2019 Louise Crossley Conducting Workshop
An opportunity to inspire and engage women conductors
The Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra’s second Louise Crossley Conducting Workshop, a conductor training opportunity for female conductors, will take place on September 28 in Hobart.
The workshop, named in honour of the late Dr Louise Crossley, whose 2015 bequest to the TSO was intended to develop and identify opportunities for female conductors, will enable a maximum of 6 participants to benefit from an intensive workshop with Elena Schwarz, Associate Conductor of the TSO, and an opportunity to work through repertoire with two pianists.
TSO CEO Caroline Sharpen said, ‘Dr Louise Crossley, an eminent Tasmanian scientist and environmentalist, loved the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra and took pride in the equal representation of women on stage. It was her hope that one day women would be equally represented as conductors of the world’s great orchestras – a hope that the TSO is dedicated to supporting through its commitment to emerging artists.
An alumna of Symphony Services International’s Conductor Development Program, Elena Schwarz has participated in conducting courses with Christopher Seaman, Asher Fisch, Johannes Fritzsch and Giordano Bellincampi. Her year-long appointment with the TSO in 2017 as Assistant Conductor was also made possible by Crossley’s bequest, as is her current 2- year engagement as Associate Conductor.
She is one of four participants selected for the prestigious Los Angeles Philharmonic’s 2018-2019 Dudamel Fellowship Program, launched by Los Angeles Philharmonic’s Music Director Gustavo Dudamel in 2009, and conducted at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in November and December 2018.
The TSO facilitates a number of emerging artist training programs each year, including The Australian Conducting Academy, and the Australian Composers School. Each plays a vital role in nourishing talented graduates, helping them build substantial careers in Australia and internationally.
