‘Talent is indiscriminate’: Elena Dubinets on the LPO’s Conducting Fellowship

The London Philharmonic Orchestra’s Conducting Fellowship scheme is a new programme, but it has already established itself as a crucial undertaking in the orchestral world. This is only the first year of the scheme’s existence, but we have already seen that the trajectory of its participants appears to be very promising.

We specifically created the programme to promote diversity and inclusivity in the classical music industry: we want to develop the world-class conductors of the future and we believe that talent is indiscriminate, yet it is clear that unfortunately people from certain backgrounds and communities continue to be under-represented in the orchestral sector.

We appoint two Fellow Conductors on an annual basis after a rigorous audition process in which they are required to conduct the London Philharmonic Orchestra, submit programmes for potential educational concerts and be interviewed by a panel consisting of principal conductor Edward Gardner, orchestra musicians and administrators and board members. The entire orchestra has the opportunity to share feedback and vote for the candidates. Then, during the season, we carve out a tailored approach to the professional development and growth experience of each Fellow, offering feedback on technique, interpretation and leadership skills.

Charlotte Politi: 'The scheme is brilliant because you are immersed into the life of a world-class symphony orchestra who are there to encourage you in your career.' (Image courtesy of LPO)

In the first year of the programme, we received almost 200 applications and appointed Charlotte Politi and Luis Castillo-Briceño. Charlotte has been working as a conductor at The Royal Ballet in parallel with her fellowship and Luis – after his concert with us in October 2023 at one of our regional series performances – was signed by Askonas Holt (with an important 2024-25 appointment soon to be announced). It’s exciting to realise that the training both Charlotte and Luis have received through our scheme has helped them to achieve important results very quickly.

Discussing the scheme, Luis comments: ‘As a young conductor, the possibility of being involved and taking part in the dynamic of a world-class orchestra such as the LPO has been tremendously transformative. Getting to know the pace at which this orchestra works, the amount of repertoire and efficiency in rehearsing, their work ethic, are just some of the aspects which have changed me and made me grow as a conductor.’

‘The LPO is a big family,’ he adds, ‘and I couldn’t be more grateful to how kind and supportive all of their members have been since the very first day. They have all taken care of making this fellowship into the most exciting, educational and overall enriching experience it could be.’

Such training happens both behind the scenes and on the podium. Our Fellows are fully immersed in the life of the Orchestra; they chat with the musicians and staff about every aspect of orchestral work. They attend rehearsals and concerts led by Ed Gardner and other conductors, and work with our young musicians. Given the LPO’s diverse repertoire, Fellows are exposed to a broad spectrum of musical styles, from classical masterpieces to contemporary works. This exposure is critical for developing a versatile conducting style and a deep understanding of different musical languages and traditions.

The early years of a conductor’s career are particularly challenging, because one has to work with a hundred musicians on the stage in order to learn the craft. By the end of this season, each Fellow will have had a range of conducting opportunities: they will have conducted a full concert at one of our regional series, an educational concert at the Royal Festival Hall and a number of other educational activities. They will also share a programme on 12 March at St John’s Church, Waterloo during our The Music in You festival. The concert features unusual works by composers Alex Ho and Ryan Carter, with audience participation. It’s rather unique for young conductor programmes to offer so many performance opportunities, and our Fellows are clearly benefiting from their experiences – and improving their skills, as is evident from the evaluations of their work that we collect from our musicians after each performance.

LPO artistic director Elena Dubinets (right) alongside chief executive David Burke (left) (Image courtesy of LPO)

This experience is invaluable in helping our Fellows as the programme offers them the opportunity to work closely with professionals in the field. The mentorship from established conductors, combined with the networking opportunities that come with being associated with a world-renowned orchestra like the LPO, can significantly impact their careers. Our Fellows learn to navigate the complex dynamics of leading highly skilled musicians, manage rehearsal time effectively, and make swift, confident artistic decisions.

Charlotte talks about her time on the scheme, noting: ‘I have benefitted immensely from being an LPO Fellow Conductor in a number of ways: I’ve been mentored by titled conductors Edward Gardner and Karina Canellakis who have passed on so much of their knowledge to me. I have also been able to work with the fantastic LPO musicians, I have learned so much from them all and my conducting skills have really grown with all the performance opportunities I have had. The scheme is brilliant because you are immersed into the life of a world-class symphony orchestra who are there to encourage you in your career.’

We are learning from them as well! They are welcome to share any and all feedback about the programme and the Orchestra’s practices. More than once, they have come to rehearsals when they weren’t even scheduled to cover, and been able to help out with balance – this was especially helpful on tour. One of them even happened to be around during a major cancellation and helped us prepare the choir on-the-spot for one of the performances; and then also stepped in for an orchestral rehearsal. Obviously, opportunities like this are hard to overestimate.

Luis Castillo-Briceño: 'The LPO is a big family and I couldn’t be more grateful to how kind and supportive all of their members have been since the very first day.' © Claus Langer

The Fellows also bring some necessary innovation to the business. Our programme attracts a diverse group of international participants, and it has already fostered a broader understanding and appreciation of different musical traditions and practices. When asked to programme their concerts, Fellows usually suggest a range of repertoire that includes music by composers of colour and by women. 

They are also asked to participate in off-podium activities including public talks and pre-concert lectures and they often express opinions that reflect their age group and interests, which is very exciting to observe. I personally have learned a lot from talking with Charlotte and Luis about their musical and personal priorities and I know that our audiences have as well. I can also imagine that the programme will likely create a network of alumni who, as they progress in their careers, will form an even more interconnected web of influence and opportunity in the classical music world.

By investing in the development of emerging talent, LPO is contributing to the long-term health and evolution of the classical music industry. It’s a vital investment in the future of orchestral music, ensuring the continuation of high-quality leadership and the evolution of the art form.

The 2023-24 Fellow Conductors, Charlotte Politi and Luis Castillo-Briceño, are set to conduct the London Philharmonic Orchestra at St John’s Church, Waterloo on 12 March 2024 (6:30pm). Tickets can be found here