Tapestry Opera has announced its Women in Musical Leadership (WML) program is returning for its third year and accepting applications. The program offers 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. Candidates must submit their applications by Monday, January 30, 2023.
Conductors will be offered a chance to focus on their craft, and after three years emerge ready for regular professional engagements. They are given practical opportunities to assist, observe, conduct and expand their networks with a range of organizations in symphonic, chamber, operatic and contemporary repertoire. The program also offers mentorship through a Conducting Advisory Council (comprised of leading conductors in the field), and regular work with Key Mentors JoAnn Falletta, Rosemary Thomson, and Karen Kamensek, who will help guide the conductors through their time in the program.
Recent opportunities offered to WML conductors include working with Toronto Symphony Orchestra, 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).
This program is for applicants who want to develop their careers as conductors and music directors with salaried, practical experience. For more details on the program, key mentors, FAQs and details on the prior cohort, visit Tapestry Opera’s program page.
Location: Toronto and across Canada
Type: Full-time, July 2023 – June 2024
Salary: $35,000
Deadline to Apply: Monday, January 30, 2023
Start date: July 2023
How to Apply
The program is for self-identified women or non-binary conductors who are Canadian Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada. Generally, applicants will have completed advanced studies (or equivalent experience) in a primary instrument, have some previous conducting experience, and demonstrate readiness for professional opportunities and training. Applicants can apply via Tapestry’s application form, and must supply the following:
- Curriculum Vitae
- Repertoire List
- Written Artist Statement
- Two to three conducting videos
- One to two videos of conductors at their primary instrument
- 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 Women in Musical Leadership Conductor Advisory Committee members, including representatives from Tapestry Opera, Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and Pacific Opera Victoria. Candidates selected for the second round will have a 30-minute interview conducted by zoom.
Direct any questions about the program, eligibility or the application process to Program Manager Camille Rogers at crogers@tapestryopera.com.
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