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Young conductors are getting a shot at the baton at Philadelphia Ballet’s ‘Nutcracker’

Podium time is not guaranteed even to a conducting student with access to a school orchestra. Philadelphia Ballet Orchestra's new apprenticeship program provides that and more.

Philadelphia Ballet music director Beatrice Jona Affron (left) works with apprentice conductor Andrew Samlal (center) while Amelia Krinke (right) waits her turn as the Philadelphia Ballet Orchestra rehearses George Balanchine's The Nutcracker at the Academy of Music’s Academy House Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023. Affron started a formal mentorship program for women conductors and conductors of color, and this Christmas they are each taking an act.
Philadelphia Ballet music director Beatrice Jona Affron (left) works with apprentice conductor Andrew Samlal (center) while Amelia Krinke (right) waits her turn as the Philadelphia Ballet Orchestra rehearses George Balanchine's The Nutcracker at the Academy of Music’s Academy House Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023. Affron started a formal mentorship program for women conductors and conductors of color, and this Christmas they are each taking an act.Read moreTom Gralish / Staff Photographer