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.
guidelinesapply
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