NAC Orchestra Resident Conductor Program | National Arts Centre (NAC)
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, NAC Orchestra Resident Conductor Program
Are you a young Canadian conductor ready to take your career to the next level? The National Arts Centre Orchestra invites applications for auditions for the two-year Resident Conductor Program , designed to develop the next generation of artistic leaders.
NAC Orchestra Resident Conductor Program (September 2026–August 2028)
Are you a young Canadian conductor ready to take your career to the next level? The National Arts Centre Orchestra invites applications for auditions for the two-year Resident Conductor Program , designed to develop the next generation of artistic leaders.
Led by Music Director Designate John Storgårds , this immersive opportunity offers hands-on experience with the NAC Orchestra, mentorship from world-class conductors, and the chance to lead performances in You’ll cover performances and assist in rehearsals, contribute to programming discussions, and conduct a minimum of two programs per season , including family and community concerts.
The Resident Conductor will also engage in outreach , support the Orchestra’s local and national community initiatives, and learn from teams across the NAC’s artistic disciplines—Orchestra, Dance, English Theatre, Thêatre français, Indigenous Theatre, Popular Music, and Arts Alive. You’ll gain insight into concert production and administration, and will develop your public speaking skills.
A unique highlight: You will time each season as a guest assistant conductor with a partner Canadian orchestra , including the Toronto Symphony Orchestra , learning from their artistic teams.
This is more than a position—it’s a launchpad for your future.
Resident Conductor’s Responsibilities
Cover and assist the Music Director, Principal Conductors, and guest conductors in the rehearsal process and concert preparation.
Prepare all personal scores and attend all rehearsals and performances.
Give feedback on artistic matters in the hall (including, but not limited to, balance, intonation, and dynamics).
Be ready to step in as a substitute as needed.
Possible off-stage conducting and score reading for livestreams.
Assist the Music Director with commercial recording projects, tours, auditions, programming research, and other duties.
Conduct a minimum of 2 programs, full or partial, in each season. The focus in the first season will be Family and Community programming. In season two, conducting opportunities may include a Main Series or Pops program.
Support the NAC Orchestra’s strategic objectives, including diversifying repertoire and engaging more deeply with the community through outreach and partnerships.
Work with the Artistic Operations, Production, Library and Orchestra Personnel teams to further knowledge of concert production and the programming of an orchestra season.
Develop skills to build and present a concert program, including speaking from the stage.
Represent the NAC Orchestra at events, including fundraising activities and media relations.
Build relationships with the staff of the other NAC artistic disciplines.
How to apply
Complete your application on the Acceptd website [link]. Please include:
2-minute video, introducing yourself, outlining your experience, your interest and your goals
CV with contact information, education, affiliations and website (if applicable)
Repertoire list, with performance/workshop history
Submitted via YouTube links, a minimum of 2 conducting videos (maximum 15 minutes total, with clear segment markers). The videos should be of contrasting styles, include standard repertoire with an orchestra or chamber ensemble, and recorded from the orchestra’s perspective. Inclusion of rehearsal footage is an asset.
One letter of recommendation
Application deadline: November 17, 2025, by 11:59 pm ET
Successful applicants will be notified by December 18, 2025.
Questions? contact auditions@nac-cna.ca
Audition Process
Finalists will be invited for an interview and audition with the NAC Orchestra on February 12, 2026 , in Ottawa.
Each finalist will receive up to $1,500 towards travel and accommodation expenses (reimbursable with receipts).
Audition repertoire and expectations will be shared upon invitation.
Qualifications and Requirements
All applicants must:
Canadian citizen or permanent resident
Able to reside in or near Ottawa from September 1, 2026
Advanced degree in conducting or equivalent experience
Experience conducting professional orchestras and education programs
Strong knowledge of classical, contemporary, and Canadian repertoire
Excellent rehearsal, verbal, and written communication skills
Fluency in both official languages (French and English) is an asset.
The NAC is committed to fostering a work environment that is safe, inclusive, anti-racist, accessible, welcoming, and reflective of Canada’s diversity. We actively encourage applications from candidates who identify as women; Indigenous, Black or Persons of Colour (IBPoC), members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities; neurodiverse individuals; and/or persons with visible or invisible disabilities. We seek conductors who can contribute to advancing this mission and welcome self-identification in the recruitment process if you feel comfortable doing so.
With an additional travel and library allowance. Full details will be discussed with the selected candidate.
In the Jobs Center: NAC Orchestra Resident Conductor Program | National Arts Centre (NAC)
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