The Singapore Symphony launches global search for next Associate Conductor

Singapore, 19 May 2025 - The Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO) has begun its international search for a new Associate Conductor who will serve during the orchestra's 2026/27 and 2027/28 concert seasons. Applications are open to both international and Singapore-based conductors.

The Associate Conductor will support the Singapore Symphony Group in its ongoing mission of creating memorable musical experiences, nurturing talents, and enriching diverse communities. They will conduct designated concerts with the SSO, as well as work with the administrative team to conceptualise and develop programmes for concerts such as the family-friendly outdoor concerts and special events like the annual fundraising gala dinner.

The position is currently held by Venezuelan conductor Rodolfo Barráez who took on the role in 2022 and will conclude his tenure with the 2025/26 season. A first prize winner at the 2023 Hong Kong International Conducting Competition, Rodolfo Barráez has made notable contributions to the SSO, including his regular appearances at the free community concerts, and performances with young Singaporean musicians such as violin virtuoso Chloe Chua, classical guitarist Kevin Loh, and soloists from the annual President's Young Performers Concerts.

Applications for the Associate Conductor auditions are now open and will close on Friday 25th July 2025 at 23:59hrs (GMT+8).

Duties and Responsibilities

• For the 2026/27 season, the Associate Conductor will conduct rehearsals and concerts of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra as assigned, with a minimum of 4 project weeks for his first season of appointment. The initial appointment will be a term of two years.
• Assist the Singapore Symphony Orchestra in the shaping of Education, Community and special programmes, and to provide support to the artistic and community impact teams in delivering assigned concerts.
• Additional duties may be added.

Compensation

• The Associate Conductor will be offered a contract for service with a fee for each project. The fee will be commensurate with experience and abilities, as well as the scope of the project.
• Flight and accommodations for assigned project weeks will be provided if the Associate Conductor is not based in Singapore.

Application Process

• Applicants should submit their application via the following form.
• Applications must include a full CV of no more than 3 pages, detailing relevant experience.
• Up to three digital video recordings with the candidate conducting an orchestra. The videos should fulfil the below requirements:

1. Candidates should be visible from an orchestral musician's point of view.
2. The sound must be of sufficient quality for the panel to evaluate the applicant's performance. Videos with poor sound quality will not be assessed.
3. The videos must be viewable online via links, OR uploaded directly into the Dropbox link available within the Jotform link.

• The closing date for applications is Friday 25 July 2025 at 23:59hrs (GMT+8).
• All applications will be reviewed by the panel and treated as confidential. The Singapore Symphony Orchestra reserves the right to request for additional information from or about an applicant. In the video preliminary round, the assessment panel will shortlist 12 conductors to participate in the 1st round of the live audition. Successful candidates will proceed on to the subsequent round(s). Finalists can expect to go through three rounds in the live audition.
• Flight and accommodation to attend the live audition will be covered by the candidates themselves. Candidates will be informed if their application is being taken forward by end-August 2025 and must confirm their availability to be in Singapore on Wednesday 7th and Thursday 8th January 2026.
• Shortlisted candidates will rehearse the Singapore Symphony Orchestra at Esplanade Concert Hall, Singapore on Wednesday 7th and Thursday 8th January 2026, followed by a panel interview for the finalists.
• Repertoire for the live audition as below:

1st round:
Mozart – Symphony No. 38 (1st movement) (ed. Bärenreiter)
Beethoven – Symphony No. 1 (4th movement) (ed. Bärenreiter)
Beethoven – Symphony No. 2 (1st movement) (ed. Bärenreiter)
Schubert – Symphony No. 4 (4th movement) (ed. Breitkopf)

2nd round:
Debussy – Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune (Jobert/Kalmus reprint, ed. Nieweg)
Stravinsky – Dumbarton Oaks (1st movement) (ed. Schott)

3rd round:
Schumann – Cello Concerto (ed. Breitkopf)
Brahms – Symphony No. 3 (1st movement) (ed. Breitkopf)

• The successful candidate will be expected to start in position in the Singapore Symphony Orchestra's 2026/27 season.
• If you would like to speak to someone about this position prior to applying, please email aca@sso.org.sg with your contact details.