Australian Conducting Academy
"I know the next chief conductor of an Australian orchestra is out there...we just have to find them."
Applications are now open for the 2025–2026 Australian Conducting Academy intake. In partnership with the professional symphony orchestras across Australia, this national program is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of home-grown conductors and ensure the sustainability of the orchestral industry in Australia.
Introducing our new ACA Director, Benjamin Northey
“I’d love for Australia to be known as a world leader in conductor training.”
The program director of the ACA from 2025 is Benjamin Northey, a world-class Australian conductor who is currently the Chief Conductor of the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and Principal Conductor, Artistic Advisor Learning and Engagement of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.
You’re in good hands!
Learn more about Benjamin here.
Applications close 4pm Friday 14 June 2024.
Apply Here
How does it work?
ACA has 3 parts:
1 – Launchpad
Groups of 8 are given technical training with industry mentors. Designed to identify talent and provide opportunities for further development.
2 – Masterclass
A small group of conductors are invited to work with a full orchestra to further refine their skills and experience.
3 – Showcase
Conduct a ‘career launching’ concert with a state orchestra, also signifying graduation from the ACA.
Our panel will select 20 candidates for an audition on Monday 2 September 2024 with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra. This audition determines which part of ACA is best suited for each individual’s level, setting them on a professional pathway.
Throughout the year, successful candidates will work in modules with all the state orchestras to develop their talents and skills in the program best suited to their developmental level.
I want to apply! What do I need?
- You must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen
- You must be 18 years or older. There is no age limit
- You will need two recent videos of yourself conducting ensembles to apply for the program
- You must be ready to show us what you can do!
Apply Here
What ACA can offer you
- Podium time for participants with Queensland Symphony Orchestra, Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, West Australian Symphony Orchestra and Orchestra Victoria.
- Work with the finest instrumentalists across the country
- Access to a pool of exceptional mentors to identify, nurture and launch conductors into careers
- Mentoring by highly experienced national and international conductors with a real interest in conductor training and pedagogy
- A stipend of $900 to assist with accommodation and transport when travelling for the ACA modules
2025 Module Dates
Module 1 – Launchpad
Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra
27–29 January
Mentor: Benjamin Northey
Module 2 – Launchpad
Queensland Symphony Orchestra
Week of 14 or 21 April
Mentor: to be announced
Module 3 – Launchpad
Sydney Symphony Orchestra
Dates: to be announced
Mentor: to be announced
Module 4 – Launchpad
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
Dates: to be announced
Mentor: to be announced
Module 5 – Masterclass
Adelaide Symphony Orchestra
29–30 September (tbc)
Mentor: to be announced
Module 6 – Masterclass
West Australian Symphony Orchestra
Dates: to be announced
Mentor: to be announced
Module 7
Orchestra Victoria
Dates: to be announced
Mentor: to be announced
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