Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra is thrilled to announce the inaugural Conducting Fellowship cohort as part of the Centre for Musical Leadership. In 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.
The Conducting Fellow and Apprentice programs are immersive, hands-on opportunities for emerging conductors to develop their craft in a professional orchestral setting. These tuition-free, one-season programs are designed to provide meaningful podium time, personalized mentorship and direct experience working with a professional orchestra.
“Giving conductors at varying stages of their development and careers consistent mentorship and training is an essential part of shaping of the next generation of conductors in Canada,” said James Kahane. “We are proud to introduce this program at the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra, creating meaningful opportunities for emerging composers.”
The Conducting Fellow will assist the Music Director and work closely with orchestra musicians and administrative staff throughout the season, gaining practical experience in rehearsal leadership, score preparation and artistic collaboration and planning.
The Conductor Apprentice will receive mentorship from and observe the work of the Music Director and learn from the orchestra musicians and administrative staff throughout the season, gaining experience in rehearsal leadership, score preparation and artistic collaboration and planning.
The conducting fellows and apprentices will begin their term at the Orchestra’s rehearsals for the 26-27 Opening Night concert, Beethoven’s Sixth, returning for rehearsals and performances throughout the full season.
This program is part of the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra’s Centre for Musical Leadership, supporting early-career artists as they navigate, grow, and thrive in the Canadian music industry.
Thomas Burton
Conductor Fellow & Assistant to the Music Director
Raised in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Thomas Burton is Artistic Director of the Orpheus Choir of Toronto, Artistic Director of Durham Region’s RESOUND Choir, and Co-Conductor of the Halifax-based Borealis Chamber Choir. He is a member of the choral faculty at the University of Toronto where he instructs undergraduate choral conducting and directs the Faculty of Music’s Tenor/Bass choir. Praised for his innovative and eclectic programming as well as his dynamic presence on the podium, Thomas is in demand nationally as a guest conductor, clinician and educator.
Charles Amoah
Conductor Apprentice
Charles Amoah is a trombonist and conductor currently entering the third year of the Bachelor of Music program at Western University, where he studies trombone performance with Dr. Denis Jiron. He is also the founder and Artistic Director of the Western Brass Brigade, a chamber brass ensemble which made its concert debut in March 2026.
In addition to his musical work, Amoah serves as an Officer in the Cadet Instructors Cadre of the Canadian Armed Forces. He has worked as an instructor and conductor for cadet summer military band courses at the Valcartier Cadet Training Centre for the past two years
Keegan Thomas Hedley
Conductor Apprentice
Keegan Thomas Hedley is a bassoonist and conductor based in Montréal, Québec. Hedley is currently pursuing his Bachelor of Music in Orchestral Performance under Stéphane Lévesque at McGill University’s Schulich School of Music. 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. A former actor, Keegan has worked in the arts since he was eight, providing him a diverse perspective in the creation of great performances.
About the HPO: For 140 years, the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra has presented orchestral music and education programs with a mission to enrich the wellbeing of the greater Hamilton region. The HPO presents dynamic orchestral performances ranging from standard classical repertoire to popular music and world premieres by living composers. As one of Canada’s leading professional orchestras, the HPO has proudly contributed to the shaping of Hamilton’s cultural landscape.
HPO Media Contacts:
Megan Nourse
Marketing & Strategic Initiatives Manager
289-216-8273
mnourse@hpo.org