Please read the following guidelines carefully before beginning your application to the Orchestras Conducting Programme and before sending any questions to the Verbier Festival Team.
THE LANGUAGE OF APPLICATION DOCUMENTATION IS ENGLISH.
WHO MAY APPLY
PROGRAMME DATES
HOW TO APPLY
APPLICATION FEE
COSTS FOR SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS
REFUND POLICY
FAQ
CONTACT
who may apply
Applicants to the Orchestras Conducting Programme must be aged 25 to 35 on 1 July 2026, and can be of any nationality, coming from any part of the world.
Up to four conductors may be accepted to the programme. After completing one year in the programme, candidates may reapply to join the programme for a second year.
Candidates must be able to speak English.
programme dates
Unless otherwise agreed, successful candidates are required to sign an agreement with the Fondation du Verbier Festival committing to the entire programme from 1 July to 4 August 2026.
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: 16 January 2026 (23:59 EST)
Candidates must provide:
- Contact information (name, address, etc.)
- Application Information
- Date of birth, nationality, etc.
- School history
- CV describing academic, professional and other relevant experienc
- Documentation
- Passport/ID
- Photo/headshot (landscape orientation)
- You as an Artist
- A short biography (no longer than 150 words in English or French)
- Self-presentation video answering 1) Why should you be considered for the Verbier Festival Conducting Programme? 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. - Audience engagement experience (i.e. outreach activities or projects you have undertaken to develop a new audience for classical music); if you have no experience in this area, please leave the question blank
- Uploads/Audition
- 2 live, unedited, performance recordings (you may also upload 1 recording of a performance, and 1 recording of a rehearsal, to give the jury an idea of how you work in rehearsal). Please make sure the repertoire is different in each recording, though the 2 uploads can be from the same concert (e.g., 1 concerto and 1 symphony).
- Payment of application fee (by credit card only)
application fee
All candidates are required to pay a EUR 75 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:
- Swiss Citizens born or resident in the Cantons of Fribourg, Geneva, Juras, Neuchâtel, Valais or Vaud
To obtain this exemption, please send proof of eligibility (i.e. a scan of your passport, a letter proving your canton of residence) to the following address: orchestras@verbierfestival.com
Please note you must request a fee waiver before you submit your application. We will not be able to reimburse application fees if you have paid for them and afterwards request a fee waiver.
You must request your fee waiver by 13 January. We will not be able to provide a fee waiver after this date.
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.
faq
Q: I will be younger than 25 or older than 35 on 1 July 2026
Unfortunately we cannot accept applications from applicants younger or older than the stated requirements.
Q: When and how will I find out the results of my audition?
You will be notified via GetAcceptd no later than 6 March 2026. Results will not be sent via email – you must login to your GetAcceptd account and read your messages.
Q: May my CV be in a language other than English?
Yes, we accept CVs in English, French, German and Italian.
Q: Can I upload a YouTube link instead of a video file?
No, you must upload the video directly to the GetAcceptd website. YouTube (or other video website) links will not be accepted.
Q: I am not a Swiss national but I live and study in Geneva – can I have an application fee waiver?
No, unfortunately not – fee waivers are only for Swiss Citizens born or resident in the Cantons of Fribourg, Geneva, Juras, Neuchâtel, Valais or Vaud.
Q: I was born in Zurich, and I study in Zurich – can I have an application fee waiver?
No, unfortunately not – fee waivers are only for Swiss Citizens born or resident in the Cantons of Fribourg, Geneva, Juras, Neuchâtel, Valais or Vaud.