Redefining leadership in classical music: a three-year conducting program designed to cultivate the next generation of women and non-binary conductors
Women in Musical Leadership (WML) is a three-year program designed to collectively develop the next generation of women and non-binary conductors and music directors in Canada.
Led by Tapestry Opera with lead partner Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the program addresses a historic gender inequity on the podium by providing women and non-binary conductors active mentorship with leading conductors in the field, deep and varied experience with professional companies and a robust artistic network.
The Leadership Gap in Canadian Orchestras
A visual look at the drop in representation from graduation to the podium.
*In smaller orchestras ($500k+), women hold 20% of titled positions and 17% of Music Director roles.
WML Conductors In Motion
This season, our conductors will:
WML allows conductors to assist, observe, conduct, and build experience within various organizations in symphonic, chamber, operatic, and contemporary repertoire. This gives conductors the professional expertise and training that will enable them to take the podium anywhere in the world.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Don’t miss the opportunity to see WML Conductors in action.
Léa Moisan-Perrier with the National Arts Centre Orchestra
Symphony in Your Neighbourhood
From the music of Mozart and Haydn to Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah and Golden from Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters, expect familiar moments, new discoveries, and the sound of a full orchestra performing live in front of you.
DATE: September 29 & October 1, 2026
TIME: 7:00 pm
LOCATION: Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre
290 Lisgar Street Ottawa Canada
Eve Legault with the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra
The Measure of Us
Presented in support of the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, The Measure of Us opens the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra’s season with Rossini’s Barber of Seville Overture, Fauré’s Pavane, and Maxime Goulet’s Chocolats symphoniques, a Canadian work inspired by indulgent flavours including caramel, dark chocolate, mint, and coffee.
DATE: Saturday, October 3, 2026
TIME: 3:30 pm
LOCATION: Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre
290 Lisgar Street Ottawa Canada
Léa Moisan-Perrier with the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony
Shift, Change, Turn
Featuring classical and contemporary works that challenge and inspire.
DATE: October 16-18, 2026
TIME: 3:30 PM
LOCATION: Various locations
Monica Chen with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra and Jeans ‘n Classics
Back 2 Back: The Music of Billy Joel & Elton John
Experience a high-energy concert celebrating two of pop’s most iconic songwriters as the orchestra joins forces with Jeans ‘n Classics.
DATES: Saturday, October 17, 2026 at 7:30 PM
Sunday, October 18, 2026 at 2:00 PM
LOCATION: Centennial Concert Hall
555 Main St, Winnipeg, MB
Monica Chen with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra
Orchestra in the Forest
Step beneath the canopy for an unforgettable evening where music, nature, and prairie-inspired flavours come together beneath the trees.
DATE: Saturday, October 24, 2026
TIME: 4:45 PM
LOCATION: Danceland Clear Lake
Onanole, MB
Women in Musical Leadership builds pathways to success for exceptional women and non-binary music leaders for generations.
This program is a philanthropic endeavour. Your support can help drive national change in the music sector.
2025 WML Masterclass with the TSO
Photos by Allan Cabral / TSO
Our People
Senior WML Fellow
Conductors
Associate Conductors
Alumni
Program Manager
Camille Rogers
WML newsletter.
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Women in Musical Leadership is a project led by Tapestry Opera in partnership with Toronto Symphony Orchestra.
