Exclusive: ENO calls headhunters to find a conductor
OrchestrasIn a staggering admission of senior ineptitude, English National Opera has hired a headhunter to find its next music director.
Choosing a chief conductor usually arises from discussions between the artistic director, the board and the musicians. In this case there appear to be no discussions.
The headhunter is Helen Sprott, former CEO of the ailing Philharmonia Orchestra and, before that, head of music at Arts Council England. Do contact her for auditions.
Her company, AEM, has flagged up the job on its website.
this is a major breakthrough in the dark arts of the appointment with no public process AT ALL for the many many always men given jobs as head of orchestras and opera companies in every country. It should be ordered by the ACE and Boards that all music director/conductor posts should be advertised publicly like this. I have applied – the first time I have been able to do so for a music director post of any national significance. I am sure I won’t get it (not a young thing) but I am sure this public part is being run alongside the usual private conversations with big names and internal ones as well. I am very happy to be able to at least put my hat on the ring. Well done ENO in my opinion. maybe -shock horror – they might appoint a woman conductor for once. looking forward to all the usual commentators on here getting themselves worked up about that Mr Lebrecht !
“they might appoint a woman conductor for once.”
Does the name Sian Edwards mean anything to you?
Actually ENO has already had one female music director in Sian Edwards – however short her tenure may have been.