The Orchestras 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.
Up to four young conductors are accepted to the Orchestras Conducting Programme. They take part in section training led by the coaches of the Verbier Festival Orchestra (VFO), as well as tutti rehearsals led by Derrick Inouye, the VFO Assistant Conductor. They will, where possible, collaborate with Maestro Inouye as he prepares the VFO for its Festival performances. Throughout the Festival, Conducting Fellows may perform assistant conductor duties for guest conductors of the VFO, Verbier Festival Chamber Orchestra (VFCO) Music Director Gábor Takács-Nagy, and other visiting VFCO 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.
apply
Applications open: 10 October 2023
Application deadline: 18 January 2024
Fee: USD 70
programme dates
2 July – 5 August 2024
includes arrival and departure dates
how to apply
Please read the guidelines at the following link before beginning your application to the Orchestras Conducting Programme and before sending any questions to the Verbier Festival Team.
guidelinesmentors
Charles Dutoit
Daniel Harding
Klaus Mäkelä
Antonio Pappano
Tarmo Peltokoski
Vassily Petrenko
Simon Rattle
Lahav Shani
Gabór Takács-Nagy music director, vfco
repertoire highlights
GUSTAV MAHLER
Symphonies No. 3 and No. 5
WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART
Le nozze di Figaro K. 492
OTTORINO RESPHIGI
Trittico Botticelliano
RICHARD STRAUSS
Don Quixote Op. 35
PYOTR ILYICH TCHAIKOVSKY
The Nutcracker Op. 71 (Act II)