The Sydney Symphony Orchestra’s Fellowship Program is buzzing with fresh energy this year, thanks to the exciting expansion that welcomed four emerging conductors into the fold: Aija Draguns, Panagiotis Karamanos, Neil Wang and Jessica Zuk.
Since joining the program in February, the Fellows have thrown themselves straight into the thick of things. They’ve been busy stepping onto the podium for workshops featuring some iconic orchestral favourites, from Elgar’s Enigma Variations to Mozart’s Don Giovanni Overture, Grieg’s Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, and Mendelssohn’s The Hebrides. All of this has unfolded under the guidance of the Orchestra’s Conductor in Residence, Benjamin Northey, offering the group a handson, musically rich training environment.
But it isn’t just about baton technique and score mastery. The Fellows have also spent valuable time inside the rehearsal room, observing the artistry and leadership of Chief Conductor Simone Young, even sharing lunch with her as part of the learning experience. These moments have given them a chance to ask questions, soak up career advice and get a sense of Simone’s approach to high volume music preparation at the highest standards of performance.
And the year is just getting started! Ahead lies even more inspiration, with upcoming workshops featuring all our titled conductors. To complement their artistic development, our Conducting Fellows join their instrumental counterparts in a range of professional development seminars, including CV development, anxiety and stress management, media training, audition preparation and the opportunity to shadow an administration staff member. Well rounded training should address every aspect of artistic life, as well as the needs of the modern music industry.
The introduction of these conducting positions marks an exciting turning point for the Fellowship program, but it is only the beginning! Our Learning & Engagement team are busy conjuring up more ways we can invest in our future musicians so keep an eye out – there will be much more to celebrate in the coming years!
To find out more about how you can support the career development of Australia’s Emerging Artists, please contact Gabriela Postma, Philanthropy Officer
on 0478 420 910.
Sydney Symphony Fellowship
For almost 25 years, the Sydney Symphony has nurtured the next generation of professional orchestral musicians through a comprehensive, hands-on learning experience.
