The Artistic Director is the artistic and creative leader and the conductor of the Peterborough Singers, an auditioned community choir of over 110 voices that began in Peterborough, Ontario, in 1993. The choir has a reputation for presenting world-class guest artists and choral music from a variety of genres, including oratorios. Each year, the Singers performs Handel’s Messiah in December and a major choral work in May (e.g., Bach’s St. Matthew Passion). The Peterborough Singers prides itself on being a welcoming choir, accessible to anyone with the skill set to perform at the calibre needed for the repertoire, and “on enriching and transforming lives through the learning, singing, and sharing of choral music in our community.” For more information, see www.peterboroughsingers.com.
Work and Services
Overarching responsibilities are:
- Providing professional services as Artistic Director of the Peterborough Singers consistent with the Singers’ corporate vision of “enriching our community” by achieving excellence in choral music.
- Preparing and presenting choral music of the highest possible standard.
Work and services include:
- Defining and embodying the artistic standards of the Peterborough Singers and inspiring its members.
- Contributing to the long-term vision and strategic direction of the Peterborough Singers.
- Providing musical direction and conducting all regularly scheduled weekly and pre-concert rehearsals of the Peterborough Singers for the yearly scheduled concert series (usually four concerts).
- Directing, advising, and assisting choir members at rehearsals; assigning homework through weekly emails to choir members.
- Providing supervision and musical direction to the Musical Accompanist.
- Actively participating in the recruitment of new choir members; conducting auditions for current and prospective choir members as appropriate.
- Planning repertoire, selecting music, arranging guest artists, and otherwise preparing the Peterborough Singers for the regular concert season and choral workshops when scheduled.
- Liaising with partners, donors, sponsors, and patrons, as well as with representatives of other arts organizations, to promote the interests of the Peterborough Singers.
- Contributing to positive public relations and advocacy on behalf of the Peterborough Singers, e.g., promoting and participating in media coverage and special events.
- Working closely with the Board Chair, Business Manager, and operating committees to facilitate effective administration and operations.
- Attending meetings of the Board of Directors as an ex-officio member; providing information, advice, and assistance to the Board as required.
- Assisting the Board of Directors in the recruitment of new Board members.
- Participating in the preparation of grants and in other fundraising initiatives, e.g., corporate or event-specific sponsorship opportunities.
- Fostering partnerships and fruitful relationships with individual artists as well as with other regional, provincial, and federal arts organizations to enhance, promote, and enrich the Peterborough Singers.
- Commissioning new artistic works.
- Maintaining artistic growth through membership in choral organizations and attending workshops and conventions as appropriate.
Qualifications and Competencies
This section describes the experience and skills that are most important to this position. We understand that not everyone will be equally strong in each area and that each individual will have unique strengths and talents. However, the ideal Artistic Director will possess the following characteristics, qualifications, and expertise:
- A high degree of personal integrity and character and strong interpersonal skills.
- Five to ten years of choral conducting experience.
- A demonstrated record of providing outstanding artistic and organizational leadership, preferably for a large choral group.
- A postsecondary degree in choral conducting, master’s preferred, or equivalent training or experience.
- Additional musical qualifications or skills such as keyboard proficiency and choral arranging.
- Exceptional skill in vocal education with a thorough understanding of the voice and vocal training techniques.
- A deep knowledge of choral repertoire and the ability to build dynamic and engaging programmes.
- The ability to motivate singers and volunteers and to build consensus across multiple stakeholders.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills so as to teach and direct singers and contribute to public relations and advocacy on behalf of the choir.
Hours and Compensation
The position requires, on average, 10 to 20 hours a week. A substantial amount of time must be spent in Peterborough, with the majority of the work occuring from late August to early June.
Compensation will be commensurate with qualifications.