Wednesday 14 July 2021

To encourage more female artists to see opera and orchestral music as a viable career path: new conductor traineeship at Opera North aimed at female conductors

Dalia Stasevska makes her UK debut with the Orchestra of Opera North (Photo Justin Slee)
Dalia Stasevska makes her UK debut with the Orchestra of Opera North (Photo Justin Slee)

Opera North has announced that it is looking for applications for a conductor traineeship aimed specifically at female conductors. The intensive ten-week course, which takes place during Opera North's Winter season, between November 2021 and February 2022, aims to improve career development opportunities for women within conducting. 

During the ten weeks (which will require residency in Leeds) there will be two dedicated conducting workshops under the guidance of Opera North’s music director Garry Walker, one-on-one discussions and lessons with visiting conductors including principal guest conductor Antony Hermus, Sian Edwards, head of conducting at the Royal Academy of Music and a regular on the Opera North podium, and the company’s music staff.

The trainee will be able to observe Opera North’s forthcoming productions of Rigoletto, Alcina and Carmen in Leeds, from first musical sessions through to stage and final rehearsals, there will be a chance to get hands-on with the work of Opera North’s education and outreach departments as assistant conductor for Youth Opera Project performances of Hans Krása’s Brundibár.

Garry Walker comments:

"We think that the Female Conductor Traineeship is unique in terms of the breadth of experience that a successful applicant stands to gain, from Opera North’s mainstage opera and orchestral programmes to our work in education and the community.

"By offering invaluable one-on-one mentorship from seasoned music staff and guest artists, as well as the support of the wider Opera North family, we hope to encourage more female artists to see opera and orchestral music as a viable career path, and to ensure that our Company and the industry at large is drawing on the widest range of professional conducting talent, now and in the future.

"We are looking for someone with outstanding musical and communication skills, who may or may not yet have had much conducting experience, but wishes to explore a pathway into conducting by means of this immersive programme.”

Closing date is Monday 9 August, full details from the Opera North website.

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