Emerging female and non-binary conductors based in the UK are invited to apply for our annual intensive 10-week training scheme aimed at addressing the gender imbalance within classical music.
In recognition of the fact that talented women, inclusively defined, and non-binary conductors are less likely to find a way into the industry, the scheme provides wide-ranging training and support within the UK’s national opera company in the North.
Two dedicated conducting workshops under the guidance of Music Director Garry Walker will provide the successful applicant with invaluable first-hand experience conducting the Orchestra of Opera North. Over the course of the 25-26 Winter Season, Opera North’s Head of Music David Cowan, together with Oliver Rundell and Annette Saunders of the Company’s Music Staff, Chorus Master Anthony Kraus and visiting conductors will give the benefit of their experience in one-on-one discussions and lessons.
The scheme also offers unprecedented access to the season’s preparations from first musical rehearsals with soloists and conductor, through coaching sessions, Chorus and production rehearsals, right up to stage and final rehearsals with our orchestra and singers.
Additionally, there will be a chance to get involved with the work of Opera North’s busy Learning and Engagement department, as well as outreach departments, including weekly rehearsals with the Youth Company and the Opera North Youth Orchestra.
Michal Oren © Olivia Da Costa
Our 2024-25 Traineeship programme saw conductor Michal Oren taking part in the rehearsal process for The Flying Dutchman, The Magic Flute and The Magic Flute Lite. For Michal, the experience has been incredibly useful in a variety of ways:
“It’s quite difficult to choose what I’ve enjoyed the most during my traineeship. I think for me, the one-to-one sessions were the most exciting, because they’re an opportunity to have a private session with people, to analyse your conducting, and to get some really, really helpful tips.
The masterclasses were also great, as was watching the productions, I learnt so much from the dynamic between conductor and director – and just to be part of the team was really thrilling.”
Garry Walker, Opera North Music Director, comments:
“We created this scheme in the hope of inspiring more female and non-binary artists to see opera and orchestral music as a viable career path and to ensure that we, and the industry at large, continue to draw on the widest range of conducting talent.
“As one of the country’s leading arts organisations, we are perfectly placed to provide mentorship and a valuable insight into the workings of a professional orchestra and opera company. 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.”
For anyone thinking of applying, Michal says:
“It’s a great programme and I would definitely recommend it to everyone to try, particularly when you want to improve your operatic knowledge and to gain insider knowledge of the operatic world. I really hope it not only encourages my female colleagues to try out more opera and opera conducting but also to become conductors.”
