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verbierfestival

Orchestras: Conducting

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 Gabór 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

2 July – 4 August 2025

how to apply

Applications to the Verbier Festival Conducting Programme open at noon EST on 10 October 2024.

Candidates must read the guidelines before starting their application or sending any questions to the Verbier Festival Team.

guidelines

apply

Application deadline: 16.01.2025 (23:59 EST)


mentors 2025

Teodor Currentzis
Leonardo García Alarcón
Barbara Hannigan
Manfred Honeck
Fabio Luisi
Paavo Järvi
Klaus Mäkelä
Gabór Takács-Nagy Music Director, VFCO

repertoire highlights 2025

GUSTAV MAHLER
Symphony No. 1

BÉLA BARTÓK
Concerto pour deux pianos and percussion

PIETRO MASCAGNI
Cavalleria Rusticana

GIACOMO PUCCINI
Gianni Schicchi

DMITRI SHOSTAKOVICH
Symphony No. 5

IGOR STRAVINSKY
The Firebird

PYOTR ILYICH TCHAIKOVSKY
Eugene Onegin