GYA and Black Lives in Music open applications for the 2025/26 LSSO Conductor in Residence

Guildhall Young Artists (GYA) 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 fourth 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 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.  

Ammal Bhatia, the 2024/25 postholder, conducted music by Graham Fitkin and Reena Ismail earlier this year, and shared the podium with Christopher Warren-Green in the first ever Carnegie Hall Link-Up programme in the UK. Ammal will conduct the orchestra once again in a performance of Lyadov’e Enchanted Lake in September at Barbican Hall, and on tour at venues in Yorkshire and the Midlands.  

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 or are currently studying conducting at this level. We also welcome applications from conductors with equivalent professional experience or who are studying conducting as part of their degree and are particularly keen to receive applications from female candidates. The successful applicant will receive an assistant conductor’s fee of £6000, payable in three instalments. 

Candidates wanting to apply to the scheme should do so before the deadline on 5 September 2025. Please see application requirements below, under “How do I apply and what’s the deadline?”.  

Interviews will be held on 15 September 2025 for shortlisted applicants. Those selected for interview will be also invited to attend the LSSO concert that evening at Barbican Hall.