Today, 17 August, Guildhall Young Artists and Black Lives in Music announce the launch of a new Conductor in Residence Scheme, providing a unique opportunity for a young conductor to be resident with the London Schools Symphony Orchestra (LSSO) for a year. In order to nurture diverse talent and champion representation within the orchestra, the scheme is particularly aimed at attracting applications from young conductors from under-represented groups.
The scheme will see the successful applicant gain unique experience working with LSSO students during the orchestra’s week-long Christmas, Easter and summer holiday courses, as well as being offered one-to-one mentor support from professional conductors. The Conductor in Residence will be involved in all aspects of the orchestra, including attending audition panels and taking sectional rehearsals, as well as having the opportunity for a professional credit conducting the orchestra in concert.
The launch of this new scheme forms a part of Guildhall Young Artists’ commitment to support young musicians from historically under-represented backgrounds and is part of an ongoing partnership with Black Lives in Music to help build an equitable, inclusive environment at Guildhall School.
Roger Wilson, Director of Operations at Black Lives in Music says:
“This is an excellent opportunity to nurture the diverse conducting talent that we should all wish to see on the podium. Black Lives in Music are confident this ground-breaking programme will help to shine a light on an often-overlooked career pathway in classical music. We’re pleased to be working alongside Guildhall Young Artists and the LSSO. It’s a tangible, empowering and impactful effort to level the playing field of opportunity for aspiring young conductors from all backgrounds and not just the privileged few.”
Alison Mears, Director of Guildhall Young Artists says:
“We are really excited to be working with Roger Wilson and all at Black Lives in Music to realise this important initiative. The conductor in residence post is an opportunity for an aspiring conductor to join the team at LSSO for a year to help train and conduct this outstanding orchestra of young talent and to be mentored by guest conductors.”
Applications are invited from individuals who have recently completed studies in conducting at undergraduate or postgraduate level, who are currently studying conducting at undergraduate or postgraduate level, or who are studying conducting as part of their degree. The successful applicant will receive an assistant conductor’s fee of £6,000, payable in three instalments.
Candidates wanting to apply to the scheme should do so before the deadline on 15 September 2022. Interviews will be held on 20 September and those invited to interview will be invited to attend the LSSO concert that evening at Barbican Hall.
