Conductors' Academy

Anyone aiming to be a successful young conductor will need an excellent education and a great deal of practical experience. The Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich’s Conductors’ Academy offers young talents precisely that.

Every year, six participants from all over the world are given the opportunity to learn from Music Director Paavo Järvi and his work with the Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich. They work intensively on their technical skills while also gaining insight into the management of a concert hall and orchestra. «With the Academy, we aim to exploit all potential and provide a unique training programme,» says Ilona Schmiel.

«As a musician and conductor, you gain a great deal of experience over the course of your career and build on what you have learned. It is important to me to pass on what I have learned. I was lucky to have great mentors – not only in my family. I therefore see it as my duty to pass this on to young people, to share my experience and to impart knowledge.»
Paavo Järvi

Conductors’ Academy 2026/27

The seventh edition of the Conductors’ Academy will take place from 26 to 28 August 2026. The young conductors will rehearse with the orchestra, receive technical and musical guidance – and, if they are lucky, a prize: After the final concert, the audience will vote to decide who receives the Audience Award. And Paavo Järvi will be presenting an invitation to his Pärnu Music Festival. The masterclasses and the final concert will be streamed live on YouTube.

More information

The application deadline for the 2026/27 Academy was 1 March 2026.

News

You can find all the news about the Conductors' Academy and the recordings here.

In collaboration with La Maestra, an international competition and academy for women conductors
Supported by Elektro Compagnoni AG
Supported by the Freundeskreis Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich