Applications are now closed
Location: Toronto and across Canada
Type: Full-time, July 2022 – June 2025
Salary: $35,000
Women in Musical Leadership application deadline: February 4 2022, 11:59pm
Start date: July 2022
Apply now to be part of our 2022 Women in Musical Leadership cohort
Women in Musical Leadership is an advanced three-year conducting program structured as a series of placements with Tapestry Opera, Pacific Opera Victoria, Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and partner organizations across Canada. The program’s goal is to give developing conductors the opportunity to focus solely on conducting. After three years, they emerge ready for regular professional engagements.
Conductors are given practical opportunities to assist, observe, conduct, build professional experience and expand their networks with a range of organizations in symphonic, chamber, operatic, and contemporary repertoire. Recent opportunities for WML conductors include working with Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the program’s lead orchestral partner, assistant conducting world premieres with Tapestry Opera (Gould’s Wall, R.U.R. A Torrent of Light), and assisting main stage productions with Vancouver Opera (Orfeo ed Eurydice) and Pacific Opera Victoria (Carmen).
Conductors are provided mentorship through a Conducting Advisory Council (comprising leading conductors in the field), and work regularly with Key Mentors JoAnn Falletta, Rosemary Thomson, and Karen Kamensek, who help guide conductors through their time in the program.
This advanced program is for applicants who want to develop their careers as conductors and music directors, with salaried, practical experience. Visit our Women in Musical Leadership page for more information about our partners, key mentors, conducting advisors, and the inaugural cohort.
How to apply
Women in Musical Leadership is for self-identified female or non-binary conductors who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada. Generally, applicants will have completed advanced studies (or equivalent experience) in a primary instrument, has some previous conducting experience and demonstrates readiness for professional opportunities and training.
Please apply via our application form. Potential applicants are required to supply:
- Curriculum Vitae
- Two conducting videos
- Two videos of conductors at their primary instrument
- Written artist statement
- Two professional references
There will be two rounds of evaluation. Firstly by a jury committee, where candidates will be evaluated based on materials provided, on level of musicality, technical skill, overall presentation, and collaborative and leadership potential.
The jury comprises members of the Women in Musical Leadership Conductor Advisory Committee, including representatives from Tapestry Opera, Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and Pacific Opera Victoria.
Candidates selected to move into the second round will have a 30 minute interview conducted by zoom.
Please read our FAQs before submitting your application. If you’re still unsure of your eligibility, or have other questions regarding the WML program and application process, contact Program Manager Jennifer Szeto (jszeto@tapestryopera.com).
Women in Musical Leadership is a project lead by Tapestry Opera, in partnership with Pacific Opera Victoria and Toronto Symphony Orchestra.