About Dirigentløftet
Dirigentløftet is a new initiative supported by the Ministry of Culture, aimed at developing Danish conductors both at the professional level and within the emerging talent pool. For the part of Dirigentløftet that targets a professional career, we are once every year of the project seeking a number of participants who will make up the different generations of Dirigentløftet Denmark. We are looking for candidates who can say yes to one or more of the following descriptions:
- You have a pronounced talent for conducting but lack a consistent and ambitious development program at a high level.
- You are a professional musician or currently studying music, with an interest in conducting.
- You have experience or education but need the final boost to kickstart your conducting career at a professional level.
- You are on the threshold of a professional career as a conductor.
The audition will take place on Sunday, December 15, 2024, in the Orchestral Rehearsal Hall at the Opera House in Copenhagen. Applications are accepted until November 17, 2024, through an application form on Dirigentløftet’s website: www.dirigentloeftet.dk. A number of applicants will then be invited to the audition and will receive the repertoire. Questions can be directed to project manager Jens-Ulrik Kleemeyer at info@dirigentloeftet.dk.
Participants in Dirigentløftet are offered a free, targeted development program for conductors, spanning over a year, and including a series of masterclasses with international conductors and professional ensembles and orchestras, as well as workshops focused on career and competence development in areas essential to a conductor’s work but occurring outside the concert hall.
Dirigentløftet also includes ongoing production of video material, contact with key music industry stakeholders, a strong network with other conductors, and access to rehearsals and concerts with professional orchestras.
Participants are selected through an audition where each participant must conduct an assigned task with a chamber orchestra, after which Dirigentløftet’s Expert Council will assess each applicant’s qualifications and assemble the team of conductors who will make up the next generation of Dirigentløftet Denmark. The activities of Dirigentløftet began in February 2024.
Dirigentløftet is open to anyone who lives, works, or studies in Denmark. The selection process will emphasize the individual qualities and potential of each applicant, regardless of age, gender, education, or affiliation, and we therefore encourage all interested parties to apply.
Project management

Jens-Ulrik Kleemeyer
Project manager, Dirigentløftet
Phone: +45 20 51 87 74
E-mail: jeklm@aarhus.dk
Professional council

Jesper Nordin
Music director, Aarhus Symphony Orchestra
Project owner of Dirigentløftet

Henrik Vagn Christensen
Conductor

Eva Ollikainen
Conductor

Christian Kluxen
Conductor

Jon Gjesme
Musician