Musical Director

Founded in 1896 The Northampton Philharmonic Choir is an amateur mixed-voice, auditioned choir with a current membership of around 35 singers.  The Choir has enjoyed a long history of music-making in Northampton and the surrounding area, and we pride ourselves on the quality of the performances we achieve.  As well as singing the standard and well-loved choral repertoire from before the 20th century the Choir regularly sings more contemporary choral classics.

For the past 18 years we have enjoyed being under the baton of Christopher Mabley who has decided to step down at the end of the season and we are now seeking a new Musical Director to start in September 2023. 

Like many choirs our membership is lower following the pandemic and we are looking to rebuild and grow our membership and our audiences to become one of the leading choirs in the area.  To help us achieve this we would like to recruit an enthusiastic and inspirational Musical Director who will accompany us on our journey and help us achieve these goals. 

The Choir rehearses on a Tuesday evening between 7:15pm & 9:15pm (we can be flexible on these times) from September to June and performs 3 concerts a year.  

Key responsibilities of the role are: 

• Work with the committee and attend meetings
  • To manage the musical direction and strategy of the Choir
  • To plan and schedule appropriate repertoire within the allocated budget
  • Advise on musical matters
• Draw up appropriate rehearsal schedules
• Take rehearsals from the keyboard, coach and conduct performers
• Conduct the Choir in performances
• Conduct auditions where appropriate
• Source, contract on behalf of the Choir and liaise with orchestras/soloists/ musicians required for concerts
• Contribute information for all concert literature eg diary, posters, website, programmes
• Be main point of contact for guest players and soloists at concerts.

Attributes:

• Previous experience in choral training and performance
• Professional and positive approach with the ability to encourage, motivate and challenge the Choir.
• Able to work collaboratively with the Choir and the committee to further our aspirations
• Ability to lead the rehearsals from the keyboard

Selection Process

The selection process will comprise an initial interview via Zoom and shortlisted candidates will then be invited to take half of a Tuesday rehearsal.

The successful candidate will be employed on a Contract of Services and remuneration is negotiable.

Please apply by email to Karen Booth at chair@nphoir.org.uk including your CV and summarising why you would be suitable for the position.