In our 40th season, Symphony Nova Scotia proudly launched the Bernhard Gueller Conductor Fellowship in honour of the Symphony’s Music Director Laureate Bernhard Gueller.

German-Canadian Conductor Serena Reuten was the first Fellow to join Music Director Holly Mathieson, Music Director Laureate Bernhard Gueller, and Symphony Nova Scotia in November 2023. Learn more here.

“This fellowship was such an incredible opportunity to work closely with Maestro Bernhard and Symphony Nova Scotia,” says Reuten. “I learned so much from him through extensive time spent in lessons, observing rehearsals, and engaging in post-rehearsal discussions.

“As a young conductor, the most exciting part for me was the podium time with the orchestra and receiving constructive feedback from the musicians afterwards. What made this fellowship especially unique were the meetings with Music Director Holly Mathieson and orchestra administrators, where we discussed creative ways of managing an orchestra in this day and age.

“My time in Halifax was so thoughtfully planned out and I’m so grateful for all the meaningful connections I made while I was there!”

General Description

The Fellowship, offered every two years, provides a Canadian conductor in the early stages of their career the opportunity to work with a professional orchestra. Learning to effectively communicate with the musicians and audience, as well as balance the Symphony’s many instruments, are key skills that can be achieved through mentorship and practice. Fellows will also engage with off-podium experiences that could include staff meetings, in-school visits, adult enrichment programs, community engagement, and/or patron benefit events.

Eligibility

Canadian citizens and permanent residents, whose talents and vision comprise all aspects of concert preparation, presentation, and performance to a wide variety of audiences, are invited to apply.

Requirements

• Link(s) to an online video of a performance or rehearsal, conducted by you, of one or two contrasting works. Combined, the material provided should be no more than 10 minutes.
• A video consisting of a brief spoken introduction about yourself and the music you’ve shared.
• Your Curriculum Vitae (CV).

Applications are now closed for the 2023 fellowship.