Cardiff University School of Music seeks to appoint a conductor for the Symphony Orchestra, the position to commence in October 2022. This position would suit an experienced ensemble leader with an interest in encouraging the development of young and aspiring musicians.
Cardiff University School of Music is one of the largest university schools of music in the United Kingdom with an average intake of 70 undergraduate and 40 postgraduate students each year. The School’s programmes include performance, composition, analysis, musicology, and ethnomusicology, and it places particular importance on performance as an essential component in a musical education that balances and combines practical and academic skills. In addition to several professionally led school ensembles, the School of Music encourages and supports numerous student-led ensembles representing a broad range of musical traditions. All university ensembles contribute to the educational goals of the school, and we are looking for ensemble leaders who wish to collaborate with academic members of staff, other ensemble directors, and practical tutors in providing an integrated educational experience to students.
Cardiff University Symphony Orchestra (CUSO) is one of the UK’s premier student Symphony Orchestras. An auditioned group of approximately 70 players, its membership is drawn from many schools within the University, including but not confined to students within the School of Music. The orchestra currently rehearses on Monday evenings in the Autumn and Spring semesters from 18:00 – 21:00. The orchestra gives a minimum of one public concert a year in venues such as St David’s Hall, and has in recent years released several acclaimed CD recordings as well as representing the University on international tours to Europe and China.
Role description
To conduct the Symphony Orchestra, train students in the fundamentals of ensemble rehearsing and playing and prepare for public performance. Develop the artistic and pedagogical direction of the ensemble in consultation with the Director of Performance, Performance and Engagement Executive Officer and other relevant members of staff. Oversee auditions.
Person specification
The successful candidate will have:
- Significant successful experience as an orchestral conductor
- Extensive experience working with student musicians
- Broad knowledge and understanding of the traditional and contemporary classical orchestral repertoire
- A sound knowledge of instrumental technique, preferably with an advanced degree in music with an emphasis in orchestral conducting
- Proven ability to inspire, train and lead ensembles
- Highly engaging and energetic personality
- Excellent organisational, communication and interpersonal skills
- The ability to work effectively and collegially with the School’s Performance Team
The conductor should articulate an artistic vision for CUSO and demonstrate the ability to programme and prepare challenging and captivating repertoire that will enhance the education of the students.
To apply for this role, please send a curriculum vitae, a cover letter detailing your suitability for the role, and the names and contact information for three references, specifying the nature of your relationship to them, to Elin Jones (Performance and Engagement Executive Officer) at jonese159@cardiff.ac.uk before 5pm on Friday 9 September 2022.
Short-listed candidates will be invited to an audition and interview to take place in late September. The hourly rate for this position is £69 and it is anticipated that this post will be approximately 60 hours per academic year. For more information about Cardiff University and the School of Music please visit www.cardiff.ac.uk/music.