All of Australia’s symphony orchestras, along with Orchestra Victoria, have announced an expansion to the Australian Conducting Academy for aspiring conductors from Australia and New Zealand, led by Johannes Fritzsch, Principal Conductor of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra and Principal Guest Conductor of the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra.

An Australian Conducting Academy has been based in Tasmania for several years, with Australia’s major orchestras contributing towards a national Conductor Development program. But the 2023–2024 program will be hugely expanded following a grant of $230,000 over three years from the Ian Potter Foundation and the investment of over $2m by participating orchestras.

Johannes Fritzsch

Australia’s six symphony orchestras and Orchestra Victoria have all committed to hosting a module during the two-year program, providing orchestral time, world-class mentors and all of the artistic and administrative support required to nurture emerging conducting talent. The first module is in Hobart in January 2023 ​​with Fritzsch. Participants will receive a stipend, travel and accommodation and substantial podium time with professional Australian orchestras.

“I am looking forward to meeting the selected group for the 2023–2024 program at the first module in January 2023 in Hobart and to offer my...