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Women in Musical Leadership Highlights

The 23/24 season was an exciting one for our six Women in Musical Leadership conductors!  We’re excited to share a few highlights from our first graduating cohort, debut conducting experiences and awards!

Women in Musical Leadership Program Milestone

Women in Musical Leadership fellows Jennifer Tung and Juliane Gallant Photo by Allan Cabral / TSO
Jennifer Tung and Juliane Gallant | Photo by Allan Cabral / TSO

Juliane Gallant and Jennifer Tung have become the first Women in Musical Leadership (WML) conductors to graduate from Tapestry Opera’s three-year program. WML is a cornerstone of Tapestry Opera’s commitment to diversity and inclusion and has provided invaluable opportunities and mentorship to emerging female leaders in the industry.

Juliane Gallant

During my three-year term with Women in Musical Leadership, I benefitted from the mentorship of Karen Kemansek and Gustavo Gimeno and participated in three masterclasses with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. The program allowed me to travel across the country, and I gained enough orchestral experience in two years to get my current job.

During my time in the program, a few highlights include being Assistant Conductor on R.U.R. A Torrent of Light and working with the young talent at the Nova Scotia Youth Orchestra, even though Hurricane Fiona cancelled our concert. Returning to the Victoria Symphony multiple times was also a great experience. I first joined as part of a larger musical team for “Splash Around Town,” working on a broad range of styles from early music to Pops shows. I then assisted with the Mozart Requiem and led a Christmas show with Ken Lavigne.

– Juliane Gallant
Conducting Fellow Juliane Gallant stands on the conducting podium, holding the baton between her two hands.
2024 Masterclass: Conducting Fellow Juliane Gallant with the TSO | Photo by Dahlia Katz
Conducting Fellow Juliane Gallant stands on the conducting podium, holding the baton in her right hand.
2024 Masterclass: Conducting Fellow Juliane Gallant with the TSO | Photo by Dahlia Katz

Jennifer Tung

Before the Women in Musical Leadership program, I had only about a year of experience on the podium. I was so nervous every time I stepped up to conduct. After the three-year program, my confidence soared.  But I am most grateful to have met many amazing people in the sector, from musicians to administrators. I have made some great, long-lasting friendships with other female conductors at a similar stage in our careers. Women in Musical Leadership is more than building confidence in conducting – it makes human connections possible. And what is making music if not to connect and create new human experiences?

A few highlights during my time in the program include conducting the world premiere of Gould’s Wall (Brian Current and Liza Balkan, Tapestry Opera/Maniac Star/Royal Conservatory of Music), the world premiere of Of the Sea (Ian Cusson and Kanika Ambrose, Tapestry Opera/Obsidian Theatre), the Canadian premiere of Plaything (Anna Pidgorna and Maria Reva, Opera McGill) and Kamloops Symphony’s 2024 season finale with guest artist Jeremy Dutcher.

– Jennifer Tung
Conducting Fellow Jennifer Tung stands on the conducting podium.
2024 Masterclass: Conducting Fellow Jennifer Tung with the TSO | Photo by Dahlia Katz
Conducting Fellow Jennifer Tung stands on the conducting podium.
2024 Masterclass: Conducting Fellow Jennifer Tung with the TSO | Photo by Dahlia Katz

Naomi Woo

Naomi Woo debuted with WML Lead Orchestral Partner, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, at their Lunar New Year Celebration concert.  She also became the National Youth Orchestra of Canada’s first female Music Director!

Conducting Fellow Naomi Woo stands on the conducting podium.
2024 Masterclass: Conducting Fellow Naomi Woo with the TSO | Photo by Dahlia Katz
Conducting Fellow Naomi Woo stands on the conducting podium.
2024 Masterclass: Conducting Fellow Naomi Woo with the TSO | Photo by Dahlia Katz

Maria Fuller

Maria Fuller was a finalist and award winner at the 11th Grzegorz Fitelberg International Conducting Competition in Poland, which has garnered her several appearances in Europe this season and next, including at the Teatr Wielki w Łodzi in Poland and the Prague State Opera and this year marked Maria’s first season as the founding Music Director of Ammolite Opera in Calgary

Maria Fuller conducts the Filharmonia Ślaska at the Fitelberg International Conducting Competition in November 2023

Monica Chen

Monica Chen supplemented her busy schedule as RBC Assistant Conductor of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra with assistant conducting engagements at partner organizations across Canada.  This summer, she led her first opera, Manitoba Underground Opera’s production of Hansel and Gretel.

Conducting Fellow Monica Chen stands on the conducting podium.
2024 Masterclass: Conducting Fellow Monica Chen with the TSO | Photo by Dahlia Katz
Conducting Fellow Monica Chen stands on the conducting podium.
2024 Masterclass: Conducting Fellow Monica Chen with Maestro Gustavo Gimeno and the TSO | Photo by Dahlia Katz

Kelly Lin

Kelly Lin worked with orchestras across the country and stepped into the world of opera for the first time by assisting WML Mentor Tania Miller with Vancouver Opera’s production of The Magic Flute.  Later in the fall she conducted two brilliant performances of Shaw Festival’s Brigadoon, assisting Music Director Paul Sportelli.

Conducting Fellow Kelly Lin stands on the conducting podium.
2024 Masterclass: Conducting Fellow Kelly Lin with the TSO | Photo by Dahlia Katz
Conducting Fellow Kelly Lin stands on the conducting podium.
2024 Masterclass: Conducting Fellow Kelly Lin with the TSO | Photo by Dahlia Katz