New Jersey Symphony Colton Conducting Fellowship

The Colton Conducting Fellowship is a season-long appointment with the New Jersey Symphony, the state orchestra based in Newark, New Jersey. It supports early-career orchestral conductors whose personal backgrounds and lived experiences bring perspectives not commonly represented in professional orchestras.

The fellow works under Music Director Xian Zhang, serving as cover conductor on Classical programs and conducting select programs as assigned. Recent cycles have also put the fellow on the podium for the orchestra’s Concerts for Young People.

Judith and Stewart Colton fund the fellowship through a gift that carries the program to 2028. Ricardo Ferro holds the fellowship for the 2026–27 season, following Gregory D. McDaniel.

Benefits & funding

Salaried season appointment; the 2026–27 posting advertised US$51,000 for the season.
Professional development funds for national conductor auditions, leadership development and professional learning.
Support for chamber music programming and program design.
Relocation stipend.
Mentorship from Music Director Xian Zhang, the orchestra’s Artistic Advisory Committee and artistic staff.
Podium time on Classical programs and on the orchestra’s education concerts.

Eligibility

Early-career orchestral conductors.
The program is aimed at conductors from populations historically underrepresented on the podium; the symphony’s 2024–25 audition announcement named people of color, women and LGBTQ+ communities.
Candidates must demonstrate artistic excellence in audition and discuss their commitment to creative excellence that is reachable across New Jersey communities.
The 2026–27 posting asked for a bachelor’s degree in conducting or a related music field and experience conducting a professional orchestra.
No nationality or residency requirement is published. The role is based in New Jersey and the fellow is present for the season.

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Education required
Bachelor

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Application process

1
Watch the symphony’s audition information page for the cycle-specific Colton Conducting Fellowship posting.
2
Submit the online application, including a one-page resume with contact details and three professional references.
3
Wait for the review; a shortlist is invited to audition.
4
Audition in front of the orchestra in Newark and interview about your commitment to equitable creative excellence.
5
Accept the appointment for the coming season.

Program timeline

Application deadline for the 2026–27 fellowship.
Feb 23, 2026
Ricardo Ferro serves as Colton Conducting Fellow.
2026–27 season
The current Colton gift funds the program through this year.
2028
Not yet announced
Audition posting for the next cycle.