Opportunities for Women Conductors

Meet the 2010-11 Women Conductor Grant Recipients 

The new opportunities build on the legacy of the Women’s Philharmonic, which provided training and opportunities for women musicians, composers, and conductors.  While women composers and players have made great strides in the professional orchestra realm, women conductors still account for less than 10% of all professional conductors in the orchestra field.
 
When the Women’s Philharmonic ceased operations, it invited the League to receive and administer a fund established by the Gabilan Foundation dedicated to the professional growth and advancement of women conductors. The League is pleased to have been entrusted with these resources, and to be carrying on this important mission of the Women’s Philharmonic.

These opportunities align with the League’s Strategic Plan in the following ways:

• The investment in the growth and success of artistic talent
• The investment in leadership development throughout the field
• The commitment to diversity throughout the field

Please note: Except as noted below, all programs are limited to women who are individual members of the League of American Orchestras, or who hold staff positions with League member orchestras.

Women Conductors Grant Program
The League of American Orchestra’s highly competitive Grants to Outstanding Women Conductors are designed to contribute to the career development of women conductors at the highest levels of potential. They are intended for those who are primed for national and international recognition and are ready for candidacy for top conducting posts.
Eligibility: 

• Applicants must have at least 3 years as paid professionals with orchestras
• Grants are for post-graduate professional development, and are not intended to support higher education/academic study
• This program is limited to women conductors who are current members of the League of American Orchestras, and who are committed to a career with American orchestras

Four grants to female conductors of outstanding ability will be awarded during the 2010-11 cycle.

• 2010 grant application deadline:  January 15th, 2010
• Award notification on or by:  March 15th, 2010
• 2010 grants will be awarded for activities that take place between April 1, 2010 and March 30, 2011

These opportunities for women conductors are made possible through the generous support of the Gabilan Foundation, The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, The Hearst Foundation, Inc., The Bruno Walter Memorial Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Argosy Foundation, and The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation.