at the age of 11. He quickly developed a strong passion for chamber and orchestra playing, enjoying the collaborative aspect of making music with others. A former member of the Spanish National Youth Orchestra (JONDE). Combined with his performance career, he has developed a strong commitment to music education and has dedicated time to tutoring youth orchestras, motivated by a wish to pass on his experience to younger generations.
He joined BISYOC following an invitation from colleague Pilar Andrino, one of the project’s founders and usual tutor. He highlights how BISYOC provides both a musical journey and a unique cultural experience.
Cristina Gestido – Viola (Spain)
Spanish violist who began her studies in Oviedo and continued in the Royal College of Music (London) under the guiadance of renowed musicians. She has performed with top orchestras such as the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, London Philharmonic, and the Spanish National Orchestra; and given recitals across Europe.
Cristina is also an experienced session musician, recording at Abbey Road Studios. She holds additional master’s degrees in Music Education, Cultural Management, and Composition for Audiovisual Media and currently plays with the Asturias Symphony Orchestra (OSPA) while directing the Oviedo Chamber Music Series (CIMCO). She highlights BISYOC as a transformative experience, combining musical excellence with rich cultural exchange.
Evrydiki Iliadou – Cello (Greece)
Evrydiki has built a rich career combining performance and teaching. She has performed with numerous German orchestras including the Symphony Orchestra of Konstanz, and collaborated with various chamber ensembles in Cologne.
Now based again in her homeland of Greece, she works as a freelance cellist, teaches at conservatory, studies Musicology in Aristoteles University Thessaloniki, and occasionally coaches the University Orchestra Thessaloniki.
Lee Ferguson – Percussion (US/Germany)
Lee Forrest Ferguson is no stranger to diversity, having performed Bossa Nova, Irish folk, rock, heavy metal, and jazz fusion, as well as Baroque and Classical chamber and symphonic music. He performs regularly with the Holst Sinfonietta, New Music Initiative, Suono Mobile, and is one half of the duo Contour. He is also a founding member of the Black Forest Percussion Group.
Lee collaborates widely across disciplines, working with percussionist and composer Michael Kiedaisch, flutist Helga Zuccaro, sound artist Ephraim Wegner, pianist, improviser, and composer Thomas Wenk, and graphic designer Suan.
A dedicated supporter of BISYOC since its inception, Lee has contributed to the organization of the course, especiallly offering students a multifaceted experience.
Applications
Applications Open!
Applications for the upcoming course BISYOC 2026 are open from 23rd November 2025 to 1st February 2026.
EARLY BIRD Discount
Apply early to get the Early Bird discount, available for applications submitted before 31st December 2025.
Applications are being reviewed and confirmations will be communicated shortly. We are grateful for everyone who applied, as well as all those who trust us and helped spread the word!
Anyways, the application form WILL REMAIN OPEN as long as there are places available for the instruments that haven’t been filled yet.
Costs and Travel
The COURSE FEE covers accommodation for the full duration of the course, all meals, tuition and inner travel to activities and concerts.
Please note that personal TRAVEL EXPENSES to and from the venue are not included in the fee and should be arranged and covered by participants themselves.
Around 15th of March, and once the payment has been received, participants will be provided with further information regarding practical matters.
However, we will provide suggested travel routes and, when possible, connect participants from nearby locations so they may coordinate their journeys together.
Partners and Supporters
We wish to thank our partners for their valuable support. Without them, BISYOC would not be possible.
