Female Conductors Shine in Annual Program

The seven participants, who were selected through an online application process, showed promise as professional conductors. They took part in the weekend program, each having an hour of podium time in front of TSO musicians. Participants came from all across Australia as well as far afield as the UK and USA!

This year’s program was led by Stockholm-based Australian conductor Jessica Cottis, fresh from her European tour working with some of the world’s leading orchestras and directing Orchestra Victoria in Opera Australia’s contemporary opera Breaking the Waves. 

Jessica’s expertise and good humour was appreciated by all participants throughout the training weekend, which focused on technique and communicating clear intent to the musicians. 

‘The Louise Crossley Conductor Training Program is a fantastic and inspiring opportunity for emerging conductors in Australia. With the TSO I look forward to helping the next generation of conducting talent and continuing to advocate both for access and balance within the classical music industry,’ Jessica says. 

While she was in Hobart, audience members saw Jessica in action conducting the TSO and pianist Stefan Cassomenos in last month’s performance of Shostakovich and Weill. 

This annual program is made possible by a generous bequest from the late Dr Louise Crossley, to develop and identify opportunities for female conductors, encouraging equal representation on stage. 

The Louise Crossley program is open to emerging conductors based in Australia and New Zealand who identify as female or non-binary. For more information visit here.