Position Title: 2025-26 Conducting Fellow
Position Overview:
The Chelsea Symphony (TCS) is seeking a highly talented and dedicated individual for the position of Conducting Fellow for the 2025-26 season. This position offers a unique opportunity for an early-career conductor in the New York City area to conduct The Chelsea Symphony on two concert programs and to benefit from professional mentorship from the TCS Artistic Directors and guest conductors. The successful candidate will work closely with the TCS team as a conductor and instrumentalist, and will be an enthusiastic contributor to The Chelsea Symphony’s vibrant community of musicians. This position is unpaid and requires active participation in at least four concert cycles throughout the year. The fellowship may be extended for a second year at the discretion of the Artistic Directors and Board of The Chelsea Symphony.
Terms of Engagement:
- Conducting Opportunities: The Conducting Fellow will conduct on two concert cycles over the course of the season:
- Fall 2025: Concert opener (shorter than 20 minutes)
- Spring 2026: Anchor work (20 minutes or longer)
- Each concert cycle will include 4 rehearsals and 2 performances over the course of a week.
- Representative repertoire conducted by recent TCS Conducting Fellows includes William Grant Still’s Afro-American Symphony, Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6, and Eric Ewazen’s Concerto for Flute and Chamber Orchestra.
- Participation in Concert Cycles: The Conducting Fellow will perform as an instrumentalist on at least four concert cycles in the 2025-26 season. Two of these cycles will coincide with the conducting engagements described above; the Conducting Fellow will perform in the orchestra on the works they are not conducting.
- Professional Development: If desired, gain experience in orchestral operations (e.g., recording and livestream production, music librarianship, marketing and social media) as appropriate for the Conducting Fellow’s interests. Participate in mentorship sessions with the Artistic Directors and guest conductors to enhance conducting skills, gain insights into artistic and administrative leadership, and receive constructive feedback for growth.
- The fellowship may be extended for a subsequent year at the discretion of the Artistic Directors, Chelsea Symphony Board, and Executive Director.
Qualifications:
- Education and Experience: Previous instruction and experience conducting ensembles, preferably orchestras, is highly desirable. Demonstrated leadership and musical excellence will be given significant consideration.
- Musical Proficiency: Strong musicianship skills, including a deep understanding of orchestral repertoire, score reading ability, and the capacity to effectively communicate musical ideas to performers. Proficiency on an orchestral instrument and ability to contribute to the ensemble as a performer when not on the podium.
- Interpersonal Skills: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, enabling collaboration with musicians, conductors, and the administrative team of The Chelsea Symphony. The ability to work effectively as part of a team is essential.
- Commitment: Willingness to commit to the full one-year term, including active participation in all assigned rehearsals, concerts, and associated activities. All activities will take place in New York City or the greater New York area; any travel or lodging necessary to participate in TCS events will be at the Conducting Fellow’s expense. Potential to broaden The Chelsea Symphony’s roster of musicians is highly desirable.
- Professional Growth Mindset: A strong desire to grow as a conductor and engage in continuous learning. The Conducting Fellow should be receptive to feedback and committed to ongoing professional development.
EDI
The Chelsea Symphony is dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of its operations. As an organization, we strongly believe that diverse perspectives and experiences enrich the artistic process and contribute to a more vibrant and inclusive musical community. Therefore, in line with our EDI goals, we particularly encourage applications from candidates who will contribute to the diversity of our organization.
As part of the application process, candidates are invited to share how their unique background and experiences align with our commitment to EDI. The Chelsea Symphony welcomes applications from individuals who are traditionally underrepresented in the conducting field and seeks to provide an inclusive platform for emerging talents to flourish.
By actively fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion, we aim to create an environment where all members of The Chelsea Symphony can thrive and contribute to the artistic excellence and cultural enrichment of our organization and community.
Application Process:
To apply for the position of Conducting Fellow with The Chelsea Symphony, please submit the following documents:
- Cover letter highlighting your interest in the position and your conducting goals.
- Performance resume detailing your conducting experience, education, and relevant musical achievements.
- One link to a performance recording on your primary instrument of study. These may be solo or accompanied and must be recent (within the last 2 years strongly preferred).
- 2-4 links to recent conducting footage. At least one video must show rehearsal, and at least one must be a performance. All videos must be recent (within the last 2 years strongly preferred)
Applications should be submitted via this online application link. Best consideration will be given to candidates who apply by April 4, 2025.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview and may be asked to provide references.
About The Chelsea Symphony
The Chelsea Symphony aims to democratize the concert experience and foster shared discovery through socially engaged programming, professional support for musicians, and an inclusive and accessible environment for all audiences. As a non-profit, self-governing orchestra, TCS provides performance opportunities for its musicians while operating on an affordable scale. Soloists, conductors, and featured composers are chosen from within the orchestra's ranks, earning this benefit through their participation. Administrative operations are also handled by members of the ensemble.
Founded in 2005 by young conductors Yaniv Segal and Miguel Campos Neto, The Chelsea Symphony has earned a reputation as one of the most innovative ensembles in the New York metropolitan area. Shortly after its inception, the orchestra was featured in WNYC's "Salute to the Arts" Initiative, and The New York Times praised the ensemble for its "earnest, vibrant" playing. The Chelsea Symphony has collaborated with notable artists such as Clay Aiken, Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg, Tony Award winner Lillias White, Broadway composer Seth Rudetsky, the Irish Tenors, and fashion designer Malan Breton. The orchestra's annual holiday concert has featured guest celebrities Richard Kind, David Hyde Pierce, Ana Gasteyer, Charles Busch, Andrea Martin, Rachel Dratch, Mo Rocca, Victor Garber, BD Wong, Seth Rudetsky, and Annie Golden narrating Aaron Dai's The Night Before Christmas.