LA Philharmonic and Orchestre de Paris: Salonen International Conducting Fellowship 2027–28
The Los Angeles Philharmonic and Orchestre de Paris jointly announced the first Salonen International Conducting Fellowship for the 2027–28 orchestral season on 5 October 2026. Conceived with renowned conductor and composer Esa-Pekka Salonen, this new transatlantic scheme will select two to four early-career conductors to receive direct mentorship and podium experience with leading professional orchestras in Los Angeles and Paris. Applications are currently open; selected candidates will attend in-person auditions in Los Angeles on 30 January 2027. The publicly accessible general announcement does not give a confirmed closing date, exact entry fee or cash stipend. Applicants should consult the linked application portal for those specific requirements rather than relying on estimates.
What the one-year fellowship provides
A one-year appointment in the 2027–28 season.
Up to six weeks of residence activities involving both the LA Philharmonic and Orchestre de Paris.
Individual mentoring sessions with Esa-Pekka Salonen and orchestra musicians.
Podium opportunities, public outreach or educational conducting experience.
Professional leadership workshops and an annual fellowship summit in Paris or Los Angeles.
Housing, travel and professional-support resources described by both orchestras; amounts and reimbursement policies are specified only to successful participants.
A closing public performance or showcase opportunity.
Timeline and how to apply
The official announcement dates the online application opening to 5 October 2026, with a live audition for shortlisted conductors on 30 January 2027 in Los Angeles. The organisers expect to announce fellows in spring 2027. Because the publicly accessible overview points to a separate application with full eligibility rules, candidates should follow that link and confirm the submission deadline, age or professional-experience conditions, required conducting video, recommendation letters and any application fee. This article deliberately does not invent a deadline for which no date was published on the official summary.
Who is it intended for?
The programme focuses on emerging conductors who have already demonstrated artistic potential and seek advanced professional orchestral training. It is not a general free conducting workshop for complete beginners, and it does not guarantee a paid staff-conductor appointment after completion. Applicants from outside France and the United States should check whether visas, work permissions and travel documents can be supported in their individual case before buying tickets to the Los Angeles auditions.
Why the organisers matter
Esa-Pekka Salonen is a celebrated international conductor and composer and serves as creative director of the LA Phil; from 2027–28 he also assumes leading musical and creative positions in Paris. The Los Angeles Philharmonic regularly performs at Walt Disney Concert Hall; Orchestre de Paris performs in the Philharmonie de Paris. Both are major established orchestras and issued a joint press announcement describing the fellowship, its selection size and mentoring aims.
Funding clarity and official materials
The orchestras' summary says housing, travel and professional-support resources are included in the fellowship. It does not establish a universal cash salary, guaranteed accommodation type or paid audition travel for every candidate. The application package and subsequent offer will determine the actual financial terms. Contact the organisers directly rather than a broker promising selection.
LA Phil Salonen International Conducting Fellowship official page: https://www.laphil.com/artists-and-media/los-angeles-philharmonic/fellowships/salonen-international-conducting-fellowship
LA Phil/Orchestre de Paris joint press release, 5 October 2026: https://www.laphil.com/posts/la-phil-and-orchestre-de-paris-announce-the-salonen-international-conducting-fellowship
Verified 24 October 2026. Online applications open; live auditions 30 January 2027. Full application deadline and any fee must be checked in the organiser's linked form.