The Constant Lambert Fellowship

Two year fixed term contract
£30,000 per annum
Based in London, working across London and Birmingham with some UK touring

Named after the Founding Music Director of The Royal Ballet, the Constant Lambert Fellowship is a joint initiative between The Royal Ballet and Birmingham Royal Ballet. Applications for The Constant Lambert Fellowship are invited from conductors aspiring to gain experience of the particular skills required to conduct performances of ballet.

The Fellowship is a tailor-made programme which offers a blend of work, study, and mentoring, including:

• Mentoring by Koen Kessels, Music Director of The Royal Ballet and Birmingham Royal Ballet, Paul Murphy, Music Director, Birmingham Royal Ballet, and other ballet music professionals
• Acting as cover conductor for designated Royal Ballet and Birmingham Royal Ballet productions
• The successful candidate may be offered performances of full-length ballets during the 2nd year
• Attendance at studio rehearsals and participation in bespoke workshop events

The Fellowship is offered as a fixed term contract for two years, working across both locations, London and Birmingham, based in London with approved expenses for travel between London and Birmingham and some touring.

Jette Parker Ballet Conductor

Two year fixed term contract
£30,000 per annum
Based at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden

The Jette Parker Ballet Conductor has a unique position within the Jette Parker Artists Programme at the Royal Opera House, working within the Royal Ballet company and drawing on the coaching, administrative and pastoral support of the Jette Parker Programme. It is a tailor-made programme which offers a blend of work, study, and mentoring, including:

• Mentoring by the Music Director and music staff of The Royal Ballet and other ballet music professionals at partnership organisations.
• Acting as cover conductor for designated Royal Ballet and partnership organisations productions
• Occasional opportunities to conduct in rehearsals and performances
• Attendance at studio rehearsals
• Regular one-on-ones with the Royal Ballet`s Head of Music, Rob Clark

This is a fixed term contract for two years, based at Covent Garden. The position may include a period of time each season working at partner organisations with accommodation and travel expenses covered, which may lead to podium and performance opportunities with the company.

The ideal candidate for either role will be able to make a positive contribution as a team player and an ambassador for the Fellowship / Jette Parker Programme, and able to demonstrate these qualities:

• A high level of conducting skill, general musicianship, and a good understanding of the dance-music relationship
• Demonstrable interest in music for dance and a knowledge of the classical ballet repertoire
• Ability to respond in a positive way to mentoring, feedback and direction
• Demonstrated capacity for effective teamwork and harmonious working relationships at all levels
• The highest standards of attendance, reliability and professionalism across all aspects of the work
• Commitment to managing own learning and continuous professional development

The Royal Ballet and Birmingham Royal Ballet seek to work with a wide range of UK based artists and those with outstanding potential from around the world. We proactively seek to support and increase the number of female conductors wishing to specialise in conducting ballet. We wish actively to encourage global majority and disabled applicants and value the positive impact diversity has on our teams and in the wider sector.

Audition Process

The successful candidates will be chosen following a live audition process:

Round 1 (Piano)
Tuesday 18th March 2025; The Royal Opera House, London

Candidates should prepare the following:

• Stravinsky: The Rite of Spring - rehearsal figure 104 to end
• Adam: Giselle - Act II

Candidates will be asked to conduct both works.

Following the completion of Round 1, a further shortlisting will decide which candidates will continue to Rounds 2 and 3.

Round 2 (Dancers and Piano)
Wednesday 19th March 2025, 0900-1200; The Royal Opera House, London€

Candidates should prepare the following:

• Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake - Act 2 `White Pas de Deux` (no. 10b Pas D`Action)
• Tchaikovsky: The Sleeping Beauty - Act 3 Pas De Deux, Solos & Coda

Candidates will be asked to conduct one of these works, but should prepare both (with Royal Ballet Dancers).

Round 3 (Orchestra - The Royal Ballet Sinfonia)
Wednesday 19th March 2025, 1400-1700; The Warehouse, Waterloo, London

Candidates should prepare the following:

• Stravinsky: Symphony in C, 3rd Movement
• Stravinsky: Apollo, Apotheose
• Massenet: Meditation from Thais

Candidates should prepare all 3 works.

A full job description is attached below, along with the RBO information pack which includes details on what benefits we offer. If you have any access requirements for your application, please contact the RBO Recruitment Team on [email protected].

Closing date for applications: 10am, Wednesday 8th January 2025

Candidates will be notified of the outcome of their application by Friday 31st January 2025.

Both roles will commence in September 2025, in line with our new season.