London Philharmonic Orchestra Announces 2025/26 Fellow Conductors 

The London Philharmonic Orchestra has announced Nefeli Chadouli and Wilson Ng as its Fellow Conductors for 2025/26. The LPO's Conducting Fellowship seeks to support the growth and progression of the world-class conductors of the future by supporting two outstanding early-career conductors each season from backgrounds currently under-represented in the profession.

Guided by the LPO's Principal Conductor, Edward Gardner, Fellow Conductors become fully immersed in the life of the Orchestra, getting to know players, artists and staff, developing skills and knowledge, and broadening their professional network. They are invited to attend rehearsals and concerts conducted by the Principal Conductor and other conductors, and are also offered conducting opportunities with the LPO and its Rising Talent ensembles.

Greek conductor Nefeli Chadouli was appointed an Associate Fellow for 2024–26 by the Taki Alsop Conducting Fellowship, and since 2023 has held the position of Permanent Conductor at the Babylon Orchestra Berlin. In June 2024, she also became Conductor of the Berlin-Brandenburgisches Sinfonieorchester. Chadouli has led performances with renowned ensembles including the Chicago

Philharmonic, Staatsorchester Braunschweig and Lucerne Symphony Orchestra, and in September 2024 she made her debut with the Philharmonia Orchestra in London, conducting Mahler's Symphony No. 2. Chadouli has gained valuable experience as an assistant conductor with prestigious orchestras including the Berlin Philharmonic, the ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra and the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France. Born in Athens, Chadouli began her musical journey studying piano and violin, earning a piano diploma from the National Conservatory of Greece, and in 2024 completing a Master's degree in Conducting at the Universität der Künste in Berlin.

Described by Tatler Asia as ‘one of the world's most acclaimed young conductors', Hong Kong-born Wilson Ng was appointed Principal Guest Conductor of the Hankyung Arte Philharmonic, South Korea, in 2023. During his tenure he led the orchestra's debut concert at the Hong Kong Arts Festival, where they performed alongside La Scala Ballet. In 2018, Ng was named Associate Conductor of the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra aged just 28, making him the youngest conductor ever appointed by the orchestra. In 2015, he founded the Gustav Mahler Orchestra in Hong Kong, and together they created Musicians without Borders, an innovative project that immerses the audience among the musicians. He also co-founded aboutMusic Foundation, which aims to provide a free international-level music education for underprivileged students in Hong Kong. Ng is a frequent guest conductor with the Hong Kong Philharmonic, KBS Symphony and Korean National Symphony orchestras. He was recently awarded the Edo de Waart Conductorship with the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra. Other recent highlights include performances with the Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra, Düsseldorf Symphony Orchestra and Lausanne Chamber Orchestra.

LPO Artistic Director, Elena Dubinets says: ‘I am thrilled to see our new talent development programme generating such remarkable enthusiasm within the music community. Having received more than 200 applications from around the world, we have carefully selected two exceptionally talented early-career conductors through a rigorous audition and interview process involving the entire Orchestra. As they join us next season, we will immerse them in every facet of the Orchestra's work, providing invaluable opportunities for growth. We eagerly anticipate welcoming them into our musical family.'

Launched in 2023, the LPO Conducting Fellowship was created specifically to promote diversity and inclusivity in the classical music industry. The LPO wants to develop the world-class conductors of the future and believes that talent is indiscriminate, yet it is clear that people from certain backgrounds and communities continue to be under-represented in the orchestral sector. Applicants were asked to self-identify their eligibility which could have included, but was not limited to: gender identity, race, socio-economic background, neurodiversity, disability or special educational needs.

The LPO is committed to inspiring the next generation of musicians and music-lovers. The Orchestra offers a range of renowned talent development programmes that support emerging musicians to take their first steps into the profession. The LPO Junior Artists programme and Overture days are leading the way in creating pathways into the industry for young musicians from under-represented communities. In addition to the Conducting Fellowship, the LPO Young Composers and Foyle Future Firsts schemes support the progression of the next generation of professional musicians, bridging the transition from education to careers in orchestral music.