TDO’s Hart Institute, launched in 2015, is the only program of its kind in the world and seeks to address the extreme gender imbalance of leadership on the podium as well as in administration in opera companies. More than 500 women conductors from 40 nations have applied to be trained, advised, and supported by this extraordinary initiative.
This groundbreaking institute, which has changed the face of classical music by significantly advancing the careers of women in the most visible position in the orchestra, will take place via a hybrid residency with virtual sessions in November 2023 and in-person sessions in January 2024.
2023 Hart Institute for Women Conductors Showcase Concert
During an intensive ten-day residency in Dallas (January 19-28, 2024), participants will work with esteemed faculty and mentors in group and one-on-one sessions, as well as in rehearsals for the annual Showcase Concert on Sunday, January 28, 2024 at 7:30 p.m. The performance features each Institute conductor leading the Dallas Opera Orchestra and guest singers in selections of opera excerpts featuring overtures, solo arias, and ensemble pieces from across the centuries of the canon.
In addition, a special panel discussion takes place this year on Monday, November 13 at 2 p.m., in partnership with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s Women in Classical Music Symposium. Conducting the Way: Exploring Career Pathways for Conductors features Hart Institute Alumnae Tiffany Chang, Kǎrin Hendrickson, and Natalie Murray Beale, joined remotely by the 2023/2024 Institute participants, in conversation with moderator and company culture consultant Quodesia Johnson.
CONDUCTORS ANNOUNCED!
Maria Benyumova, Germany
Micah Gleason, USA
Shira Samuels-Shragg, USA
Jingqi Zhu, China
2023/2024 Hart Institute Virtual Sessions
The annual Institute begins November 13-17 with a week of daily virtual sessions, many of which are livestreamed and open for the public to view at no cost on The Dallas Opera’s YouTube channel. Bookmark your calendar for this incredible opportunity to join sessions hosted by leading professionals in the arts industry.
Conducting the Way: Exploring Career Pathways for Conductors
Monday, November 13, 2023: 2:00pm – 3:00pm CST
Hear from a diverse group of accomplished conductors who have navigated their unique paths through the classical music world. Join us as they share their inspiring stories, insights into the opportunities that lie ahead, and the challenges they’ve overcome, shedding light on the evolving landscape of conducting in the 21st century. More details.
Featuring:
Kǎrin Hendrickson, conductor
Natalie Murray Beale, conductor
Stephanie Rhodes Russell, conductor
Maria Benyumova, Germany
Micah Gleason, USA
Shira Samuels-Shragg, USA
Jingqi Zhu, China
Moderator: Quodesia D. Johnson, Equity specialist and healing practitioner/TDO Company Culture Consultant
Getting the Gig: Moving Up to the World’s Most Famous Podiums
Tuesday, November 14, 2023: 9:00am – 10:00am CST
Serge Dorny, General director of the Bayerische Staatsopera and David Lomelí, Chief Artistic Officer of the Santa Fe Opera and the Artistic Consultant of The Dallas Opera, discuss their careers, what their hiring process is like for employing conductors at their respective companies, what they expect administratively from the conductors they hire and more.
Featuring:
Serge Dorny, General Director, Bayerische Staatsoper
David Lomelí, Chief Artistic Officer, Santa Fe Opera/TDO Artistic Consultant
Meet the Master Teachers
Wednesday, November 15, 2023: 2:00pm – 3:00pm CST
Elizabeth Askren, conductor and HIWC alumna (2016), Paolo Bressan, conductor, Nicole Paiement, Martha R. and Preston A. Peak Principal Guest Conductor, and Emmanuel Villaume, The Mrs. Eugene McDermott Music Director discuss their journeys in becoming successful opera conductors around the world.
Featuring:
Elizabeth Askren, conductor and Hart Institute alumna (2016)
Paolo Bressan, conductor
Nicole Paiement, Martha R. and Preston A. Peak Principal Guest Conductor
Emmanuel Villaume, The Mrs. Eugene McDermott Music Director
Dignity and Creativity with Robyn Short and Marta Torres
Thursday, November 16, 2023: 2:00pm – 3:00pm CST
The brain, heart, resilience, and creativity. Robyn Short, PhD, Marta Torres, Ed. D., and Quo Johnson discuss the importance of engaging in creative ways in spaces that champion dignity and respect.
Featuring:
Quodesia D. Johnson, Equity specialist and healing practitioner/TDO Company Culture Consultant
Robyn Short, Ph. D, Workplace Peace Institute
Marta Torres, Ed. D.
Carrures Technique with Elizabeth Askren
Friday, November 17, 2023: 11:00am – 12:00pm CST
Master Teacher and HIWC Alumna (2016) Elizabeth Askren, will discuss the Carrures Technique, a style of score study that is popular in France.
Featuring:
Elizabeth Askren, conductor and Hart Institute alumna (2016)
About the Program
The world’s first program designed to meet the needs of women opera conductors, the prestigious Hart Institute provides conducting opportunities with The Dallas Opera Orchestra and masterclasses with the internationally-acclaimed music director of The Dallas Opera, Emmanuel Villaume, and TDO’s Principal Guest Conductor, Nicole Paiement (the music director of San Francisco’s award-winning Opera Parallèle). The Hart Institute presents seminars and one-on-ones with prominent leaders in classical music and opera. Topics include selecting the right artist manager, best practices in working with executive recruiters, opera management and fundraising, personal branding, media management, and more.
At the end of the program, each conductor will have access to a high-resolution video that shows her conducting full-length overtures and arias or ensembles with The Dallas Opera Orchestra. This material will be hosted on the TDO website and may be viewed by prospective artist managers, opera general directors, symphony CEOs, artistic directors, and administrators, as well as the media.
While The Dallas Opera is not able to make a firm commitment to every participant in this program, TDO’s future seasons will welcome back former participants of the Hart Institute in a variety of assistant conductor and guest conductor roles.
While the Hart Institute began with a focus on supporting talented conductors, the challenges faced by women opera administrators are equally daunting. To address this imbalance, The Dallas Opera has added a new component to the institute by inviting two to four American opera administrators to join the program each season. These women will be selected on the basis of their leadership experience and potential to become the leader of one of America’s top opera companies later in their careers. They will attend virtual sessions alongside conducting participants as well as attend part of the in-person time as well. This curriculum includes the role of the Board, leadership development, personal branding, media and PR training, effective artist management, and navigating recruiting processes for senior-level positions. To continue to develop their musical skills, which is essential for any opera executive, the administrators will observe rehearsals with The Dallas Opera Orchestra and conducting masterclasses. Special sessions on Marketing, Development, and Finance will also be offered to these administrators.