Musical Director

Eye Bach Choir (EBC) is looking to appoint a new Musical Director to succeed Leslie Olive who has announced his intention to step back from the Choir at Christmas after 18 successful years.

EBC is a friendly auditioned SATB choir of about 50 members, drawn from across the region. Our members cover a wide age range and musical abilities and have diverse interests and backgrounds. Since its formation in 1974 the Choir has built up an excellent reputation and has a strong following in the local area. EBC performs three concerts each season with professional soloists accompanied by a professional organist or pianist and, for one concert each season, an orchestra. Concerts usually take place in Eye Parish Church or Eye Town Hall although the Choir has performed at Snape Maltings, St Edmundsbury Cathedral and elsewhere in East Anglia. The repertoire covers works from the 16th to 21st century. Each December the Choir also hosts a very popular festive concert accompanied by a local silver band.

The Choir rehearses on Friday evenings between September and May at Eye Town Hall between 7:30 and 9:30, with an excellent professional accompanist.

We are looking for a Musical Director who: 

• is engaging and enthusiastic
• has excellent choir training and musical skills (keyboard skills desirable)
• experience of conducting choirs and orchestras
• possesses a wide knowledge of the choral repertoire
• will work collaboratively with the Choir’s Committee to programme imaginative and attractive concerts
• has good organisational skills
• can build new links, and strengthen existing ones, with musicians across the region

The successful candidate will be engaged on a self-employed basis at a competitive rate of remuneration, based on experience.

For more information about the Choir please visit our website https://eyebachchoir.co.uk

The closing date for applications is 16 September 2024.

Interviews will be held in person or via Zoom, during the week commencing 30 September. Candidates will be asked to submit a draft programme for the 2025/26 season in advance of interview.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend a rehearsal of the Choir during October at which they will be asked to lead a short warm up session and spend 20-30 minutes working on a set movement from Howard Goodall’s ‘Every Purpose under the Heaven.’

Application is by email to Nicola Wheeler secretary@eyebachchoir.co.uk with a CV and covering letter.