Conducting

who may apply

Applicants to the Orchestras Conducting Programme must be aged 25 to 35 on 1 July 2024, and can be of any nationality, coming from any part of the world.

Up to four conductors may be accepted to the programme. Successful candidates may be re-invited for a second year in the programme at the discretion of the Orchestras management. 

Candidates must be able to speak English.

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programme dates

Unless otherwise negotiated with Orchestras management, successful candidates are required to sign an agreement with the Fondation du Verbier Festival committing to the entire Verbier Festival Orchestras summer session from 2 July to 5 August 2024.

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how to apply

Applications to the Conducting Programme are accepted through the getAcceptd on-line platorm. Google Chrome is recommended as browser for use with the platform.

The language of application documentation is English.

Application Deadline: 18 January 2024

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All candidates must provide:

• Contact information (name, address, etc.) 
• Application Information 
  • Date of birth, nationality, etc. 
  • School history 
  • Audience engagement experience (i.e. list previous outreach experience or projects undertaken to engage a new audience for classical music).  If you have no experience in this area, please leave the answer box empty.
• Uploads/Audition
  • Passport/ID 
  • CV describing academic, professional and other relevant experience 
  • Photo/headshot (landscape orientation) 
  • A short biography (no longer than 150 words in English or French) 
  • YouTube links or video uploads of: 
    • Self-presentation video answering 1) Why should you be considered for the Verbier Festival Academy? AND/OR 2) Describe one of your most memorable musical experiences.
      Please present yourself in English to the best of your ability. Videos should be no longer than approximately 3 minutes. 
    • Live unedited videos of conducting performances 
      
  • At least one recommendation letter / email address of reference 
  • Payment of application fee (by credit card only)

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application fee

All candidates are required to pay a USD 70 non-refundable application fee. This fee is accepted by credit card only through the getacceptd application platform.

Thanks to the generosity of donors to the Festival, application fees will be waived for the following candidates:

• Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-Koo Foundation Scholarship holders
• Swiss Citizens born or resident in the Cantons of Bern, Geneva, Juras, Neuchâtel, Valais or Vaud
• Ukrainian Citizens
• Russian Citizens

To obtain this exemption, please send proof of eligibility (i.e. a scan of your passport, a letter proving your canton of residence or proof of your affiliation with the CMK Foundation) to the following address: orchestras@verbierfestival.com.

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costs for successful candidates

Conducting Fellows receive a tuition scholarship, complimentary housing in Verbier, daily lunch and dinner, and Festival tickets (subject to availability). They are responsible for the cost of travel to and from Verbier and the cost of any other meals and spending money.

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