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 Orchestre symphonique de l’Estuaire
Devenir Fleuve
Cheffe d’orchestre: Léa Moisan-Perrier
Solistes d’Oktoecho : Marthe Vassalo, Noluen Le Buhé, Lydia Etok, Nina Segalowitz, chant; Bertil Schulrabe, tablas
DATE: Samedi 7 novembre 2026
TIME: 20 h
LOCATION: Salle Dejardins
25 Rue St Germain O, Rimouski, QC
Léa Moisan-Perrier with Orchestre Philharmonique du Québec
L’OPQ célèbre la jeunesse
L’Orchestre Philharmonique du Québec célèbre la jeunesse dans un concert vibrant mettant en lumière la relève musicale d’ici!
DATE: 15 novembre 2026
TIME: 15 h 30
LOCATION: Théâtre de la Ville
150 Rue de Gentilly E, Longueuil, QC
Eve Legault assists Mo. Simon Rivard at Symphony Nova Scotia
Peace & Remembrance: Ravel & Vaughan Williams
Samuel Barber: Adagio for Strings
DATE: Thu. November 19, 2026
TIME: 7:30 pm
LOCATION: Rebecca Cohn, Halifax
6101 University Avenue, Halifax, NS
Monica Chen with Orchestre Symphonique de Drummondville
Classique ou pas j’y vais
Un concert tout ce qu’il y a de plus classique. Vraiment ?
DATE: Jeudi 19 novembre 2026
TIME: 19h30
LOCATION: Maison des arts Desjardins Drummondville
175 Rue Ringuet, Drummondville, QC
Monica Chen with Royal Winnipeg Ballet
Nutcracker
Step beneath the canopy for an unforgettable evening where music, nature, and prairie-inspired flavours come together beneath the trees.
DATE: November 27-29, 2026
TIME: 1:00 & 7:00 pm
LOCATION: Royal Theatre
805 Broughton St, Victoria, BC
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 created and led by Tapestry Opera with support from lead orchestral partner Toronto Symphony Orchestra
PROGRAM FUNDERS
WILLIAM & NONA HEASLIP FOUNDATION
THE TONY CESARONI FAMILY FOUNDATION
