Black Lives in Music and Guildhall Young Artists launch LSSO conductor in residence

Black Lives in Music (BLiM) has partnered with Guildhall’s network of centres across the country, to launch a conductor in residence role with London Schools Symphony Orchestra (LSSO). The initiative aims to provide development opportunities to one young conductor each year, with particular emphasis on candidates from under-represented groups.

Part of Guildhall Young Artists, the LSSO presents three Barbican concerts plus a summer tour every year. The successful applicant will work on the LSSO’s Christmas, Easter and summer holiday courses, and will attend audition panels and lead sectional rehearsals, as well as conducting the orchestra in concert.

Roger Wilson, BLiM’s director of operations said: ‘This is an excellent opportunity to nurture the diverse conducting talent that we should all wish to see on the podium… It’s a tangible, empowering and impactful effort to level the playing field of opportunity for aspiring young conductors from all backgrounds and not just the privileged few.’

BLiM’s activity includes supporting Black students and staff in music conservatories and  facilitating discussions on the decolonisation of repertoire. The organisation is made up of a number of partners including the Musicians’ Union.

Applications are invited from individuals who are currently studying or have recently completed studies in conducting at undergraduate or postgraduate level, or who are studying conducting as part of their degree. The successful applicant will receive an assistant conductor’s fee of £6,000, plus one-to-one mentoring and support from professional conductors.

Candidates can apply for the role of conductor in residence before 15 September 2022 by sending a letter of application to alison.mears@gsmd.ac.uk. You can find out more about the conductor in residence initiative here.