Guildhall Young Artists and BLiM launch LSSO scheme for young conductors
Hattie Fisk
Wednesday, August 17, 2022
The scheme is aimed at attracting applications from young conductors from under-represented groups.
Courtesy LSSO
Guildhall Young Artists and Black Lives in Music have announced plans to launch a new Conductor in Residence scheme, providing a young conductor with the opportunity to work closely with the London Schools Symphony Orchestra (LSSO) for a year.
The launch of the new scheme is part of Guildhall School’s partnership with Black Lives in Music and commitment to support young musicians from historically under-represented backgrounds.
The Conductor in Residence will be involved in the LSSO’s week-long holiday courses, audition panels, sectional rehearsals, and also will be given the opportunity to conduct the orchestra in concert.
Roger Wilson, director of operations at Black Lives in Music says: ‘This is an excellent opportunity to nurture the diverse conducting talent that we should all wish to see on the podium. Black Lives in Music are confident this ground-breaking programme will help to shine a light on an often-overlooked career pathway in classical music. We’re pleased to be working alongside Guildhall Young Artists and the LSSO. It’s a tangible, empowering and impactful effort to level the playing field of opportunity for aspiring young conductors from all backgrounds and not just the privileged few.’
Alison Mears, director of Guildhall Young Artists says: ‘We are really excited to be working with Roger Wilson and all at Black Lives in Music to realise this important initiative. The conductor in residence post is an opportunity for an aspiring conductor to join the team at LSSO for a year to help train and conduct this outstanding orchestra of young talent and to be mentored by guest conductors.’
The application deadline for the scheme is 15 September, and interviews will be held on 20 September. Those invited to interview will also be invited to attend the LSSO concert at Barbican Hall on the evening of 20 September.
