The Robert and Elizabeth Albert Conducting Fellowship

The Robert and Elizabeth Albert Conducting Fellowship

The Australian Ballet is offering a full time Conducting Fellowship commencing in January 2026. The purpose of this fellowship is to give a conductor the opportunity to gain insights into, and experience in, the specialised art of conducting for dance with a large touring classical ballet company and its partner orchestras and venues, as well as the workings of a busy Music Department.

The recipient will work with The Australian Ballet as a member of the Music Department until the end of 2026 and will be mentored by Music Director and Chief Conductor, Jonathan Lo, visiting guest conductors and other members of the Music Team.

The fellowship will include:

• Observation of ballet classes, stage, studio and orchestral rehearsals;
• Study and preparation of 2026 performance repertoire;
• Working with senior Artistic, Music and Production staff in studio rehearsals, orchestral rehearsals and performances in the preparation of all seasons;
• Possible conducting of rehearsals and performances as appropriate;
• Working alongside the Music team of The Australian Ballet and assisting conductors, performing duties relevant to being a member of The Australian Ballet Music Department.
• Written application material:

The fellowship is designed to further the development of conductors who already possess a level of practical professional experience. Applicants must have a tertiary qualification and an avid interest in classical ballet and collegial work ethic.

This is a Melbourne based position, but as The Australian Ballet is a touring company, applicants must be able to spend months away from home at various times throughout the year. The fellowship is open to Australian and New Zealand citizens. [JL1] [HG2] [JL3] [HG4], as well as other individuals with the Right to Work in Australia.

Salary $55,000 per annum. pro rata, plus 11[HG5] [JL6] .5% superannuation (or in line with Superannuation Guarantee).

SELECTION PROCESS

Applicants are required to submit an application containing the following:

• Current curriculum vitae that clearly details education and career information
• Statement of why the candidate is interested in working with The Australian Ballet and why they think they are suitable for the role
• Names and contact details of a minimum of two referees who are familiar with the applicant as a conductor

2. Audio-visual examples of the applicant conducting (must be recent – post 2022):

• Maximum of two (2) examples. Each example may be up to a total of 5 minutes of material
• Brief explanation of the material which includes: title, composer, performer details, and date of the recording
• Audio Visual material sent as an email attachment will not be accepted. Files may be submitted in one of the below formats only:

All material must be the applicant's own work and be clearly labelled with the applicant’s name.

Shortlisted applicants will be required to attend an interview and audition in Melbourne. The audition will be in two parts [HG7] [JL8]:

Part 1: Conducting the Serenade from Mendelssohn’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream with a Company Pianist.

Part 2: Conduct the above excerpts, as well as conduct and rehearse excerpts from Symphony No. 3 by Louise Farrenc with Orchestra Victoria.

Specific details will be advised on progression into the audition round. On application, please advise your current availability to be in Melbourne Monday 14 and Tuesday 15 July 2025 (shortlisted candidates will be required both days).

The Australian Ballet reserves the right to defer the appointment of a Conducting Fellow at the sole discretion of the interview panel should no applications be deemed suitable for the position.

TIMELINE

• Closing date for applications is 5pm (AEST) on Friday 20 June 2025
• Shortlisting completed by Monday 30 June 2025

• Audition/Interview round will be held in Melbourne, Monday 14 & Tuesday 15 July 2025


• Commencement date: Wednesday 14 January 2026