Guildhall Young Artists and Black Lives in Music open applications for the 2024/25 LSSO Conductor in Residence
Guildhall Young Artists and Black Lives in Music open applications for the 2024/25 LSSO Conductor in Residence
Guildhall Young Artists and Black Lives in Music have opened applications for a young conductor to be resident with the London Schools Symphony Orchestra (LSSO) for a year. This will be the third year of the residency for young conductors from under-represented groups, designed to nurture diverse talent and champion representation within the orchestra.
The scheme sees 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 is 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.
Enyi Okpara, the 2023/24 postholder, conducted Anna Meredith’s Nautilus (arranged by Jack Ross) at an LSSO concert in Barbican Hall earlier this year, and will conduct the orchestra once again in a performance of Anna Clyne’s Masquerade in September. During his year in post as Conductor in Residence, Enyi Okpara was selected by the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra to be their new Calleva Assistant Conductor for the 2024/25 season.
The Conductor in Residence scheme forms 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.
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 6 September 2024 (Please see application requirements below, under “How do I apply and what’s the deadline?”). Interviews will be held on 16 September 2024 for shortlisted applicants, and those invited to interview will be invited to attend the LSSO concert that evening at Barbican Hall.
FAQs for Applicants
• What is the London Schools Symphony Orchestra?
Hailed by Sir Simon Rattle as “an incomparable ambassador for the dynamism and excellence of British youth”, the London Schools Symphony Orchestra (LSSO) has been celebrated as a potent symbol of the talents and achievements of London’s finest young musicians. Managed by London’s Centre for Young Musicians, part of Guildhall Young Artists, the orchestra aims to give its members a complete experience of orchestral repertoire. Guildhall Young Artists is Guildhall School’s network of centres across the country, providing inspiring performing and production arts training for children and young people.
• Who can apply for the scheme?
Applications are invited from students 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. 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.
• What dates will the role be required to work?
The successful applicant will work with the orchestra during the Christmas holiday, Easter holiday and summer holiday LSSO courses, provisional dates still to be confirmed, are:
Course 1: 22 December 2024-14 January 2025
Course 2: 6-23 April 2025
Course 3: 20 July-3 August 2025 and 15 September 2025
• Where will the work be based?
Rehearsals take place at Morley College in London, with some rehearsals in concert venues such as the Barbican or Milton Court at Guildhall School (London). Course 3 will include a short domestic or international tour.
• How do I apply and what’s the deadline?
Please send a letter of application summarising your experience, any forthcoming plans and what you hope to gain from the scheme. Please also submit up to three videos of your conducting, ideally showing you working with an orchestra or instrumental ensemble, with at least one video featuring you rehearsing with a group. Finally, please supply contact details of at least one referee who can support your rehearsal and conducting experience.
Applications and supporting documents (video footage and reference(s)) should be sent to Tim Pottier, Head of CYM Programmes tim.pottier@gsmd.ac.uk by 6 September 2024. Interviews will be held on 16 September 2024 for shortlisted applicants, and those invited to interview will be invited to attend the LSSO concert that evening at Barbican Hall.
• How much will the role be paid?
The successful applicant will receive a fee of £6,000, to include any expenses such as travel, payable in three instalments.
• Do applicants need to be DBS checked?
Guildhall Young Artists will undertake DBS checks once an offer has been made to a successful candidate.
If you have other questions related to the scheme, please email lsso@gsmd.ac.uk for more information.