Tanglewood Music Center

2027 Conducting Program

Conducting Fellows experience an unparalleled summer at Tanglewood, working under the guidance of BSO Music Director and Head of Conducting at Tanglewood Andris Nelsons and leading the Tanglewood Music Center Orchestra in concert. 

Tanglewood Music Center Orchestra

Each Conducting Fellow leads the world-class Tanglewood Music Center Orchestra in at least five works a season, experiencing a minimum of 15 hours of independent podium time with the group. 

Examples of works led by Fellows in recent seasons include Bartók Dance Suite, Bernstein Suite from On the Waterfront, Debussy La Mer, Prokofiev Symphony No. 1, Ravel Daphnis et Chloé Suite no. 2 and Le Tombeau de Couperin, and Strauss Don Juan. For at least one work per season, Fellows often have the opportunity to lead a piece of their own choosing, determined in collaboration with TMC administration. 

In addition to working with Andris Nelsons, Conducting Fellows interact with TMCO guest conductors, soloists, and musicians in a variety of formats, including rehearsal observations, classes, panels, and score study sessions. 

2027 TMCO conductors and repertoire will include: 

• Andris Nelsons leading Brahms Symphony No. 3, Shostakovich Symphony No. 10, and Dvorak Cello Concerto
• Dima Slobodeniouk leading the Festival of Contemporary Music, curated by BSO Composer Chair Carlos Simon 

Faculty and Conducting Workshops

TMC Conducting Fellows participate in many classes and workshops each season. Several conducting workshops led by guest conductors and faculty are open to the public, while weekly studio classes are held in a private setting.

Vocal Music

Conducting Fellows collaborate with the Vocal Arts Program on several projects throughout the summer, working with our esteemed Vocal Arts faculty. In 2027, Conducting Fellows and Vocal Fellows will perform Francis Poulenc’s Les mamelles de Tirésias. These projects often include chamber works with voice, operatic excerpts, and/or orchestrated song. In recent years, Fellows have conducted a night of American Opera, Ravel’s L’Enfant et les Sortilèges and opera scenes from Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro, Don Giovanni, and Die Zauberflöte. 

New Music

Conducting Fellows have significant involvement in new music, especially during the Festival of Contemporary Music, curated in 2027 by BSO Composition Chair Carlos Simon. Fellows conduct larger chamber projects and often lead world premieres of TMC-commissioned works. They also lead the Fromm Players, the TMC’s elite group of musicians focused on the performances of new music.

Special Projects

Conducting Fellows often take on larger chamber works performed by Instrumental Fellows for non-orchestral programs, including the Brass and Percussion Ensemble Concert near the beginning of each season. They often lead sectionals for strings, winds, brass, and percussion under the guidance of section representatives from the BSO.

Conducting Seminar

In addition to the Conducting Fellows, a small group of applicants will be invited to join the 2027 TMC Conducting Seminar, led by conducting faculty member Jim Ross. These selected Seminarians are invited to attend Tanglewood for ten days to become familiar with all that Tanglewood has to offer. During their time on campus, Seminarians attend conducting classes with faculty, observe TMC and BSO rehearsals, and live in the manner of the TMC Fellows, with room and board provided. Seminarians may also be invited to conduct performances of large chamber works with TMC Instrumental Fellows later during the season.