The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra in Buffalo, New York, runs a two-year paid fellowship for an emerging conductor. Since 2025 it carries the name of music director JoAnn Falletta; the Sphinx directory still lists it as the Conductor Diversity Fellowship.
The fellow joins the artistic team for two seasons, conducting youth, BPO Kids family and community concerts and covering for the music director and guest conductors. Grant O’Brien holds the 2025–27 term.
Benefits & funding
- $25,000 stipend for services in each of the two years.
- $15,000 housing stipend each year, plus a medical benefits package.
- Funding to attend the Sphinx Connect conference in Detroit.
- Concerts in the regular and summer seasons, mentorship, and a seat on the BPO Diversity Council.
Eligibility
- U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent legal residents.
- Applicants self-identify as members of groups historically underrepresented in American orchestras; the notice names African-American, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander descent as examples, not a closed list.
- Conducting experience, formal conducting training and thorough knowledge of classical and popular orchestral repertoire are required.
- The fellow must live in the Greater Buffalo Area during the term.
- No degree, age or years-of-experience limit is published.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
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Eligible nationalities
USA
Residents of USA can also apply.
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Application process
- 1Watch the BPO employment page and its OrchestraPlan page; neither lists a vacancy now.
- 2Submit a resume, cover letter, links to three contrasting performance videos from the past 12 months filmed from the orchestra’s side, and a two-minute introduction video.
- 3Arrange three letters of recommendation.
- 4Up to eight finalists audition and interview in person in Buffalo.
Program timeline
Last application deadline
Feb 7, 2025
Finalists notified
Mar 7, 2025
Auditions in Buffalo
Apr 22, 2025 to Apr 23, 2025
2025–26 season
Current term begins, running through 2026–27
Next cycle
not yet announced