Music Director/Conductor

The National Federation Of Music Societies; Manchester; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

The William Byrd Singers invite applications for Music Director/Conductor. The successful candidate will lead the choir in programmes ranging from early music to contemporary works, guiding rehearsals and performances with energy and organisational skill.

Responsibilities include planning, conducting, auditioning singers, and coordinating with the committee on all running aspects. Fees will be negotiated based on qualifications and experience.

Qualifications

• The successful candidate will need to be highly skilled, dynamic and organised.

Responsibilities

• Plan programmes in good time to suit the choir's ambitions and finances.
• Rehearse, conduct and inspire the choir according to the schedule.
• Work together with the committee to organise all aspects of running the choir, including meetings and frequent correspondence.
• Audition prospective singers and re-audition members as agreed with the committee.
• Make recommendations for soloists and other performers needed for concerts.
• Provide a comparable substitute conductor in the event of absence.

Job description

Music Director/Conductor Vacancy

William Byrd Singers

Founded in 1970, the William Byrd Singers were conducted by Stephen Wilkinson MBE until 2009, then by Keith Orrell who will retire in July 2027. We are an auditioned group of about 35, who rehearse and often perform at Christ Church, West Didsbury M20 2ZD. We also use other prestigious venues such as the Stoller Hall, RNCM, Holy Name etc. Each season we hold about 25 rehearsals on Sundays 2 - 5pm and give three main concerts, one shorter one, and at least one workshop.

Our programmes are varied and ambitious, ranging from William Byrd to the present day, including contemporary commissions. We often include professional soloists, accompanists and instrumentalists. The successful candidate will need to be highly skilled, dynamic and organised as he or she will be expected to:

Plan programmes in good time to suit the choir's ambitions and finances.

Rehearse, conduct and inspire the choir according to the schedule.

Work together with the committee to organise all aspects of running the choir, including meetings and frequent correspondence.

Audition prospective singers and re-audition members as agreed with the committee.

Make recommendations for soloists and other performers needed for concerts.

Provide a comparable substitute conductor in the event of absence.

Fees will be negotiated according to qualifications and experience. If you have any questions, please email Rosemary Thomason as above.