Director of Music

Following the resignation of our present MD, Michael Cayton, we wish to appoint a new Musical Director from September 2025.

Watford Philharmonic Society is in its 90th season and consists of a non-auditioned SATB choir of around 100 voices, with its own largely amateur orchestra of about 25 playing members. We also have Watford Phil Voices, an ensemble formed for outreach purposes and smaller, informal concerts. We perform four or five concerts a year at the Grand Hall, Bushey and our annual programme includes repertoire ranging from the major classical canon and contemporary works to musical theatre. We engage additional musicians and professional soloists for our concerts. We are a Registered Charity and further information about the Society, including its history and concert programme, can be found on our website: www.watfordphilharmonic.co.uk

The choir rehearses weekly during term time on Monday evenings from 7.30pm to 9.30pm at St Luke’s Church, central Watford, and we hold day-long Saturday workshops for most concerts. The orchestra rehearses 7.30pm – 9.30pm at the Friends’ Meeting House nearby on selected Wednesday evenings. There is an extended joint rehearsal on the final Monday before each concert.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and energetic MD with a good sense of humour and a positive approach who will continue and build on the excellent work carried out by Michael in the ten years he has been with us.

Job Specification

The role of the Musical Director comprises:

• leading weekly choir rehearsals

• working to improve members’ singing technique and musical knowledge

• preparing and conducting the choir and orchestra for concerts

• working in conjunction with Watford Phil Voices

• taking sectional rehearsals as appropriate

• working closely with the choir’s piano accompanist

• arranging cover for absences as necessary

• leading the orchestral rehearsals

• preparing the orchestra for concerts

• working closely with the orchestra Leader

• continuing the work to develop and rebuild the orchestra

• attending Committee meetings by invitation

• working with the Committee to devise varied and stimulating concert programmes at least one year in advance

• providing guidance and advice on musical matters as appropriate

• working within an agreed budget, recommending soloists and additional instrumentalists to take part in concerts

Essential abilities and qualities

• experience as MD or equivalent, with excellent conducting skills

• excellent keyboard skills

• wide knowledge of the choral and orchestral repertoire, both sacred and secular

• ability to motivate and inspire choir and orchestra members

• good communication skills and a friendly demeanour

• ability to devise imaginative and attractive concerts within an agreed budget

• ability to work with the Committee and other members as a team player

Renumeration

Our fees are based on the rates recommended by Making Music for rehearsals and playing in concerts. The person appointed will be self-employed and will be contracted initially for one year (to be reviewed annually).

Application process

To apply for this post, please send a letter of application and your CV to secretary@watfordphilharmonic.co.uk The closing date is midnight on Friday, 21st February 2025. Short-listed candidates will be invited to meet the Chairman and some Committee members and take a rehearsal with both the choir and orchestra in early March on dates to be agreed. The successful candidate will be required to take a DBS check in line with the Society’s safe-guarding policy.

For further details about this post or an informal discussion, please contact our Chairman, Mrs Pam Allanson at pam@warrenhouse.me.uk or 01923 286930.