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.
Duties of the Calleva Assistant Conductor include:
- Assisting staff and guest conductors, conducting off-stage if necessary, and general assistance.
- Conducting items within a concert programme, or full concert programmes at the Company’s discretion. The Calleva Assistant Conductor may be asked to stand in and replace scheduled conductors at short notice.
- Conducting Schools, Family and Ensemble concerts.
- Working closely with our BSO Participate department.
- Being available to assist in the Concerts Department as required.
A group of musicians from the Orchestra will offer feedback and advice during the successful candidate’s time as the BSO Calleva Assistant Conductor.
The appointment will start on Tuesday 1 September 2026 for a period of 12 months, with possibility of extension for an additional 12 months. The competition is open to entrants who are 35 or below on 1 September 2026.
The Assistant Conductor is expected to attend rehearsals, concerts and recording sessions. For further information about the Orchestra’s pattern of work please enquire before entering.
Entering the Competition
To enter, please email;
- A web link to Youtube audio/visual footage showing at least 10 minutes of yourself conducting
- Your CV (no more than 2 sides of A4)
- A letter explaining why you would like to be considered for the role (no more than 1 page of A4)
- A scan of the personal details page of your passport or proof of right to work
- Equal opportunities form
to Felicity Porter, Planning and Artists Manager, at fporter@bsorchestra.co.uk
Entries that do not contain all parts will not be accepted.
Closing date: 5pm on Monday 2 February 2026
Shortlist announced by Monday 2 March 2026
Auditions in Poole: Monday 27 & Tuesday 28 April 2026
The position commences on Tuesday 1 September 2026
Competition rules
- All participants must be 35 or below on 1 September 2026.
- Appointment is subject to the candidate’s existing right to work in the UK, or a successful visa application.
- After the application deadline the selection panel will shortlist a maximum of 10 candidates, who will be informed of the results by 2 March 2026. The selected participants will be invited to take part in the competition in Poole
- All rounds are scheduled to take place at Lighthouse, Poole with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra.
- Video submissions must be no shorter than 10 minutes and should contain at least two contrasting pieces, at least one of which should include the beginning and end of the work. Candidates should be visible from an orchestral musician’s point of view.
If your video does not meet these requirements the panel will be unable to review your submission.
- The video should be uploaded to YouTube. Please ensure that your video is set as Public or Unlisted – we will not be able to watch it if it is set to Private.
For any further questions about the competition, please email fporter@bsorchestra.co.uk