LOS ANGELES, CA (October 5, 2026) — The LA Phil and Orchestre de Paris today announced the launch of the Salonen International Conducting Fellowship, a groundbreaking new initiative designed to nurture and accelerate the careers of the next generation of orchestral conductors. Conceived in partnership with LA Phil Judith and Thomas L. Beckmen Creative Director Esa-Pekka Salonen, who will also assume the titles of Creativity and Innovation Chair of the Philharmonie de Paris and Principal Conductor of the Orchestre de Paris in 2027/28, the Fellowship will offer early-career conductors unparalleled access to artistic mentorship, practical podium experience, and professional development opportunities at  Los Angeles' Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Philharmonie de Paris. 

Beginning in the 2027/28 season, the Fellowship will annually welcome two to four fellows, who will participate in a year-long program during which they will spend approximately six weeks working with each orchestra. Over this time they will gain firsthand experience with two of the world's leading musical institutions while building an international network of peers, artists and administrators. 

“Nobody develops in isolation,” said Salonen. “Whatever I have been able to do as a musician has been shaped by teachers, colleagues, orchestras, and institutions that were willing to invest in talent and curiosity long before there was any guarantee of success. The Los Angeles Philharmonic and Philharmonie de Paris represent the absolute best of classical music: they are worlds apart culturally and geographically, and yet united by their shared sense of imagination concerning the future of our art form. I can think of no better a setting for a young conductor to broaden their horizons and develop their own artistic voices than these two institutions.” 

The Salonen International Conducting Fellowship will combine hands-on conducting opportunities with individualized mentorship and career development. Fellows will gain experience leading education and community engagement performances, serve as cover conductors for major orchestral programs and participate in workshops and discussions with industry professionals across artistic, administrative and creative disciplines. 

Said LA Phil’s Kim Noltemy, President and CEO, David C. Bohnett Presidential Chair, “The future of our art form depends on cultivating exceptional musical leaders and creating meaningful pathways for emerging talent to thrive. The Salonen International Conducting Fellowship reflects our commitment to mentorship, artistic excellence and international collaboration. We are proud to partner with Orchestre de Paris and Esa-Pekka to provide conductors with the support needed to build lasting careers." 

“Conducting is a lifelong process: learning, discovery and consolidation. The LA Phil and I share a deep commitment to nurturing exceptional musical talent at every stage of that journey,” said incoming LA Phil Music Director Daniel Harding. “The Dudamel Fellowship program has helped launch the careers of a generation of young conductors. With the Salonen International Conducting Fellowship, I am delighted that my dear friend Esa-Pekka will continue that tradition, bringing together the extraordinary creative community of the LA Phil and another center of artistic innovation very close to my heart, the Philharmonie de Paris. I look forward to supporting this partnership and to seeing the young conductors who emerge from it.”  

“I am delighted by the collaboration between our two institutions, which is all thanks to Esa-Pekka Salonen,” said Olivier Mantei, Director General Cité de la musique - Philharmonie de Paris. “The Fellowship is an integral part of the close partnership between the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Philharmonie de Paris. Next season this extraordinary conductor and composer will become Principal Conductor of the Orchestre de Paris as well as the Creativity and Innovation Chair at the Philharmonie de Paris. This collaboration will also comprise creative exchanges, joint commissions and performances, which we look forward to sharing with our public.”  

Said Christian Thompson, Director of the Orchestre de Paris, “I have met very few conductors who have the ability to explain and teach the mysterious art of conducting as Esa-Pekka Salonen does, and he is truly one of the very best at it. He has a way to mentor and to encourage and to demystify the role of a conductor. This Fellowship, which we are proud to imagine with our friends in Los Angeles, gives these young conductors the unique opportunity to see inside two completely different—yet both world class—symphony orchestras and institutions.” 

A central component of the Fellowship will be direct mentorship from Salonen, who will meet individually with each fellow twice annually. Fellows will also receive feedback from musicians, artistic personnel and orchestra administrators, providing a comprehensive understanding of the skills required to lead modern cultural organizations. 

In addition to their work with the orchestras, Fellows will gather each year for a week-long summit alternating between Los Angeles and Paris. The summit will provide opportunities for collaboration, artistic exchange and community building among participants. The Fellowship will culminate in a public performance and showcase opportunity highlighting the Fellows' artistic achievements. 

Applications for the inaugural Salonen International Conducting Fellowship are currently open. Following an international review process, selected candidates will be invited to participate in live auditions. The first audition will take place in Los Angeles on January 30, 2027, with Fellows selected by Salonen following a comprehensive evaluation process. Fellows will be announced in spring 2027.  

Fellowship Highlights 

• One-year appointment 
• Up to six weeks of immersive residencies with both the LA Phil and 
  Orchestre de Paris 
• One-on-one mentorship sessions with Esa-Pekka Salonen 
• Conducting opportunities in education and community engagement performances 
• Annual Fellowship summit alternating between Los Angeles and Paris 
• Professional development workshops with industry leaders 
• Housing, travel and professional support resources 

Applications, eligibility requirements and additional program details are available here and will be posted soon on the Orchestre de Paris, Philharmonie de Paris website: Recrutement | Philharmonie de Paris.