Tanglewood Music Center 2027 Conducting Fellowship: Five Videos and November 5 Deadline
An international conducting opportunity with the BSO
The Tanglewood Music Center (TMC), founded by the Boston Symphony Orchestra, is accepting applications to its 2027 Conducting Program. Selected fellows work with the TMC Orchestra and conduct under the guidance of BSO Music Director and Tanglewood Head of Conducting Andris Nelsons. This is an advanced orchestral conducting fellowship requiring significant prior podium experience, not a beginner workshop or a guaranteed paid job.
Deadline, age and availability
Submit the online application through Acceptd by 5 November 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (US). Applicants must be at least 18 years old as of 25 June 2027 and must be available throughout the full residency period, 25 June–17 August 2027. The published application charge is US$75; applicants who cannot afford it may request a hardship fee waiver through the programme's dedicated form.
Five audition recordings required
A complete submission needs a current CV, one professional recommendation, a list of repertoire the applicant conducted publicly during the past three years, and five separate videos. Four videos must document the applicant conducting an orchestra in concert, representing at least two different concerts; the fifth must show a rehearsal with clearly audible spoken feedback. Recording samples must cover at least two orchestras, include varied styles, and demonstrate at least one work written after 1950. All five clips together may total no more than 30 minutes. Recordings should be recent and show the conductor with a single-camera perspective.
Selection and professional development
A small number of finalists will be invited to a live conducting audition in Boston, with the committee including Andris Nelsons. Selected fellows receive orchestral podium experience and coaching rather than simply a certificate. Travel and visa requirements for finalists should be confirmed with the programme before booking: an initial application does not imply selection, housing arrangements, work eligibility or financial reimbursement.
Who is behind the programme?
Tanglewood Music Center is the summer training institution associated with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, which maintains the official applications, faculty information and performer resources. The programme's requirements for multiple orchestras and public performances distinguish it from commercial online conducting contests. Applicants should rely on the BSO-hosted pages and Acceptd link rather than unofficial reposts.
Official sources
BSO application instructions: https://www.bso.org/tmc/conducting-program-application-instructions . Conducting programme description: https://www.bso.org/tmc/conducting . Carefully review current details on recordings, visa documentation and any changes before submitting.