The Verbier Festival Conducting Programme offers a stepping stone to emerging artists who are on the verge of leading orchestras at the highest level. Fellows are mentored by and network with a who’s who from the world of classical music.
at a glance
Up to four young conductors are accepted to the Conducting Programme. They take part in section training led by the coaches of the Verbier Festival Orchestra (VFO), as well as tutti rehearsals led the VFO Preparatory Conductor. Throughout the Festival, Conducting Fellows perform assistant conductor duties for guest conductors of the VFO, Verbier Festival Chamber Orchestra (VFCO) Music Director Gábor Takács-Nagy (and visiting VFCO conductors), and Verbier Festival Junior Orchestra (VJFO) conductors.
Other activities include:
- A mentorship meeting with Festival Founder & Director Martin T:son Engstroem
- A roundtable discussion with Gábor Takács-Nagy, VFCO Music Director
- Personal meetings with guest conductors
- Public performances of small ensemble works when possible
This is a largely self-directed programme, and participants with flexibility, openness and personal-initiative will benefit the most from the many opportunities that are presented. Conducting Fellows are urged to attend and take part in as many activities as possible during their time at the Festival.
programme dates
includes arrival and departure dates
1 July – 4 August 2026
how to apply
Applications to the 2026 edition of the Verbier Festival Conducting Programme open on 10 October 2025 until 16 January 2026 at 23:59 (EST)
Candidates must read the guidelines before starting their application or sending any questions to the Verbier Festival Team.
guidelinesApply
Application deadline: January 16 2026 (23:59 EST)
repertoire highlights 2026
OLIVIER MESSIAEN
Turangalîla-Symphonie
WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART
Cosi fan tutte
RICHARD STRAUSS
Ein Heldenleben
ANTON BRUCKNER
Symphony No. 7
BÉLA BARTÓK
Bluebeard’s Castle
SERGEI RACHMANINOFF
Symphony No. 2
GUSTAV MAHLER
Symphony No. 6
GIUSEPPE VERDI
La Traviata
mentors 2026
Daniel Harding
Gianandrea Noseda
Vasily Petrenko
Simon Rattle
Esa-Pekka Salonen
Lahav Shani
Gábor Takács-Nagy VFCO music director
Nikolaj Znaider