Conductors – Orpheus Sinfonia

Foundation Programme 

Conductors

Applications for the 2026/27 Programme are now open

The 2026/27 Orpheus Sinfonia Foundation Programme will run October 2026 – June 2027 and offers opportunity to instrumentalists, composers, conductors and soloists. Repertoire for the seasons includes: Judith Weir Heroic Strokes of the Bow | Ludwig van Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 3 | Felix Mendelssohn Symphony No. 4 Italian | Edward Elgar Dream of Gerontius | Richard Wagner Die Walkure | Johannes Brahms Symphony No. 4 | Sally Beamish World Premiere | Prokofiev Classical Symphony I Brass Fanfares | Wind Serenades I String Serenades.

Open to conductors of all backgrounds, up to and including 2 years after graduation from full-time study/fellowship.

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What the Programme offers

To assist Principal Conductor (Thomas Carroll) and Principal Guest Conductors at Foundation Orchestral Concerts in London

 

To conduct selected pieces in concert performance during the Foundation Season

  • Mentored by Orpheus Principal Conductors and esteemed industry personnel.
  • Recorded for Foundation Conductor future use.

 

Advancement Sessions

Wraparound advancement sessions throughout the season, cover areas including:

  • How to work: Coaching on approaches to professional life and work.
  • Making it happen: Music as a Business plus mentoring fundraising + stewardship.
  • Forging the paths Networking and Skills.
  • Creating careers in music: Creative Development of work avenues and using music to work.

 

Further opportunities 

Consideration for further work with Orpheus Sinfonia as possible when they arise. This may include: presenting work, session score supervision, workshop preparation and leading, concert performances, programming, rehearsal sessions and education projects.

Foundation Participants receive Foundation Fees for all Foundation Performances. The foundation day fee is currently £125 per day (6 hours playing time) and is reviewed annually. Participants may in due course be offered work in Orpheus’ main work stream as and when deemed appropriate. Orpheus musician fees are equivalent to ABO/MU 2.

Applications are now open for the 2026/27 Programme

We warmly invite all conductors up to 2 years after completion of full-time study/fellowship and resident in the UK to apply. 

Applications are in two stages as detailed here. If you have any questions at any point, we are here to help – just email: info@orpheussinfonia.com.

 

Stage 1: Online Application

Closing Date: 30th June 2026

What to Submit:

  • CV: This is so we can learn more about your musical experiences and achievements so far.
  • A Brief Personal Statement: This is so we can understand more about your musical wants and hopes, and how we can best help you with the Foundation Programme. Please write as you feel comfortable – there are no right or wrong answers, simply a space for you to tell us what you want and for us to learn what we can best provide opportunity for. 
  • Video Footage: Your choice of two pieces (or movements) with orchestra or large ensemble that best represent your conducting.
    • Videos do not need to be professionally filmed—a high-quality smartphone recording in a space with good natural acoustics is perfect. Please ensure you are clearly in the middle of the frame.
    • Videos should be unedited (we can tell if it’s edited so please just stick to the brief and keep it unedited). 
    • Please ensure to give a video link that is accessible to ‘anyone with the link’ so there are no issues for any panel members accessing the recording to review it. 

How to Submit:

Complete our online application which contains sections to upload these materials – Apply Now

 

Stage 2: Live Auditions & Interviews

Dates: 19th July 2026

Following the Stage 1 closing date the panel reviews each application, and shortlist all those deemed to be suitable for the 2026/27 Orpheus Sinfonia Foundation Programme. These shortlisted applicants are invited to Round 2 live auditions. 

The Format:

  • Performance (10 mins): You will perform the stipulated excerpts, conducting Thomas Carroll at the piano. The panel will hear selected extracts which they will advise at the time of the audition. 
  • Interview (5 mins): A chance to talk with members of the Orpheus team and our Principals, to discuss your aspirations, your conducting, and to explore how Orpheus may be able to best support you. 

A Note on Equal Opportunities: Orpheus Sinfonia is committed to being a welcoming and accessible home for all. We actively encourage applications from musicians of all backgrounds, particularly those from under-represented groups in the orchestral sector. If you have specific access requirements for your audition, please let us know—we are here to support you.

Orchestral Excerpts: 

Mozart Don Giovanni Overture

Brahms Symphony No. 1, Movement 2

Beethoven Symphony No. 5, Movement 1, exposition.

Start application