Applications Open: Assistant Conductor, Portillo Festival 2027

High in the Andes, where the air is thinner and the silence deeper, music happens differently. Every January, Festival Portillo brings young musicians together at Laguna del Inca. At the heart of that experience is the Assistant Conductor: a week immersed in chamber and orchestral repertoire, working side by side with maestra Alejandra Urrutia and the artistic team.

Requirements

• Open to foreigners and Chileans, age 18 and up, no upper age limit.
• Availability for the entire duration of the festival.
• Application fee: USD 60 / $60.000 CLP.

How to apply

• Complete the application form.
• Submit a video conducting with orchestra, piano, or chamber group, no more than 3 years old (September 2022 onward). The video must be at least 10 minutes long, and the shot must be frontal so the conductor is clearly visible.

Key dates

• Applications: 21 August to 20 September 2026.
• Notification of the three finalists: 28 September 2026.
• Meeting with the finalists: 3 October 2026.
• Acceptance notification: 5 October 2026.
• Confirmation of participation: 19 October 2026.
• Festival: 16 to 27 January 2027.

Role of the Assistant Conductor

• Assist in rehearsals, score preparation, and conducting selected pieces.
• Work closely with artistic director maestra Alejandra Urrutia.
• Take notes in rehearsals and offer feedback.
• Support logistics for PortilloFest Orchestra concerts.
• Take part in educational activities and work with local youth orchestras.
• Lead sectional rehearsals as needed.

The scholarship

The assistant scholarship is CLP $5,500,000 (USD 5,500) and includes classes, lodging, meals, and transportation to and from Santiago. It does not cover travel to Santiago or medical insurance.

2027 repertoire

• Bedrich Smetana, The Moldau
• L. V. Beethoven, Symphony No. 6 “Pastoral” in F major, Op. 68

Full rights, responsibilities, faculty, and festival conditions are in the application guidelines (PDF).