{"id":123207,"date":"2026-04-08T14:11:35","date_gmt":"2026-04-08T18:11:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ludwig-van.com\/toronto\/?p=123207"},"modified":"2026-04-08T14:11:35","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T18:11:35","slug":"interview-hpo-executive-director-kim-varian-music-director-james-kahane-talk-centre-musical-leadership","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ludwig-van.com\/toronto\/2026\/04\/08\/interview-hpo-executive-director-kim-varian-music-director-james-kahane-talk-centre-musical-leadership\/","title":{"rendered":"INTERVIEW | HPO Executive Director Kim Varian & Music Director James Kahane Talk About The Centre For Musical Leadership"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra takes a bow (Photo courtesy of the HPO)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra formalized the Centre for Musical Leadership late last year. It brings together and builds on initiatives that the organization has instituted with a view to helping to develop the careers of the next generation of classical music talent in Canada.<\/p>\n

The Centre for Musical Leadership is Canada\u2019s first orchestra-led, tuition-free mentorship centre, and its mandate includes supporting emerging artists such as composers, conductors, and musicians, as well as arts administrators. The mentorship program helps develop professional skills with real-world industry training via fellowship opportunities.<\/p>\n

LV caught up with HPO Executive Director Kim Varian<\/strong> and Music Director James S. Kahane<\/strong> to talk about the opportunities on offer.<\/p>\n

Kim Varian: The Interview<\/h2>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s been building for us over many years. We\u2019ve long been an organization that believes in musical mentorship,\u201d Varian says.<\/p>\n

The Centre for Musical Leadership was formalized in September 2025, during the HPO\u2019s 140th anniversary year.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe were expanding our musical fellowships,\u201d she says. The HPO has offered Composer Fellowships since the 2018\/19 season. As she points out, the HPO has also been a partner organization in the Women and Musical Leadership program that is led by Tapestry Opera<\/a>. \u201cWe\u2019ve been involved that program for four years.\u201d<\/p>\n

For 2026, the HPO\u2019s initiative will also include a Conductor Fellowship component. That\u2019s just the first addition.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen we will be adding musician fellowships, and that will include players on stage. The really important goal of this Centre for Musical Leadership is to include other roles,\u201d she says. That will also incorporate arts administration in the future.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s a lot of interest in them. We\u2019re thrilled to put them together,\u201d Kim adds. \u201cAnd what\u2019s unique about it too, is that these musical leadership roles are led by our own musicians.\u201d<\/p>\n

She notes that, to thrive in today\u2019s cultural environment, any professional musician needs a flexible and multifaceted career.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re wearing many hats,\u201d Varian says. She points out that the HPO\u2019s personnel manager is a professional musician, and their librarians are the composer fellows. That situation is common to most orchestras the world over.<\/p>\n

Practical Industry Training<\/h3>\n

The Centre for Musical Leadership was developed, among other reasons, to fill gaps in the field of music education. Colleges and universities can only cover so much material. With a focus on the main thrust of study, be it performance or conducting, many practical skills don\u2019t form part of the curriculum.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not getting that learning in traditional school settings at all,\u201d she says. As such, HPO\u2019s mentorship opportunities can be used to complement what\u2019s learned via a specialized music degree.<\/p>\n

For conductors, for example, universities can only offer a limited amount of practical experience.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s one of the really coveted things that they want. They want that experience on the podium,\u201d Varian says. Along with composers and musicians, it\u2019s a chance to add to their CV. \u201cTo build their portfolio. Guidance is really an extraordinary opportunity, and one that we really think is important at this time.\u201d<\/p>\n

She feels that the program will benefit not only artists local to Hamilton or Ontario, but the Canadian classical music landscape in general.<\/p>\n

Connections<\/h3>\n

Like the Tapestry Opera program, HPO\u2019s Centre for Musical Leadership will work towards building connections with other arts organizations in order to serve their goal of helping emerging artists develop sustainable careers.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn the musical arts, the performing arts, we want to work together,\u201d Kim says. \u201cWe collectively advance the opportunities for new and upcoming musicians.\u201d<\/p>\n

Along the way, the hope is that the program will spark an interest in classical music careers among young people who may not have previously considered it. It\u2019s a concept that is becoming more and more important with the overall downturn in musical education in Canada.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn our region, we see music education declining,\u201d she says. It\u2019s important for younger generations to see what is possible, she points out. For Hamilton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra members, the Centre for Musical Leadership could offer a next step up the ladder.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a bold goal,\u201d she says. \u201cThere\u2019s a lot of interest as well. We have very passionate music educators here. We want to be a support for them. It\u2019s also an opportunity for us to really diversify the opportunities.\u201d<\/p>\n

Building networks is a crucial part of any creative career. \u201cPartnerships are so important. It doesn\u2019t have to be formal school programs at the college or university level.\u201d<\/p>\n

The success of graduates from the Composer Fellow program has already provided evidence of its efficacy. Varian mentions expanded opportunities for the artists, and the important connections they\u2019ve made. Many of the Composer Fellows, like Liam Ritz<\/a><\/strong>, the very first, have gone on to work with other organizations across the country.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe more we can support these artists early in their career, or wherever they need help the most, we do see that.\u201d<\/p>\n

HPO Conducting Fellowships<\/h2>\n

Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra and Music Director, James Kahane is inviting applications for its 2026-27 Season Conducting Programs. Two immersive programs offer hands-on training in a professional setting, tuition-free. Successful applicants will benefit from personalized mentorship along with direct experience.<\/p>\n

Applicants for the Conducting Fellowship are invited to submit a complete application package by April 19, 2026 at 5 p.m.<\/p>\n

There rare two conducting fellowship programs on offer.<\/p>\n

Conducting Fellow & Assistant to the Music Director<\/h3>\n

This role will assist Kahane, and work closely with orchestra musicians and staff throughout the coming season. They will lead rehearsals, prepare scores, collaborate with other artists, and assist in planning, among other activities.<\/p>\n

This part of the program is designed for early career professional conductors.<\/p>\n

HPO Conducting Apprentice<\/h3>\n

The Conducting Apprentice will be mentored by Music Director James Kahane, and observe him at work. They will have the opportunity to learn from the orchestra musicians and administrative staff throughout the season. Rehearsal leadership, score preparation, and artistic collaboration and planning are some of the skills they\u2019ll learn.<\/p>\n

This part of the program is designed for those who may not have significant professional experience, but who demonstrate a clear commitment to pursuing a professional career in orchestral conducting.<\/p>\n