Emerging leadership and professional development in a chamber orchestra

The paper presents a consideration of the place of leadership and professional development in the context of a professional chamber orchestra. The work of the Melbourne Chamber Orchestra is presented as an exploratory case study. The initial study has been developed from discussions with the orchestra's Executive Director and the Artistic Director along with observations of practice. The study has confirmed the initial observations of professional development opportunities and areas for further ongoing development. Reflecting on the development of musicians as professionals through pursuit of their careers has been a driver for the study. The paper addresses the 21st CEPROM International Seminar theme: leadership in the education of the professional musician. It presents a case of leadership in action vis-à-vis (new) creativities for the musician and for career development.