Women Conductors and Royal Philharmonic Society (RPS) have formed a new partnership, with the aim of encouraging more women to become conductors. RPS will use its networks and influence to promote the work of Women Conductors, who offer workshops, seminars and mentoring for budding women conductors of all ages.
So far over 100 women have taken part in Women Conductors workshops, which last two days and run throughout the year. 12 women take part in each session, with even more sitting in to watch the workshops and be inspired.
‘As the programme has grown in size and popularity it has been clear that it needed a partner organisation with contacts all over the UK (and beyond) and a clear agenda to promote young talent and gender equality,’ said Women Conductors artistic director Alice Farnham. ‘RPS, with its long experience of professional development, outstanding support for young musicians and strong commitment to widening understanding and enjoyment in music is key to taking Women Conductors to the next level of professionalism, outreach and UK-wide profile and the partnership is energising all involved.’
Women Conductor’s goal is to normalise the idea of women on the podium and ensure that women are judged on their talent alone. It runs two strands, one for students in full-time education (Phase One), and another for professional musicians and teachers (Phase Two).
‘Women Conductors is brilliant in its simplicity and chimes perfectly with RPS’s passion for encouraging more people, regardless of who they are, or where they come from, to listen, love and engage in live music making,’ added RPS executive director Rosemary Johnson.
The next Phase One workshop is on 25 September, with details of the next Phase Two workshop yet to be announced.
You can read Women Conductors associate conductor Karin Hendrickson’s blog for IAM here.