Assistant Conductor programme

Chineke! is looking to appoint an assistant conductor for the 2026/27 and 2027/28 seasons.

Under the guidance of Chineke!'s Interim Artistic Director, Jonathon Heyward, the Assistant Conductor programme offers an immersive experience in the life and operations of Chineke! Orchestra. The selected conductor will work closely with our players and engage with a diverse range of repertoire both from underrepresented composers and the more established canon.

This two-year residency for a conductor of Black or ethnically diverse background, will include, but is not limited to professional development, conducting engagements, mentorship, and career-building opportunities, alongside assisting world-class conductors in preparing for Chineke!’s concerts across the two seasons. In previous seasons, Assistant Conductors have assisted conductors in Chineke! concerts at the BBC Proms, the Southbank Centre, on European and USA tours, and led the Chineke! Junior Orchestra during their summer residential course.

Your role as Assistant Conductor

• Regularly assist conductors on Chineke! projects across the 2026 / 27 and 2027 / 28 seasons, including international tours as well as concerts across the UK. This will include significant time on the podium during rehearsals, as well as building up to conducting the orchestra in concert.  
• Collaboration and conducting opportunities with the Chineke! Junior Orchestra, the professional orchestra’s sister ensemble for young musicians aged 12 – 22.
• Structured feedback from musicians after engagements.
• Regular meetings with the Chineke! Composer in Residence.
• Participation in community outreach and engagement programmes.  
• One-on-one coaching sessions with the Interim Artistic Director.
• Ongoing engagement: Chineke! may continue working with the conductor and invite them back to lead future concerts after the conclusion of the programme.
• Where possible, strategic partnerships with other ensembles or organisations will be explored to further champion the conductor’s development and exposure beyond Chineke!.  

HOW TO APPLY

Application timeline

November 2025 – applications open

13 February 2026 – applications deadline

February 2026 – shortlisting and initial interviews

March 2026 – In-person auditions for shortlisted candidates in London

April 2026 – successful candidate named  

Please apply by filling in this application form.  

Your application should contain:  

• A CV outlining your musical career and training to date
• At least 2 contrasting videos of you conducting an ensemble that you feel best reflect your abilities. Please send these as YouTube / Vimeo links rather than as email attachments (they can be private/unlisted, if you prefer)
• A cover letter explaining why you’d like to be appointed to the position, and what you feel you would bring to the Assistant Conductor role. Please also include why you’re specifically applying to Chineke!, and what the organisation’s mission means to you.  
• Written Task: Imagine you have been asked to programme a concert for Chineke!. Which pieces would you choose to perform with the orchestra, and why?

If you have any questions about your application, or about the Assistant Conductor Programme more generally at Chineke!, please get in touch with Chris Bland, Learning & Participation Manager – [email protected]