Unlike most musicians, it’s difficult for conductors to practice and progress in isolation. They need time with ensembles to road-test ideas and refine their craft. Recognising this, our friends at Royal Northern Sinfonia annually offer their time and their resources at The Glasshouse International Centre for Music in Gateshead for a cohort of exceptionally promising conductors to build their confidence, hone their skills, and take risks in a supportive, encouraging setting. Over several visits, the conductors – with residual coaching from Alice Farnham – and the orchestral musicians forge bonds, build trust, rehearse a range of repertoire, and reflect together on the principles of fruitful interaction between conductors and orchestras. The experience is free, and travel and accommodation are covered. Between visits, the cohort receives further mentorship from Alice, and career support from RPS and RNS staff. 

All participants are artists worth knowing and we commend you to click each name below to find out more about them. We particularly invite orchestra, choir and opera managers, promoters, and artist managers nationwide to follow their progress, and join us in helping them attain further opportunities. We are so pleased to tell you more about them, and further talents besides: there are indeed many more dedicated and promising conductors whom we couldn't offer places on this course we have met in our other courses. Please do contact us and we can tell you more.

Our current cohort:

Josephine Korda
Michal Oren
Oi Ching Chan
Peggy Wu
Sinéad Hayes

Previous participants:

Charlotte Corderoy
Constança Simas
Hannah von Wiehler
Helen Harrison
Lada Valesova
Rita Castro Blanco
Tess Jackson

From 24 June to 1 September 2025, we are newly welcoming applicants for this experience, and you can find more details here. 

This recent film, made with some of the initial participants, will give you a flavour of the experience our Royal Northern Sinfonia partnership offers:

If you work with a UK ensemble who could help us offer further opportunities to exceptional conductors on the threshold of great careers, please get in touch.

‘The RPS has given me an exceptional amount as I’ve transitioned from full-time study into the “real world”. The platform it’s given with the Royal Northern Sinfonia has been transformative. It’s so rare to be given podium time with a professional orchestra, specifically designed to be focused on feedback and constructive criticism. The RPS and RNS create a wonderful atmosphere, every time without fail. I’ve been able to focus on my communication skills and rehearsal technique in an environment that feels nothing other than supportive. I owe a great deal to my RPS experiences, and the individuals involved in making them happen.’ Charlotte Corderoy