2026 CONDUCTOR MENTORSHIP

22 JUNE — JULY 9, 2026

Mentorship open to a mid-career woman conductor intending to become opera conductor.

Following the success of the first editions of the Conductor's Mentorship in 2021, 2023,2024 and 2025, the Académie du Festival d'Aix renews in 2026 the invitation to mid-career conductors wishing to perfect their skills in opera conducting. Conceived as a tool to promote and enhance the status of artists working towards a greater representation of women in the opera world, this mentorship program takes advantage of all the opportunities that an international festival such as Aix-en-Provence can offer. It is both a technical and artistic development program and a professional springboard.

The invited artist will benefit from a personalized accompaniment program with the following common content:

• Artistic, technical and professional advice from artists programmed at the Festival
• Immersion in the work sessions of singers and opera rehearsals
• Assistance in consolidating a professional network
• Co-conducting a concert as part of the Festival d'Aix

During its stay, the conductor is invited to work alongside the singers and pianists in the Vocal Residency of the Académie.

The Conductor Mentorship is supported by Société Générale Foundation main corporate patron, Engie Foundation, Adami.

Adami, a long-time partner of the Festival d'Aix-en-Provence, once again marks its commitment to the service of performers by accompanying the mentoring program for conductors developed by the Festival Academy since 2021. Adami is thus participating in the training, promotion and career development of a new generation of women conductors.

SUPERVISOR

APPLY ONLINE

APPLICATION

1. Pré-sélection* on file
• Biography / CV and photos
• 3 video recordings
• Calendar of dates of your concerts scheduled from September 2025 to June 2026 (included)
2. Final selection on interview

> CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATION
Sunday 18 january, 2026 11:59PM (CET)
The results of the pre-selection will be communicated at the latest two weeks before the interview.
Any incomplete file will not be taken into account.

SUPERVISOR

Leonardo García-Alarcón — musical director of ensemble Cappella Mediterranea

PARTICIPANT

Mid-career women conductor intending to become opera conductor

FINAL CONCERT

The conductor will share the baton for the final concert of the 2026 Voice Residency, accompanied by the Cappella Mediterranea ensemble. The concert programme will be built around Handel.

CONDITIONS DE PARTICIPATION

APPLICATION FEE: €30

• Participation in the mentorship is governed by a training agreement signed between the artist and the Festival.
• For the rehearsals with the orchestra and the final concert, the artists each sign a contract of engagement for a remuneration of 1 000€ gross.
• Expenses related to the mentoring activities, accommodation, travel* and lunch are covered by the Festival d'Aix. Breakfast and evening meals are the responsibility of the artists.

* Reimbursement of travel expenses upon presentation of a confirmation of purchase of a 2nd class return air or train ticket between the artist's city of residence and Aix-en-Provence or Marseille. Reimbursement limits by geographical area: 100€ (PACA region), 250€ (France), 500€ (Europe/Mediterranean), 1000€ (outside Europe and Mediterranean)