New partnership to advance gender equality in conducting

Royal Northern Sinfonia, the orchestra of Sage Gateshead, and the RPS are collaborating on a multi-year partnership, a new phase for the RPS Women Conductors programme.

Established in 2014 by conductor Alice Farnham, the Women Conductors programme has to date helped over 500 women further their skills at conducting through a series of courses.

The new phase will bring together some of the most promising of those conductors twice a year to spend time with the entire RNS, and year-round receive support and guidance from the RPS on attaining professional opportunities.

The partnership begins with two-day pilot at Sage Gateshead on 14 June. Its participants are conductors Olivia Clarke, Helen Harrison, Charlotte Corduroy and Hannah Schneider.

Alice Farnham, founder of the programme, said: 'I am delighted to be working in partnership on this new adventure with RNS and the RPS.  

'The climate has changed so much since I co-founded Women Conductors in 2014, and many talented and confident female conductors are emerging. This is a chance for them to gain not only essential podium time with a professional orchestra, but to allow them to take risks and be adventurous in their music making.  

'We are looking forward to exploring the relationship between conductor and orchestra, yet in a safe and constructive environment for players and conductors alike.'

James Murphy, chief executive of the Royal Philharmonic Society said: 'We’re delighted to be presenting this new chapter of the RPS Women Conductors programme with Sage Gateshead and Royal Northern Sinfonia.

'It’s testament to conductor Alice Farnham’s vision that, entirely of her own volition, she started this initiative in 2014 which has now given more than 500 women the opportunity to try their hand and further their skills at conducting.

'Among them are some fantastic talents sure to gain much from this substantial, sustained new association with one of the UK’s foremost orchestras and its superb players. We invite artist managers and colleagues who hire conductors nationwide to follow those participating.'