{"id":125278,"date":"2026-06-19T11:34:57","date_gmt":"2026-06-19T15:34:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ludwig-van.com\/toronto\/?p=125278"},"modified":"2026-06-19T11:34:57","modified_gmt":"2026-06-19T15:34:57","slug":"feature-hamilton-philharmonic-orchestra-new-conducting-fellows-new-season","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ludwig-van.com\/toronto\/2026\/06\/19\/feature-hamilton-philharmonic-orchestra-new-conducting-fellows-new-season\/","title":{"rendered":"FEATURE | The Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra: New Conducting Fellows & New Season"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"James
James Kahane conducts the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra (Photo: Kasey Bridges)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

With the 2026\/27 season, The Hamilton Philharmonic is not only celebrating 77 seasons of classical music in the city, it\u2019s looking forward to the expansion of its Centre for Musical Leadership initiative<\/a> with the addition of a Conductor Fellow & Assistant to the Music Director, as well as two Conducting Apprentices.<\/p>\n

\u201cGiving conductors at varying stages of their development and careers consistent mentorship and
\ntraining is an essential part of shaping of the next generation of conductors in Canada,\u201d said HPO Music Director James Kahane<\/strong>. \u201cWe are proud to introduce this program at the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra, creating meaningful opportunities for emerging composers.”<\/p>\n

\"L-R:
L-R: Incoming Conductor Fellow & Assistant to the Music Director Thomas Burton & incoming Conducting Apprentices Charles Amoah and Keegan Thomas Hedley (Photos courtesy of the artists)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Inaugural Conducting Fellowship Cohort<\/h2>\n

The Conducting Fellow and Apprentice programs are designed to give emerging conductors a next step in their path to a sustainable career. They get hands-on opportunities in an immersive environment, tuition-free for one season, including meaningful podium time, personalized mentorship, and experience working with a professional orchestra.<\/p>\n

For the 26-27 Season, Thomas Burton will be Conductor Fellow & Assistant to the Music Director, and Charles Amoah and Keegan Thomas Hedley will be Conducting Apprentices.<\/p>\n

As the Conducting Fellow, Thomas Burton<\/strong> will assist James Kahane, and work directly with the orchestra\u2019s musicians and administrative staff. He\u2019ll gain experience in rehearsal leadership, score prepping, artistic collaboration, and planning.<\/p>\n

Charles Amoah<\/strong> and Keegan Thomas Hedley<\/strong>, the Conducting Apprentices will observe James Kahane as he works with the orchestra. They will be mentored, and learn from the administrative staff, as well as gaining experience in rehearsal leadership, score preparation and artistic collaboration and planning.<\/p>\n

The conducting fellows and apprentices will begin their term at the Orchestra\u2019s rehearsals for the 26-
\n27 Opening Night concert, and come back for the rehearsals and performance throughout the entire season.<\/p>\n

Thomas Burton, Conductor Fellow & Assistant to the Music Director<\/h3>\n

Burton was raised in Wolfville, Nova Scotia. He is currently the Artistic Director of the Orpheus Choir of Toronto, Artistic Director of Durham Region\u2019s RESOUND Choir, and Co-Conductor of the Halifax-based Borealis Chamber Choir. Thomas is also a member of the choral faculty at the University of Toronto. There, he instructs undergraduate choral conducting and directs the Faculty of Music\u2019s Tenor\/Bass choir. Burton has been noted for his innovative programming, and has become a sought after guest conductor, clinician, and educator.<\/p>\n

Charles Amoah, Conductor Apprentice<\/h3>\n

Trombonist and conductor Charles Amoah is entering his third year of the Bachelor of Music program at Western University. He is also the founder and Artistic Director of the chamber brass ensemble Western Brass Brigade, which made its stage debut in March 2026. Along with his work in the musical field, Amoah serves as an Officer in the Cadet Instructors Cadre of the Canadian Armed Forces. For the past two years, Charles has served as an instructor and conductor for cadet summer military band courses at the Valcartier Cadet Training Centre.<\/p>\n

Keegan Thomas Hedley, Conductor Apprentice<\/h3>\n

Bassoonist and conductor Keegan Thomas Hedley is based in Montr\u00e9al, where he\u2019s studying towards his Bachelor of Music in Orchestral Performance at the Schulich School of Music. As a musician, Hedley has performed regularly with regional ensembles throughout the Greater Toronto Area. As a conductor, Hedley frequently works with the musicians of the Schulich School of Music. He is a former actor, and has worked in the arts since the age of eight.<\/p>\n

\"James
James Kahane conducts the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra (Photo: Kasey Bridges)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra 2026\/27 Season<\/h2>\n

\u201cThe season reflects the immense ambitions of the Orchestra, inspired by the elements of our natural world,\u201d says HPO Music Director James Kahane<\/strong>. \u201cWe invite you to a whirlwind of fiery emotions, and earthly and heavenly feelings, with some of the most acclaimed artists that the Orchestra has had the honour to bring to Hamilton.\u201d<\/p>\n

The season features appearances from Canadian virtuosos, including pianists Marc-Andr\u00e9 Hamelin <\/strong>and\u00a0Jean Phillippe Sylvestre<\/strong>, violinist Jessica Linnebach<\/strong>, and cellist Rachel Mercer<\/strong>, along with guest artists from the Bayerische Staatsoper Opera Studio<\/strong>, and iconic Canadian fiddler Natalie MacMaster.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Here\u2019s a look at the concerts and music at a glance.<\/p>\n

Mainstage Concerts<\/h3>\n

Beethoven\u2019s Sixth (October 3, 2026)<\/strong><\/p>\n

James S. Kahane, Conductor
\nJessica Linnebach, Violin<\/p>\n

The Program:<\/p>\n