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Beginning in 2027
Beginning in 2027, the annual Yannick Nézet-Séguin Mentorship Program will prepare early-career conductors for the responsibilities of carrying the baton forward as musical directors.
The Philadelphia Orchestra
Philadelphia
The Metropolitan Opera
New York
Orchestre Métropolitain
Montréal
The Chamber Orchestra of Europe
Yannick comes from four generations of teachers, and at its core, conducting is an act of teaching. He carries that lineage into the institutions he leads, where his influence extends beyond the podium and into the ethos of these organizations. That same commitment to teaching has long shaped his relationships with leading educational institutions, including the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia and the International Academy of Domaine Forget in Charlevoix, Québec, where he has mentored young artists for years. The Yannick Nézet-Séguin Mentorship Program represents the next step in that lifelong commitment: an opportunity to transmit the knowledge he has learned, and what was passed down to him, to the next generation of conductors.
By closely observing and engaging with Yannick’s work, the conductors will gain perspective into his season programming, preparation process, musical communication and decision-making. The conductors will not only attend symphonic and operatic performances, but also receive podium time rehearsing with orchestras and singers. Yannick will provide feedback to help them hone their leadership skills and adaptability.
The mentorship offers an immersive, year-long experience combining regular in-person engagement with Yannick Nézet-Séguin, tailored to each conductor’s professional commitments. Participants receive financial support to facilitate their participation, including a stipend and coverage of travel and accommodation expenses for immersive program activities.
Throughout the program, conductors will experience firsthand the relationships that support a successful musical organization. Yannick will connect them with artistic administrators, orchestra committee members, chief executives, board members, fundraising officers, marketing teams and education initiatives. Through these conversations, conductors will gain insight into how institutional realities are balanced with artistic priorities and goals.
Today’s conductors and music directors should excel across artistic planning, fundraising, marketing, and outreach. Through an immersive, year-long experience, The Yannick Nézet-Séguin Mentorship Program prepares conductors for the full scope of artistic and institutional leadership, empowering them to shape the future of the world’s leading musical institutions and inspire the communities they serve.
Collaboration
The music director of a 21st century organization serves as an example as a clear communicator who listens with empathy and leads with joy. A trusted leader fosters collaboration and creative risk-taking.
Authenticity
Step onto the podium with artistic integrity and a genuine desire to connect with everyone present. Understand the community you serve embrace the fact that no two performances are the same.
Inclusivity
Orchestras and opera houses should be welcoming environments for anyone, of any background, to discover themselves through classical music. Conducting, performing and listening are equal and unifying acts — disparate voices and ideas transform into a set of sounds.
Kindness
Nurture fellow artists, create meaningful experiences for audiences and treat everyone with respect. People are moved by generosity and soulfulness, humanity and humility.
01
Yannick will invite four conductors to participate in the in-person Yannick Nézet-Séguin Conducting Workshop, tentatively scheduled early February, 2027. The conductors will work with two of the world's leading musical institutions in their home venues.
02
In March 2027, two workshop participants will be named to the mentorship program.
Two forty-minute podium sessions with Yannick. The first, with the Philadelphia Orchestra, will focus on symphonic repertoire.
For the second, conductors will reconvene in New York City with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra.
Attendants will also get:
The opportunity to observe fellow participants, fostering shared learning, reflection and artistic exchange.
Professional-quality audio and video recordings of all podium sessions for personal study and portfolio use.
Paid travel and lodging expenses, including airfare, hotel accommodations, ground transportation between the workshop locations and a daily stipend for meals and incidentals. Participants will arrive the day before the workshop starts.
Locations
Marian Anderson Hall at Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
300 South Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
The Metropolitan Opera House at Lincoln Center
30 Lincoln Center Plaza
New York, NY 10023
To be considered for The Yannick Nézet-Séguin Mentorship Program, please fill out the form or email the following to mentor@yannicknezetseguin.com by November 14, 2026
Two Conducting Videos
Enclose recordings that best represent your conducting and rehearsal techniques. When possible, prioritize footage where the camera faces the front of the applicant. Any performance and/or rehearsal videos are acceptable; examples from both symphonic and operatic repertoires are suggested.
Résumé: Include education information as well as conducting roles, professional engagements and artistic activities.
Personal Statement: Answer the questions below in a document that does not exceed 500 words
Why do you want to be part of The Yannick Nézet-Séguin Mentorship Program?
How do you define artistic excellence?
What drives your desire to help shape the future of classical music?
Two Letters of Recommendation: Ask each author to address your musical ability, leadership potential and readiness to collaborate with top-tier artists.
Headshot
Short biography (suitable for a program, approx. 300 words or less)
Application Window Opens
October 16, 2026
Application Deadline
November 14, 2026
Four Workshop Conductors Notified
December, 2026
Workshop
Early February, 2027 (exact dates to follow)
Two Mentorship Conductors Announced
March, 2027
Mentorship Commences
September, 2027
Completed their formal academic training (Master of Music encouraged, but not required)
Developed a distinct artistic identity
Worked with professional or high-level ensembles
Begun preparation for future leadership roles like musical director
The Philadelphia Orchestra
Philadelphia
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Founded in 1900, The Philadelphia Orchestra is one of the world's leading orchestras, renowned for its distinctive sound, artistic excellence, and longstanding commitment to innovation and community engagement. Since 2012, under the leadership of Music and Artistic Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin, the Orchestra continues to build upon its rich artistic legacy while embracing new approaches to performance and connection with audiences.
The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra
New York
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The Orchestre Métropolitain
Montréal
The Chamber Orchestra of Europe
Montréal
Askonas Holt
Europe
We are grateful to Rolex for believing in this initiative and supporting the transmission of knowledge to the next generation of conductors.
