LPO Conducting Fellowship

Launched in 2023, our flagship LPO Conducting Fellowship programme seeks to support the development of the world-class conductors of the future, through offering an intensive opportunity to work closely with the Orchestra over a period of 6-8 (non-consecutive) weeks, to two outstanding early-career conductors from backgrounds currently under-represented in conductors of professional, world-class orchestras.

We believe that talent is indiscriminate, yet people from certain backgrounds and communities continue to be under-represented in the orchestral sector. The LPO Conducting Fellowship aims to promote diversity and inclusivity in classical music as a whole, to lead eventually to a sector that is more reflective of the wider population. We invite applications from conductors from historically under-represented communities in terms of gender identity, race, socio-economic backgrounds, neurodiversity, disability or other under-represented group. Providing artistic and professional development experiences at the highest level of excellence to early-career conductors from under-represented backgrounds is an important goal of the programme.

We are delighted to welcome our Fellow Conductors for the 2023/24 season: Luis Castillo-Briceño and Charlotte Politi. We have recently announced the Fellow Conductors for 2024/25 – congratulations to Matthew Lynch and Juya Shin.

What’s included in the Fellowship?

Guided by the LPO’s Principal Conductor, Edward Gardner, Fellow Conductors become fully immersed in the life of the Orchestra, getting to know players, artists and staff, developing skills and knowledge, and broadening their professional network. The LPO prides itself as being a welcoming and supportive orchestra and sets out to ensure Fellow Conductors become fully embedded in the LPO community. They are invited to attend rehearsals and concerts conducted by the Principal Conductor and other conductors, and are also offered conducting opportunities with the LPO and its Rising Talent ensembles.

The LPO Conducting Fellowship includes:

• Opportunities to conduct the Orchestra in regional and offsite performances, in educational programmes, and ensembles of its Rising Talent programmes
• Assisting opportunities and mentorship sessions with Edward Gardner
• Full immersion into the life of the Orchestra during the period of the Fellowship, with the aim of forming the basis of a longer-term professional relationship

In addition, and considering the individual needs of 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 LPO’s Resident and featured composers
• Professional development opportunities through sessions with LPO personnel, visiting artists and access to the LPO’s wide network of industry professionals
• Opportunities to participate in wider LPO promotional activity such as pre-concert talks and social media activity
• Additional tailored support around navigating the barriers specific to the Fellow Conductors

Fees will be paid at the LPO prevailing rates for early career conductors.

Who can apply?

The LPO is committed to advancing equality and inclusive practice in all areas: recruitment, artistic programme, and working environment. The Conducting Fellowship is open to applicants from backgrounds currently under-represented in conductors of professional, world-class orchestras. We are not presenting a fixed set of criteria, and instead ask applicants to self-identify their eligibility in this area. Eligible criteria may include, but are not limited to, under-represented gender, racial, ethnic or socio-economic backgrounds, and may also include neurodiversity, disability and special educational needs.

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.

Applicants must be over 18 and not in full-time undergraduate education. UK-based conductors are strongly encouraged to apply and will be prioritised.

When and how to apply

Applications for 2024/25 have closed. Thank you to all those who applied for the scheme. Information about 2025/26 will be announced in due course.