Opera North is seeking emerging female conductors based in the UK for an intensive new ten-week training scheme aimed at addressing the gender imbalance within classical music.

In recognition of the fact that talented female conductors are less likely to find a way into the industry than their male counterparts, the scheme, which is enabled by the Harewood Young Artists Fund as part of the Opera North Future Fund, provides wide-ranging training and support within the UK’s national opera company in the north.

Two dedicated conducting workshops under the guidance of Opera North’s Music Director Garry Walker will provide first-hand experience of conducting the company’s orchestra. Over the course of our Winter 21-22 season, staff and visiting conductors will give the benefit of their experience in one-on-one discussions and lessons, with participants 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; Opera North’s Head of Music David Cowan; Chorus Master Oliver Rundell; and Martin Pickard and Annette Saunders of the Company’s Music Staff.

The successful applicant will also take on the role of Assistant Conductor for Youth Opera Project performances of Hans Krása’s opera Brundibár in Leeds and Newcastle in January 2022, and join Antony Hermus to observe and participate in a workshop weekend at the Royal Northern College of Music. There will be additional opportunities to attend additional performances and rehearsals for other concerts and projects in the period.

See link below for further details.