English National Opera has announced a new conducting award in celebration of Sir Charles Mackerras, who served as the company’s music director between 1970 and 1977. The Charles Mackerras Fellowship, in association with the Philip Loubser Foundation, will be awarded to ‘an exceptional emerging conducting talent’ and offer a structured two-year development programme mentored by ENO music director Edward Gardner.

The first recipient will be announced in April 2012 and embark on his or her two-year programme from the beginning of the 2012-13 season. A shortlist of potential candidates is currently being drawn up by the ENO, in consultation with leading music directors from other musical institutions and music colleges. The interview and audition process will involve working with singers and the ENO Orchestra.

‘ENO is a huge supporter of new and emerging talent and this Fellowship cements ENO’s aim in continuing to secure the future of opera,’ said Gardner. ‘The programme will provide the recipient with a wonderful foundation in conducting while honouring the incredible legacy of Sir Charles Mackerras. I am looking forward to first discovering that talent through this process, and then helping to nurture and encourage it toward the excellence needed to be a world class conductor.’