Our Conductor - Joel Carnegie

Joel brings a wealth of experience to Awkwardstra Geelong, combining professionalism with passion and flair. On stage and in the rehearsal room, he’s known as a dynamic music director, conductor, and performer—bringing energy, precision, and joy to every story told through music.

Joel has trained with leading practitioners across Australia, Europe, and the USA, including Ingrid Martin (conducting), Chris Nolan (voice), Patricia Angelin (Alba Emoting), and Dawn Arnold (Chekhov Technique). His leadership style is collaborative, honest, and heartfelt.

Each weeknight, Joel hosts the national Evenings program on ABC Classic (Mon–Fri, 7pm–11pm) and regularly appears on ABC Local Radio. His storytelling work has reached millions worldwide through Audible, the ABC, American Public Media, BBC World Service, CBC (Canada), Deutsche Welle (Germany), and RFI (France). His projects have earned recognition at the New York Festivals International Radio Awards and The Whickers, and he has served as a juror for the Signal Awards (USA), Prix Europa, New York Festivals, the Australian Podcast Awards, and the ARIA Music Awards.

From 2015 to 2024, Joel was Founder and Head of Storytelling at The Space Company, leading the creation of music-rich podcasts, screen productions, and live stage works. Highlights include the gripping rescue drama Hells Gates (2023), the respected podcast The Storymakers Institute, and the award-winning double bill Stardust + The Mission, which toured nationally across 45 cities with over 60 project partners and 200+ local musicians.

Joel is a graduate of the Australia Council for the Arts' Future Leaders program (2020–2022). He holds a Bachelor of Music (Honours) from the University of Melbourne, with performance training at the Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst Graz, a Master of Arts (Media and Communications) from Swinburne University of Technology, and a Graduate Certificate in Business (Arts and Cultural Management) from Deakin University.