Australian conductor Carolyn Watson has been announced as one of six professionals selected for the Third Annual Linda and Mitch Hart Institute for Women Conductors at The Dallas Opera. The annual residency programme, now in its third year, is one of only three in the world designed to provide training and career support for women conductors. Female conductors, as well as accomplished singers, opera coaches, accompanists, and instrumentalists with established careers seeking to develop new skills at the podium, are encouraged to apply.

Watson and the other five participants were selected for the residency in November from a total of 161 applicants from 33 countries. Also chosen were Alba Bomfim from Brazil, Mélisse Brunet from France, Lina Gonzalez-Granados from the USA and Colombia, Karin Hendrickson from the USA, and Monika Wolinska from Poland.

Carolyn WatsonAustralian Conductor Carolyn Watson

“It’s always nice to have one’s talent, dedication and hard work recognised,” Watson tells Limelight. “Having already been a part of the 2016 Dallas Opera Hart Institute for Women Conductors as an observer, I feel I already have a taste for what is in store, something which makes me even more excited!”

The residency will consist of masterclasses with Baltimore Symphony and São...