The Perth Symphony Orchestra's third annual Conducting Symposium took place over 10 days in October at Methodist Ladies College, featuring workshops led by renowned conductors Jessica Gethin and Alice Farnham. Scholars honed their skills through hands-on podium experience while receiving expert guidance and support from the program's Ambassadors. The event exposed scholars to the tutelage of groundbreaking female conductors, giving participants direct access to the experience and knowledge of Sarah-Grace Williams and FORM CEO Tabitha McMullan, where they were able to gain valuable insight through the Q&A and leadership sessions hosted.
The program's impact ripples far beyond the symposium itself, as participants carry their newfound skills and insights back to their communities, enriching school ensembles, community orchestras, and choirs across Perth and Regional WA.
A few testimonials from our participants...
“Thank you, thank you for a rich and memorable WOTP symposium. It was a valuable, thought-provoking and thoroughly worthwhile experience. Watching other participants develop in conducting skills and podium confidence helped me see, more objectively, how I can too. Alice, Jess and Penny were kind, warm and encouraging, and this cultivated a collegial feel amongst the participants.” Shamara de Tissera
“I found the program incredible, as I improved my conducting in a short period. Both Jessica and Alice gave such good and diverse feedback which was incredibly helpful and insightful. I loved having the experience of conducting both the pianists and strings, as the musicians would give feedback to the conductors from their point of view.” Hanae Wilding
“As an inexperienced amateur conductor, I am undertaking a conducting role for which I have had no training. Without my volunteering to take on the conducting role, our community music group may have been disbanded. Others are often placed in a similar position and are fulfilling a valuable role in the community by keeping community music groups and orchestras together and making music. The Conducting Workshop has been a valuable resource for me to gain experience from professionals.” Carol Davis
"The Women on the Podium program is a supportive and inspiring environment in which to develop your conducting skills. I am excited to be able to share these newfound skills with local schools and have a positive impact on young musicians!" Erica Ketterer
"Women on the Podium has been a deeply empowering an enriching experience. Alice and Jess have inspired us all by elevating our skills in the art of conducting." Maddie Hammond
CHECK OUT SOME PHOTOS FROM THE SYMPOSIUM
Credit: Trik Photography
