The Glasshouse

In a recent count, only two professional orchestras in the UK were led by women conductors, and nearly 90% of conductors in the UK were men. (2024)

Those are some pretty uneven numbers. WoCo (Women Conductors programme) worked on them to make them right.

Thanks to WoCo, established in 2014 by conductor Alice Farnham, more than 500 women conductors have had the chance to grow their skills, experience, and connections – putting them on the path to better opportunities.

A new partnership in 2021 between The Glasshouse, Royal Northern Sinfonia and the Royal Philharmonic Society (RPS) brought the next big female conducting talents from the UK and Ireland to the North East.

Starting with a two-day pilot at The Glasshouse, a cohort of seven brilliant women, Constança Simas, Charlotte Corderoy, Lada Valesova, Helen Harrison, Hannah von Wiehler, Rita Castro Blanco and Tess Jackson, stepped up to the podium for WoCo.

Over several two-day courses in our building between January 2022 and June 2023, they spent time working with the orchestra and getting a ton of feedback from the players. Coaching came from Alice, along with guidance in getting professional work. We’re proud to be playing a part in that.

June 2025 saw the launch of RPS Conductors, marking a new chapter under a new name. The scheme is now open to anyone with conducting experience at a high enough level who hasn’t yet had this kind of opportunity and can explain why it would be transformative.

Could it change your future? Find out more here.