Music Director

League of American Orchestras; Windsor; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading orchestral organization in Windsor, Ontario seeks a Music Director to provide visionary leadership and conduct rehearsals and concerts. The ideal candidate has a master’s degree in music, extensive experience with professional orchestras, and exceptional communication skills. Commitment to promoting Canadian talent is expected. This position involves strategic planning, fundraising, and public relations activities. Interested applicants should submit their application materials via email to the provided address, including videos of recent conducting.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience conducting professional orchestras.
• Proven record of success in audience relationships and orchestral development.
• Ability to work positively with artistic and administrative staff.

Responsibilities

• Provide visionary artistic leadership for the orchestra.
• Conduct orchestra rehearsals and concerts.
• Develop program repertoire and select guest soloists.

Skills

Exceptional musicianship

Strong leadership

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Innovative programming

Education

Master’s degree in music or equivalent

Job description

The WSO, located in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, is a leader in the arts and culture community of this vibrant city that borders Detroit, Michigan, USA. The WSO performs approximately 100 public performances each season including mainstage concerts at the historic Capitol Theatre and performances at community venues including schools and senior residences around Essex County. The WSO connects people through music with a season operating from September until May and an offering of outdoor summer concerts each year.

In addition to the professional orchestra, the WSO umbrella also includes two youth orchestras, a community orchestra and chorus.

Currently in its 78th year, the WSO has an operating budget of approximately $2.3 million and attracts just over 18,500 patrons annually. The organization strongly values its education and outreach programs and, last season, 19,000 students experienced the orchestra at their schools or the Capitol Theatre.

Music Director Duties

The WSO MD will provide visionary artistic leadership; conduct orchestra rehearsals and concerts; oversee orchestra personnel; participate in auditions of new members; develop program repertoire and selection of guest soloists; participate in fundraising, community outreach and public relations activities; participate in strategic planning and implementation; present music/artistic public conversations with concerts and report monthly to the Board of Directors.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have a master’s degree in music or equivalent and extensive experience conducting professional orchestras. The candidate will have exceptional musicianship, musical knowledge, and conducting skills. They must possess a dynamic personality with a proven record of success in audience relationships, orchestral development, and innovative programming, as well as strong leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills. Proven ability to work positively with a team of artistic and administrative staff is crucial.

Within the responsibility of season programming and selection of repertoire, there is an expectation of promoting and developing Canadian talent.

Please email your letter of application, resume, repertoire list, reviews, and contact information for seven references via email to: [e-mail].

Please also include at least two videos of recent conducting. Please include both rehearsals and concerts. Send a link to your video via WeTransfer, Dropbox, GoogleDrive, YouTube or similar.

Upon receipt of documents, qualified applicants will receive a confirmation email and potentially a request for additional written materials.