The Australian Ballet is offering a full time Conducting Fellowship commencing in January 2025. The purpose is to give a conductor the opportunity to gain insights into, and experience in, the highly specialised art of conducting for classical ballet as well as the demands on a Music Department in a large classical ballet company.
The recipient will work within The Australian Ballet as a member of the Music Department until the end of 2025 and will be mentored by Music Director and Chief Conductor, Jonathan Lo, visiting guest conductors and other members of the Music team.
The fellowship will include:
- Observation of ballet classes, stage, studio and orchestral rehearsals;
- Study and preparation of 2025 performance repertoire;
- Working with senior Artistic, Music and Production staff in studio rehearsals, orchestral rehearsals and performances in the preparation of all seasons;
- Possible conducting of rehearsals and performances appropriate to skill;
- Working alongside the Music team of The Australian Ballet and assisting conductors, performing duties relevant to being a member of The Australian Ballet Music Department.
- Written application material:
The fellowship is designed to further the development of conductors who already possess a level of practical professional experience. Applicants must have a tertiary qualification and an avid interest in classical ballet and collegial work ethic.
This is a Melbourne based position, but as The Australian Ballet is a touring company, applicants must be able to spend months away from home at various times throughout the year. The fellowship is open to Australian and New Zealand citizens.
Salary range- between $50,000 and $55,000 per annum. pro rata, plus 11% superannuation (or in line with Superannuation Guarantee).
SELECTION PROCESS
Applicants are required to submit an application containing the following:
1. Written Application Material
- Current curriculum vitae that clearly details education and career information
- Statement of why the candidate is interested in working with The Australian Ballet and why they think they are suitable for the role
- Names and contact details of a minimum of two referees who are familiar with the applicant as a conductor
2. Audio-visual examples of the applicant conducting (must be recent – post 2021):
- Maximum of two (2) examples. Each example may be up to a total of 5 minutes of material
- Brief explanation of the material which includes: title, composer, performer details, and date of the recording
- Audio Visual material sent as an email attachment will not be accepted. Files may be submitted in one of the below formats only:
- As a weblink to a file on YouTube or Vimeo ;
- As a .MOV or .MP4 file sent through WeTransfer or similar file transfer service
All material must be the applicants own work and be clearly labelled with the applicant’s name.
Shortlisted applicants will be required to attend an interview and audition in Melbourne. The audition will consist of conducting standard classical ballet repertoire to orchestra (Orchestra Victoria). Details will be advised on progression into the audition round. On application, please advise your availability to be in Melbourne Wednesday 12th and/or Thursday 13th June 2024.
The Australian Ballet reserves the right to defer the appointment of a Conducting Fellow at the sole discretion of the interview panel should no applications be deemed suitable for the position.
TIMELINE
- Closing date for applications is 5pm on Friday 22nd March 2024
- Shortlisting completed by Friday 26th April 2024
- Audition/Interview round will be held in Melbourne, June 2024
- Commencement date: Monday 20th January 2025
Email address for all application material: jointheteam@ australianballet.com.au
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible to apply for this position, applicants must have existing full Australian work rights. Any offer of employment will be subject to a satisfactory National Police Check and Working with Children Clearance.