Conductor (symphony orchestra)

Our longstanding conductor is stepping down at the end of this season, so Southgate Symphony Orchestra is looking to appoint a new conductor for our 2024/25 season, i.e. from September 2024.

SSO is an enthusiastic adult amateur orchestra rehearsing weekly on Wednesday evenings at St. Andrew’s Church, Chase Side, Southgate, London N14 5PP. The Orchestra performs three concerts a year, usually in March/April, July and November. There are ten weekly rehearsals to prepare for each concert plus a rehearsal on the afternoon of the concert.

We perform a wide and varied repertoire, aiming to include less frequently performed works alongside well-loved classics. We aim to give concerto opportunities to young “rising stars” as well as established soloists. A selection of recent highlights includes Dvorak: 9th Symphony; Saxophone Rhapsodies by Debussy and Eric Coates with Rob Burton, a Young Musician of the Year Finalist.; Brahms: Double Concerto with Joana Li and Kirsten Jenson; Bruckner: Symphony No. 1.; Sibelius: ‘Pelleas and Melisande’ Suite; and Kodaly: ‘Marosszek’ Dances.

Since restarting after the Covid pandemic, we have found it difficult to recruit new members. We are looking for someone with the ability and enthusiasm to help the orchestra grow and be able to work with amateur players of varying standards and experience, encouraging each player to perform at their best.
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to assist the committee with programme planning, suggesting suitable repertoire that will challenge the players and attract audiences, alongside engaging with, rehearsing, and teaching the orchestra.

The orchestra will interview candidates later this spring, with a chance to meet the committee and take a rehearsal in the summer term. We will identify a shortlist of candidates to each work with the orchestra (paid) for a term in the 2024/25 season, to ensure a good mutual fit.

To express interest (or request more information) please send CV and covering note to Margery Dey (Secretary) at contactus@southgatesymphony.co.uk

Closing date for applications is 29 February 2024.