Next generation of Australian conductors graduate from training in Tasmania

Have you ever watched a conductor in front of an orchestra and wondered what exactly it is they do and why they're so important? Two of Australia's most talented up-and-coming conductors Ingrid Martin and Sam Weller explain their craft in different ways. "It takes a lot of humility, empathy, vulnerability and courage to put your personal stamp on the music because that's what the musicians really want, it's what inspires them," Martin said. Kim Waldock, the TSO's director of artistic development describes the two-year course, which has a highly competitive audition process, as the "Rolls Royce" program. "Our borders shut down and it became completely stark to all of the orchestras and professional ensembles in Australia that we just didn't have enough Australian conductors performing at the calibre that we need," Ms Sharpen said.