2024/25 Conducting Fellowship

Wed 20 Sep, 2023

Applications for London Philharmonic Orchestra’s Conducting Fellowship now open

Applications for the London Philharmonic Orchestra’s 2024/25 Conducting Fellowship open today, 20 September 2023. The scheme, now in its second year, has been specifically created to promote diversity and inclusivity in the classical music industry by developing two outstanding early-career conductors from backgrounds currently under-represented in the profession. The inaugural Fellow Conductors, Luis Castillo-Briceño and Charlotte Politi, were selected from around 200 applications from around the world, and are working with the Orchestra during its 2023/24 season.

The London Philharmonic Orchestra wants to develop the world-class conductors of the future and believes that talent is indiscriminate, yet it is clear that people from certain backgrounds and communities continue to be under-represented in the orchestral sector. Applicants are asked to self-identify their eligibility, which may include, but is not limited to, gender identity, race, socio-economic background, neurodiversity, disability and special education needs.

Elena Dubinets, Artistic Director of the London Philharmonic Orchestra, says: ‘I am very pleased that today we are announcing the second year of the LPO Conducting Fellowship; from the beginning, the programme has established itself as a pioneering initiative for up-and-coming conductors from communities currently under-represented in the industry. I, and the whole London Philharmonic Orchestra, want to work hard to support emerging talent, and to make our music-making more inclusive and welcoming.’

Edward Gardner, Principal Conductor of the London Philharmonic Orchestra, says: ‘This scheme is vitally important to improving the diversity and inclusion of the profession – nothing should stand in the way of talent. I really enjoyed seeing so many talented conductors audition last year and I am excited about seeing more this time around. Having the opportunity to work with an orchestra like the LPO is an invaluable experience and I am honoured to be so involved in mentoring the next generation. I would warmly encourage applications and I look forward to guiding the 2024/25 Fellow Conductors through the scheme.’

The two successful applicants will be Fellow Conductors for the 2024/25 season and be guided by the LPO’s Principal Conductor, Edward Gardner. They will become fully immersed in the life of the LPO, working intensively with the Orchestra over a period of 6–8 non-consecutive weeks.

The LPO Conducting Fellowship will include:

– Opportunities to conduct the Orchestra in various settings including at LPO residencies, educational programmes, and ensembles of its rising talent programmes

– Opportunities to assist Edward Gardner, and mentorship sessions with him

– Full immersion into the life of the Orchestra, aiming to form the basis of a longer-term professional relationship

 

In addition, and considering the individual needs of the Fellow Conductors, the Fellowship may also include:

– Assisting opportunities and 1-1 sessions with other LPO titled and guest conductors

– Feedback from LPO musicians

– Meetings with the LPO’s resident and featured composers

– Professional development opportunities through sessions with LPO personnel, visiting artists and access to the LPO’s wider network of industry professionals

– Opportunities to participate in wider LPO promotional activity such as pre-concert talks and social media activity

– Tailored support around navigating the barriers specific to the Fellow Conductors

 

Fees will be paid at the LPO prevailing rates for early-career conductors and, if required, accommodation will be provided for the duration of the scheme. Applicants must be able to demonstrate extensive background and training in orchestral conducting, and be able to demonstrate ability in developing and conducting programmes, excellent musicianship and communication skills.

 

Conductors based in the UK are strongly encouraged to apply and will be prioritised.

 

How to apply

Eligible candidates are invited to apply via the online form on the LPO’s website, where they can also read more information about the application requirements. The deadline is 9am UK time on Friday 27 October 2023. Auditions will take place in London on Sunday 4 February 2024.

 

If applicants require the form in an alternative format, please contact [email protected] or call 020 7840 4218.

 

The LPO Conducting Fellowship is generously supported by Patricia Haitink with additional support from Gini and Richard Gabbertas.

For more information, interviews and images, please contact

Ruth Haines
London Philharmonic Orchestra Press & PR Manager
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 07425 151 458