ARTISTIC DIRECTOR POSITION

ORIANA SINGERS OF NORTHUMBERLAND is seeking an experienced, knowledgeable, progressive and enthusiastic Artistic Director to lead this 70-voice mixed adult choir. In our 56th season, we are the premier choir within Northumberland County. 

The Artistic Director should be committed to teaching, motivating and leading adults in a variety of musical styles, resulting in three to four creative and outstanding performances per season. Education: Minimum bachelor’s degree in music with training in conducting required. Experience: Applicants arerequired to demonstrate past choral conducting via recorded submissions. 

Remuneration: Commensurate with experience. 

Applicants should send a covering letter, resume, 3 references and supporting materials to orianajobapplications@gmail.com no later than January 31, 2027. 

Detailed responsibilities are as follows:

Conducting Duties

a. audition new voices, select qualified singers and assign to sections based on vocal range ensuring vocal balance,

b. schedule and conduct weekly rehearsals for the 2027-2028 concert season, starting the week after Labour Day in September 2027 until May 31st, 2028, or as required for planning,

c. ensure sufficient rehearsal time for Choristers’ preparation,

d. provide most music to Choir members at the first rehearsal prior to each concert (subject to unavoidable delivery delays and other restraints),

e. provide superior vocal instruction and music education as part of the rehearsal experience,

f. identify and foster potential soloists from within the Choir.

Planning Duties

a. maintain a constructive and collaborative relationship with the Oriana Board of Directors, Collaborative Pianist, Choir members and volunteers,

b. support and provide input into Oriana Singers’ strategic priorities and implementation plans and participate in annual planning meetings to update the Strategic Plan,

c. attend all Board meetings in person or via Zoom, and attend the Annual General Meeting,

d. provide all required reports to the Oriana Board by the due date requested by the Board,

e. support the public profile of the Oriana Singers through opportunities for recognition in the local and regional music scene,

f. provide input to the Oriana Marketing Coordinator on promotional materials as required,

g. establish concert themes, dates and venues for the concert season within the time frame as agreed by the Board and within the established concert budget, where available,

h. identify and contact guest artists in consultation with the Board and determine appropriate compensation, and,

i. meet with the Oriana Librarian prior to the concert seasons to discuss program plans and music availability and maintain continual communication as program selections are finalized for each concert.

Concert Duties

a. provide the Marketing Coordinator with appropriate biographical information for guest artists, one or more news releases and publicity photographs, program notes and any other information required for promotion of concert no later than two weeks prior to the concert,

b. provide the Marketing Coordinator with final concert repertoire and sequence no later than eleven days prior to the concert,

c. provide the Concert Coordinator with input towards the creation of a staging narrative and script for Master of Ceremonies, if applicable,

d. provide music selections and proposed guest artists, instrumentalists, and budgetary considerations to the Oriana Board one month prior to the beginning of rehearsal for each concert.