Conductors chosen for residency

From Dallas Opera Staff Reports

The Dallas Opera announces the selection of the 2024/2025 participants in the Linda and Mitch Hart Institute for Women Conductors: Jiannan Cheng(China), Virginie Déjos (France), Anna Castro Grinstein (Spain/Argentina) and CJ Wu (Taiwan).

These talented musicians were chosen from a worldwide applicant pool of 94 conductors — the second largest group since the program’s inception — hailing from 28 countries. Applications were reviewed by adjudicators comprised of conducting faculty from Southern Methodist University and the University of North Texas as well as the distinguished HIWC faculty in a three-round selection process.

The annual Institute begins in November with a week of virtual sessions (Nov. 18-22), many of which are livestreamed for the public to view at no cost on The Dallas Opera’s YouTube channel. During an intensive 10-day residency in Dallas (Jan. 17-25, 2025), 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 Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. The performance features each of the four Institute conductors leading the Dallas Opera Orchestra and guest singers in selections from works from across the operatic canon.

The Linda and Mitch Hart Institute for Women Conductors is an immersive program that builds and advances the careers of women conductors in the international operatic arena. The only initiative of its kind in the world, its mission is to balance the leadership in the orchestra pit. Of the more than 180 professional opera companies operating in North America, only a handful have music directors who are women. 

For more details, visit dallasopera.org