Chineke! Foundation

Assistant Conductor Scheme

(apprenticeship / academy position)

In 2024 and 2025, our training scheme will give the most promising Black and ethnically diverse conductors an outstanding chance to develop their technique, gain first-hand experience, and take their career to the next level.

We’re looking for early-career conductors who are looking to build on experience that they have already gained in leading ensembles by giving them the opportunity to work with Chineke!, Europe’s first majority Black and ethnically diverse orchestra.

You will be early in your conducting career – perhaps coming towards the end of your studies, or a few years into your career – and have a demonstrable knowledge, interest, and passion for music by Black and ethnically diverse composers.

By taking part in the Chineke! Assistant Conductor scheme:

– You will act as Assistant Conductor for one Chineke! concert in the 2024 / 2025 season, working across the rehearsal period
– You will develop your technical skills by getting paid opportunities to rehearse and perform with the Chineke! Orchestra, receive structured feedback, and assist world-renowned conductors. We will pay you for your time during the rehearsal period, and are able to reimburse reasonable travel expenses within the UK
– We will help you take your career to the next level by giving you opportunities to meet and work with industry-leading musicians
– You will be given the opportunity to lead pre-rehearsal sessions with Chineke! section principals, laying valuable foundations for the rest of the orchestra’s rehearsal

You will have the opportunity to act as assistant conductor for one of Chineke!’s concerts in the 24/25 season, and will be able to sit in and observe selected other rehearsals across the season.

If you have any queries, or to apply for this opportunity, please send the following to Chris Bland, Learning and Participation Manager: chris@chineke.org

– A musical CV
– 2 – 3 videos of you conducting an ensemble (YouTube / Vimeo links preferred)
– A cover letter outlining why you’d like to take part in the Assistant Conductor Scheme
– Names, roles, and contact details of 2 references

In addition to the cover letter, please answer the following:

“Imagine you have the opportunity to programme one of Chineke!’s concerts at the Southbank Centre. Please suggest the pieces you’d perform with the orchestra and why.”

Application Deadline: Monday 24th June 2024, 6pm

Interviews: July & August 2024