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Conducting Fellowship

With generous support from The Tindall Foundation’s Mary Fitzwilliam Award and Creative New Zealand, the NZSO is proud to offer the Conducting Fellowship programme.

Driven by the vision of NZSO Principal Conductor in Residence Hamish McKeich, with support from NZSO Music Director Emeritus James Judd, the NZSO Conducting Fellowship is our premier offering for emerging orchestral conductors.

Applications for the 2026 Conducting Fellowship have now closed. 

Application information for the 2027 Conducting Fellowship will be available in September 2026. 

How to apply

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Dates:  
‍
Session 1:  
Sun 1 Feb – Thu 5 Feb
 
Session 2: 
Sat 13 Jun – Wed 17 Jun
 
Session 3:  
Sun 22 Nov – Wed 25 Nov

This programme provides a unique year-long association with the orchestra and bespoke opportunities to work with NZSO players, international conductors and educators.    

There are three levels of engagement to best suit the needs and development of successful applicants: Fellow, Associate Fellow and Intern.    

If you are selected, the NZSO will cover transport and accommodation costs associated with the Conducting Fellowship.  There are eight positions available as a Fellow/Associate Fellow. The number of Interns will vary from year to year.

Important Dates:  
‍
01 Sep 2026 – Applications open
01 Nov 2026 – Applications close 5pm
30 Nov 2026 – Results are sent out
07 Dec 2026 – Final date to accept

Eligibility:  

Applicants must be a New Zealand resident, citizen, student (including exchange students) or visa holder.

We require the following documents and files for your application:  

Cover letter outlining your musical aspirations
CV
Biography (150 words)
A landscape publicity photo of yourself (refer to the artist image guide for requirements)
2x video recordings of yourself conducting, either in rehearsal or concert. At least one must be an instrumental ensemble.

Apply now

Conducting is often seen, or thought of, as a dark art, random and unteachable. The opposite is true; the conductor's world of gestures, energy, inspiration and leadership have much technique to be learned.

– Hamish McKeich, NZSO Principal Conductor in Residence

It’s not an understatement to say that the NZSO Conducting Fellowship changed my life. It threw open the doors of my musical imagination and provided me with a rigorous opportunity to learn and develop as a conductor. This Fellowship gifted me priceless opportunities for development, experience, friendship and inspiration.

– NZSO Conducting Fellow Costa Simpson

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Conducting Fellowship

With generous support from The Tindall Foundation’s Mary Fitzwilliam Award and Creative New Zealand, the NZSO is proud to offer the Conducting Fellowship programme.

Programme details

Application

Conducting is often seen, or thought of, as a dark art, random and unteachable. The opposite is true; the conductor's world of gestures, energy, inspiration and leadership have much technique to be learned.

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