Calleva Assistant Conductor Competition-Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra

Are you a conductor – aged 35 or below – on the cusp of your professional career? Do you want to conduct a broad range of repertoire and assist some of the world’s leading guest conductors?

We’re looking for applicants for the next Calleva Assistant Conductor Competition, a two-day event with Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra at its home venue, Lighthouse, Poole. The winner becomes the BSO’s next Calleva Assistant Conductor.

The 12-month role is the perfect platform to launch a professional career: you’ll assist guest conductors and work with the Orchestra’s artistic team, which includes Chloé Van Soeterstède, David Hill, Kirill Karabits and the opportunity to be mentored by Chief Conductor, Mark Wigglesworth. You’ll conduct the full orchestra in professional performances and direct smaller chamber-scale ensembles in a range of settings, from music education to creative health and wellbeing.

The Calleva Assistant Conductor programme is funded in 2024-30 by The Calleva Foundation, in memory of Jack Butt.

Up to twelve candidates will be invited to audition with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra on Monday 27 April and Tuesday 28 April 2026, with a possible piano round on Sunday 26 April 2026.

The appointment will start on Tuesday 1 September 2026 for a period of 12 months