This year, the baton for a coveted New Zealand residency position will be passed to Ingrid Martin, who will commence her tenure as the 2024 New Zealand Assistant Conductor-in-Residence in February.
The 2024 New Zealand Assistant Conductor-in-Residence position is funded by Creative New Zealand and managed by the Auckland Philharmonia, but the role is collaboration between the Auckland Philharmonia, Christchurch Symphony Orchestra (CSO) and Dunedin Symphony Orchestra (DSO).
Auckland Philharmonia’s Chief Executive, Diana Weir, says, “This year-long residency programme provides a valuable opportunity for emerging Australasian conductors to build greater depth of podium experience and launch their professional careers.
“We are delighted to announce that Ingrid has been selected for this prestigious position of national scope and that audiences across the country will have the opportunity to see her on the podium, alongside the Auckland Philharmonia and the other professional New Zealand orchestras.”
Martin takes over the position from 2023 resident, Nathaniel Griffiths.
Led and initiated by the Auckland Philharmonia, the programme came to fruition in 2020 in collaboration with professional orchestral colleagues around the country. It is now it has grown to be regarded as the most consequential assistantship in Australasia. Past residents have subsequently progressed to successful careers as professional conductors - such as Leonard Weiss (2022 resident), who has been appointed as Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s 2024-25 Cybec Assistant Conductor Fellow.
During the residency, Martin will be mentored by the Auckland Philharmonia’s Music Director, Giordano Bellincampi, through a structured development and performance programme, and supported by the music directors and guest conductors from the other New Zealand orchestras.
The role will provide Martin with invaluable professional development opportunities, such as conducting rehearsals and concerts across the orchestral 2024 seasons. She will also learn about the inner workings of season planning and other managerial elements as a member of the Auckland Philharmonia’s Artistic team over the course of the season.
The rigorous selection process for the residency involved shortlisted applicants completing a live audition with the Auckland Philharmonia. The selection panel included representatives from all three participating orchestras, as well as conductor James Judd, who contributed his expertise as an independent assessor.
Bellincampi says that “Ingrid stood out with her talent and passion for conducting. It was a very impressive audition, and we are excited to have such a rising star step into this role.”
Since making her professional conducting debut in August 2022, Martin has appeared regularly with professional orchestras across Australia. Her work is shaped by her uncommon career path; she trained and practised as an emergency doctor before transitioning to a full-time career in conducting and music education.
She is one of five Fellows of the Australian Conducting Academy, a two-year training programme in partnership with all of the major professional orchestras in Australia, of which the Auckland Philharmonia is the only New Zealand member.
Martin says, “I’m excited to play my part in creating relevant, meaningful music for New Zealand’s audiences and to get to know the country’s rich cultural heritage. The opportunity to observe, rehearse and conduct professional orchestras, under the mentorship of Giordano Bellincampi, is invaluable. I can’t wait to get started!”