2026/27 Michael Nesbitt Conductors Institute (formerly RBC Canadian Conductor Showcase)

 

Conducting a professional orchestra is one of the great accomplishments of a conductor’s career. There are, however, few opportunities for Canadians in the early stages of their careers to engage with professional orchestras in a practical, hands-on environment. The symphony orchestra presents many challenges, including effectively balancing the orchestra’s many instruments and communicating clearly with the musicians and audience.  

The Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra’s annual Michael Nesbitt Composers Conductors Institute (MNCCI) is held during the Winnipeg New Music Festival. The Institute is an intense and prestigious experience for Canadian emerging conductors, including: 

• Conducting the world premiere of an orchestral composition performed by the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra 
• Working closely with mentor conductors including WSO Music Director Daniel Raiskin and Associate Conductor Monica Chen 
• Attending Winnipeg New Music Festival concerts 
• Attending rehearsals with WNMF guest artists and composers 
• Three days of professional development workshops, rehearsals and masterclasses (January 26-28, 2027) 
• Honorarium to assist with travel and accommodations to Winnipeg, Manitoba 

The goal of MNCCI is to both acquaint the WSO with talented Canadian conductors for potential future engagements, as well as to provide the selected conductors the opportunity to work with a major Canadian orchestra under the guidance and mentorship of Music Director Daniel Raiskin. 

 

Eligibility & Guidelines 

Canadian citizens and permanent residents, whose talents and vision comprise all aspects of concert preparation, presentation and performance to a wide variety of audiences, are invited to apply. 

 Past Conductors Showcase participants are not eligible. 

Applications that are incomplete, illegible, late, or that do not meet the above criteria will not be considered. 

 

Application requirements 

• Unlisted YouTube video link to a performance or rehearsal of two contrasting works. Combined, the material provided should be no more than ten minutes.  
• Unlisted YouTube video link consisting of a brief spoken introduction about yourself and the music on the video. 
• A current artist resume, in PDF format, including educational background, major teachers, awards, and professional affiliations; LASTNAME-Resume.pdf 

 

If Selected 

Selected composers will be notified by November 15, 2026.

Participants must attend the rehearsals, concert, and professional development workshops held in Winnipeg, MB, January 26-28, 2027, as part of the WSO’s Winnipeg New Music Festival. Optionally, participants are also welcome to stay for the remainder of the WNMF, which concludes in early February. 

Participants will receive an honorarium to assist with their travel and accommodations to/from Winnipeg. Any additional expenses incurred are solely the responsibility of the participants. 

Selected conductors agree to: submit photos and sound clips for web use and a short biography for media purposes; to participate in blogging and social media to be videotaped/recorded for archival and promotional purposes; and to have their music recorded for archival and study purposes. 

 

How to Apply 

Apply Here

 

Notes: 

There is no application fee. 

The application process must be completed by 11:59 pm CT, October 23, 2026. Late submissions will not be considered. 

The links to your supporting materials must remain active until the MNCCI participants are announced. 

Email questions to: Kara Joseph, Manager of Education & Community Engagement at kjoseph@wso.mb.ca. For more information about the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra and the Winnipeg New Music Festival, visit: wso.ca wnmf.ca 

 

Conductors Institute History

For a full history of the Conductors Institute, visit the MNCCI page on the WSO website here.