The London Philharmonic Orchestra is accepting applications for its 2027–28 Conducting Fellowship, offering paid opportunities, mentorship and professional development for early-career conductors from under-represented backgrounds. Apply by 2 November 2026.
Background & Fellowship Description
The London Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO) is inviting applications for its 2027–28 Conducting Fellowship, a development programme designed to support outstanding early-career conductors from backgrounds currently under-represented in professional orchestras.
The fellowship provides an intensive opportunity to work closely with the orchestra over six to eight non-consecutive weeks during the season. Up to two fellows will be selected to develop their conducting skills, gain professional experience and build relationships within the classical music industry.
Guided by the LPO’s Principal Conductor, Edward Gardner, fellows will participate in rehearsals, concerts, mentoring sessions and selected conducting opportunities.
The programme aims to promote diversity and inclusion in classical music while helping talented conductors access professional development opportunities. Applications for the 2027–28 season are open, with a deadline of 2 November 2026 at 9:00 a.m.
Fellowship Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | London Philharmonic Orchestra |
| Fellowship | LPO Conducting Fellowship 2027–28 |
| Field | Orchestral Conducting and Classical Music |
| Location | United Kingdom |
| Duration | 6–8 non-consecutive weeks during the season |
| Number of fellows | Up to two |
| Financial support | Fees paid at the LPO’s prevailing rates for early-career conductors |
| Eligibility focus | Early-career conductors from under-represented backgrounds |
| Application deadline | 2 November 2026, 9:00 a.m. |
| Official application | Apply through the LPO |
Tasks and Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows will become immersed in the orchestra’s professional environment, gaining opportunities to learn from musicians, conductors, artists and staff.
The fellowship includes opportunities to conduct the orchestra in regional and off-site performances, educational programmes and ensembles associated with the LPO’s Rising Talent programme.
Participants will also benefit from assisting opportunities and mentoring sessions with Principal Conductor Edward Gardner. Depending on their individual needs, fellows may receive additional guidance from other LPO conductors and feedback from orchestra musicians.
Other possible development opportunities include meetings with resident and featured composers, sessions with orchestra personnel and visiting artists, and access to professional networks within the music industry. Fellows may also participate in promotional activities, including pre-concert talks and social media projects.
The programme is designed to help fellows strengthen their musicianship, conducting experience, communication skills and professional connections.
Payment and Financial Support
The London Philharmonic Orchestra states that fees will be paid at its prevailing rates for early-career conductors. However, the supplied information does not specify a fixed fellowship amount or total payment.
Applicants should consult the official fellowship information for further details about the terms and practical arrangements.
Qualifications and Eligibility
The fellowship is intended for early-career conductors from backgrounds currently under-represented among conductors of professional, world-class orchestras.
The LPO does not prescribe a fixed list of qualifying backgrounds. Applicants are asked to self-identify their eligibility. Potentially eligible backgrounds include under-represented gender identities, racial and ethnic groups, socio-economic backgrounds, neurodivergent people, people with disabilities and other under-represented communities.
Applicants must also meet the following requirements:
- Be over 18 years old.
- Not be enrolled in full-time undergraduate education.
- Demonstrate extensive background and training in orchestral conducting.
- Demonstrate the ability to develop and conduct programmes.
- Have excellent musicianship and communication skills.
Conductors based in the United Kingdom are strongly encouraged to apply and will be prioritised.
Additional Information
Applications for the 2027–28 fellowship are open and must be submitted by Monday, 2 November 2026, at 9:00 a.m.
Before applying, candidates should read the official LPO Conducting Fellowship 2027–28 Information for Applicants.
How to apply: Complete the official online application form and review the applicant guidance before submitting your application.
For questions about the fellowship, applicants can contact Alison Jones at alison.jones@lpo.org.uk or by telephone on 020 7840 4213.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the London Philharmonic Orchestra Conducting Fellowship?
It is a professional development programme supporting early-career conductors from under-represented backgrounds through practical conducting opportunities, mentorship and immersion in a professional orchestra.
2. When is the application deadline?
Applications close on 2 November 2026 at 9:00 a.m.
3. How long does the fellowship last?
The fellowship provides six to eight non-consecutive weeks of activity during the season.
4. Is the fellowship paid?
Yes. Fees are paid at the London Philharmonic Orchestra’s prevailing rates for early-career conductors. A fixed amount is not specified in the supplied information.
5. Who can apply?
Applicants must be over 18, not in full-time undergraduate education, and able to demonstrate substantial orchestral conducting training, programme-development ability, excellent musicianship and strong communication skills. The fellowship is aimed at conductors from under-represented backgrounds.
6. Can international applicants apply?
The LPO’s published eligibility information does not state a general nationality restriction. However, UK-based conductors are strongly encouraged to apply and will be prioritised. Applicants should check any applicable travel, immigration and participation requirements.
7. What opportunities does the fellowship provide?
Activities may include conducting performances, assisting conductors, mentoring sessions, feedback from musicians, meetings with composers and access to professional development networks.
8. How many fellows will be selected?
The programme will support up to two outstanding early-career conductors.
9. How can I apply?
Read the official applicant guidance and submit the online application form before the deadline.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
The London Philharmonic Orchestra Conducting Fellowship 2027–28 is a specialist opportunity for early-career conductors seeking professional experience, mentorship and connections with a leading orchestra. Its emphasis on widening representation in classical music makes it particularly relevant to talented conductors whose backgrounds are under-represented in the profession.
Interested candidates should review the eligibility requirements carefully and submit their applications before the deadline.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed shares career, fellowship and educational opportunities for informational purposes. It is not affiliated with the London Philharmonic Orchestra and does not recruit on its behalf. Applicants should confirm all requirements and application details through the official LPO website.
SEO Keywords: London Philharmonic Orchestra Conducting Fellowship 2027, LPO Conducting Fellowship 2027–28, paid conducting fellowships, orchestral conducting opportunities, conducting fellowships UK, classical music fellowships, early-career conductor opportunities, music professional development, London Philharmonic Orchestra careers, conducting mentorship programme, music fellowships 2027
