Music Director and Conductor Post

About

conductorThe YMF Debut Orchestra Music Director and Conductor post is one of the most prestigious training positions available to young conductors. A three-year position, this opportunity gives one conductor (selected through national auditions) the opportunity to plan, rehearse, and conduct a series of approximately six concerts per season including symphonic, chamber orchestra, family and fundraising performances.

The Music Director & Conductor reports to the YMF Executive Director and YMF Artistic Administrator and creates each season’s programming in collaboration with the Artistic Administrator and Music Advisory Board. Other tasks include serving on the yearly orchestra audition panel, write program notes, speak to the audience, direct up to three 360° Music performances around Los Angeles County and represent YMF at numerous social and artistic events.

The Music Director receives a BMI Foundation Inc./Lionel Newman Conducting Study Grant, a YMF Conducting Grant, and the YMF/John & Samantha Williams Conducting Fellowship Grant. This is one of the few programs available where the most talented young conductors in the world are paired with one of the premier training orchestras in the nation, and given the opportunity to plan, rehearse, and conduct a full orchestra season.

 

 Alumni Conductors 1955-present

previnAndré Previn

eif-mttMichael Tilson Thomas

lucasrichmansmLucas Richman

220px-Jung-ho_PakJung-Ho Pak

Daniel Hege

David Blum* – André Previn – Robert La Marchina* – Henry Lewis* – Manuel Compinsky* – Lawrence Foster – Kenneth Klein – Michael Tilson Thomas – Robert Henderson – Phil Lehrman – Michael Nowak – Joel Ethan Fried – Calvin Simmons* – Rhonda Kess – Myung-Whun Chung – Toshiyuki Shimada – Emil de Cou – Neal Stulberg – Lucas Richman – Jung-Ho Pak – Daniel Hege – Lara Webber – Bundit Ungrangsee – Wilson Hermanto – Joana Carneiro – Sean Newhouse

* In Memoriam

 

2011-2012 Season Update

The Board of Directors of Young Musicians Foundation recently decided to use the 2011-2012 Debut Orchestra Season to showcase many of our past Alumni Music Directors. The Music Director and Conductor post resumes in the 2012-2013 Season.  The eligibility requirements have been extended by one year so that no applicant will miss the chance to audition for this renowned program.

 

2012 Music Director and Conductor Search

Thanks to our many talented applicants for the 2012 appointment.  Applications are now closed.  Applicants will hear from YMF via email by February 10 regarding final live auditions in March.

Eligibility:  Open to conductors of exceptional professional promise and ability who reside in the United States, who will not have reached their 28th* birthday by June 30, 2012, and who are not yet under professional management. Upon winning the post, Los Angeles residency will be strongly encouraged.
*extended from prior restriction of 27th birthday, for 2012 appointment only

Duties:

  1. Build, guide, and conduct the YMF Debut Orchestra in rehearsals, concerts, and the YMF Command Performance Gala. Season includes 5-6 concerts, with 4-5 rehearsals per concert. The orchestra is often hired for additional outside events.
  2. Select a professional conductor to serve as a mentor for lessons, rehearsals, and programming.
  3. Assist in re-auditioning the entire orchestra every year.
  4. Assist in judging the National Debut Concerto Competition.
  5. Plan and direct two outreach concerts per year.
  6. Write program notes for each concert.
  7. Be available for community and public relations activities.
  8. Act as a spokesperson for the Foundation and its programs.

Application: Applications will be available for online submission beginning November 1, 2011.

Required materials:

    • Completed online application with application fee
    • Resume
    • Proof of age (copy of driver license, passport, or birth certificate)
    • Proof of US residency
    • Two letters of recommendation, one of which from the primary conducting teacher
    • Labeled DVD/video or online selections (see instructions below)
    • Repertoire conducted list
    • (optional) SASE for DVD/video return

Video instructions:  The applicant is to be filmed (both in rehearsal and in concert) from the sides or rear of the orchestra with a wide enough angle of view so that the conductor’s face, body, and at least some of the orchestra members are visible throughout the rehearsal or performance.

Video submissions must contain the following (labeled on the DVD/video if submitting a hard copy):

    1. Exactly 5 minutes, unedited, of one selection from the repertoire list below in working rehearsal;
    2. Exactly 5 minutes, unedited, of one selection from the repertoire list below in either rehearsal or concert;
    3. Exactly 5 minutes, unedited, of a second selection from the repertoire list below in either rehearsal or concert;
    4. One complete movement or work in concert, not longer than 15 minutes.

Repertoire must include four contrasting selections from the following, not necessarily in this order:

    1. One movement of a concerto;
    2. One Classical period work;
    3. One Romantic period work;
    4. One contemporary work containing mixed meters and/or complex beating patterns.

All repertoire selections should come from the standard canon for each period.
Deadline: Application and supporting materials must be received by Friday, January 13, 2012.

Auditions: Final auditions by invitation on Saturday, March 10, 2012.

Contact: Sarah Thomas, Programs Associate
Tel: 310.859.7669 Fax: 310.859.1365 Email: sarah@ymf.org


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