June 25 - July 3, 2026

6AND OTHER DUTIES presents
RISING STARS June 25 – July 3, 2026

This summer And Other Duties returns once again to Chetham’s School of Music in Manchester for
RISING STARS 2026.

One of our most popular courses, Rising Stars gives eight conductors the rare chance to work with
some of the world’s most talented young musicians.

Chetham’s is the UK’s largest specialist music school, and its students are drawn from all over the
globe – as are our AOD participants. Over the past three years, we have welcomed conductors from
Australia, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Spain, Ukraine, the UK and the US to
Rising Stars.

This year we are offering eight conductors three projects to chose from:

Project 1
Four conductors will share the podium with Karen Ní Bhroin and the Chetham’s Symphony
Orchestra

Chetham’s Symphony Orchestra 
Stoller Hall, Manchester
Concert July 3, 2026

Repertoire:
Huw Watkins, Fanfare conducted by AOD Participant
Ruth Gipps, Song for Orchestra  conducted by AOD Participant 
Prokofiev, Piano Concerto No. 2 conducted by AOD Participant
Mahler Symphony No. 1 conducted by Karen Ní Bhroin

Four places available
Two students will be selected to rehearse and perform Huw Watkins, Fanfare, Ruth Gipps, Song for
Orchestra and Prokofiev Piano Concerto No. 2 in concert. 

Two students will be selected to assist Karen Ní Bhroin on the preparation of Mahler’s First
Symphony. Extensive podium time will be offered in sectional rehearsals and tutti. 

Is it for me?
This project is intended for experienced conductors who are ready to share the stage with the very
best young musicians in the school. You will already have considerable performing experience, a
curiosity to learn more, and the confidence to take on one of the biggest symphonies and one of the
most challenging concertos in the repertoire.

Project 2 
Two conductors will share the podium with senior Chetham’s staff and the Chetham’s
Philharnonic Orchestra

Chetham’s Philharmonic Orchestra
Stoller Hall, Manchester
Concert July 2, 2026

Repertoire:
Berlioz, Symphonie Fantastique (March to the Scaffold) conducted by AOD Paritipcant
Honegger, Cello Concerto conducted by AOD Participant
Bates, The A Bao a Que conducted by AOD Participant (BBC Ten Pieces arrangement)
Williams, Jurassic Park conducted by Chetham’s staff
Andrea Ekland, A Flying River Boat conducted by Chetham’s staff

Two places available
Two students will be selected to work exclusively with Chetham’s Philharmonic, the school’s second
orchestra, rehearsing and conducting selected pieces in concert as well as assisting the heads of
department in their preparation. 

Is it for me?
This project is aimed at conductors who work in music education and who would like more experience
conducting intermediate-level student orchestras. With many hours of supervised podium time, this is
a unique opportunity to rehearse and perform with the Chetham’s students and to collaborate with,
and learn from, extremely experienced members of staff. You will understand what is needed to
inspire young players and you’ll enjoy being part of an ambitious, highly-motivated team.

Project 3 
Two conductors will share a concert with the vocal department of Chetham’s School of Music
Chetham’s Opera Department 

Stoller Hall, ManchesterConcert July 1, 2026

Scenes from operatic favourites with the vocal students of Chetham’s
Staged performances with piano accompaniment

Two places available
Two conductors will work alongside staff from the vocal department, experienced repetiteurs and AOD
course director Tim Redmond to enable a well-prepared ensemble of young singers to perform staged
opera scenes. And Other Duties conductors will share this performance.

Is it for me?
This project is aimed at conductors passionate about opera but looking for more in-depth experience
rehearsing and performing. You will be familiar with many arias and ensembles from the standard
operatic repertoire and keen to learn the reperoire (which is currently in the process of being
selected). You will be confident about the process of staging rehearsals, comfortable with working with
young voices and ready to lead a staged performance.

What else?
As with all AOD courses, in addition to many hours of hands-on conducting experience, there will be
seminars, talks and the chance to meet leading figures from the Manchester music scene.

How much?
The course costs GBP1,600 for 9 days. Lunch and dinner are included. Conductors will be
responsible for their own accommodation.

How to apply
Head over to our applications page.

Closing date
Applications will be considered up until Saturday May 2 , but priority will be given to those received before April 12th 2026.