Yannick Nézet-Séguin launches year-long mentorship for emerging conductors

Two conductors will join the inaugural 2027/28 programme, gaining experience in symphonic music, opera and the wider responsibilities of musical leadership.

Yannick Nézet-Séguin has launched a mentorship programme for early-career conductors, offering two selected participants a year of practical experience alongside him and the orchestras he conducts.

Announced on 16 October, the Yannick Nézet-Séguin Mentorship Program will hold its inaugural cycle in the 2027/28 season. Applications are open until 15 November 2026.

The initiative aims to address the shortage of opportunities for emerging conductors to gain experience on the podium, while also preparing them for the responsibilities of a music director beyond rehearsals and performances.

The selection process will include an in-person workshop in February 2027, with four conductors invited following an application review. Participants will work with The Philadelphia Orchestra at Marian Anderson Hall on symphonic repertoire, followed by sessions at the Metropolitan Opera House with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and singers from the Lindemann Young Artist Development Program.

Nézet-Séguin will then select two conductors for the year-long mentorship. They will have opportunities to accompany him at orchestras around the world and take part in four workshops with the programme’s partner ensembles: Montreal’s Orchestre Métropolitain, The Philadelphia Orchestra, the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and the Chamber Orchestra of Europe.

Participants will receive a stipend and gain exposure to the institutional relationships that shape a music director’s work, including those with chief executives, artistic administrators, musician representatives, education teams and board members.

Nézet-Séguin said the programme would seek to pass on the values of collaborative leadership, authenticity, inclusivity and kindness. Drawing on his experience leading three major institutions, he hopes to give emerging conductors access to the professional environments in which musical leaders develop.

Rolex is the programme’s founding sponsor. Askonas Holt will provide management for the selected conductors through its Fellowship for the duration of the mentorship, including regular meetings and career guidance.

How to apply

The initial workshop is open to early-career conductors who have completed their formal studies and demonstrated exceptional musical ability.

Applicants must submit conducting videos, a résumé, a personal statement, two letters of recommendation, a headshot and a short biography to mentorship@yannicknezetseguin.com by 15 November 2026. Those invited to the workshop will be notified during the week of 18 December.