Chorus pro Musica announces the search for a choral conductor of exceptional musicianship to lead the organization as Music Director

Mission Statement: Chorus pro Musica is a distinguished, independent, Boston-based chorus, recognized for its versatility and excellence in performing traditional, adventurous and seldom-heard works. CpM performs a cappella and in collaboration with other major artistic organizations and acclaimed soloists, enriching the musical lives of audiences and singers alike.

Chorus pro Musica (CpM), which will celebrate its 60th season in 2008–2009, is one of the foremost choruses in the Greater Boston area, regularly receiving critical acclaim for its musical excellence and innovative repertoire. CpM is seeking candidates for Music Director, to take up the position no later than September 2009. The search committee expects to invite three finalists to prepare and conduct a concert during the 2008–2009 season. The present Artistic Director, Jeffrey Rink, will return to conduct the final concert of the season, and a candidate may also be asked to prepare the chorus for this.

The chorus attains its high standards of artistic achievement with a traditional, independent chorus organization. The annual budget of this 100-voice volunteer chorus is in the region of $250,000. The day to day business of the chorus is run by an executive committee, which manages concert production, chorus personnel and other operations. The finances and fund-raising are overseen by a board of trustees. Funding comes from private donors, grants and ticket sales. The work is supported by a chorus manager, aided by volunteers, most of whom are chorus members.

The chorus rehearses at Old South Church, near Copley Square in Boston, on Monday nights. Rehearsals begin the Monday after Labor Day, and the final concert is normally on the Sunday after Memorial Day in NEC’s Jordan Hall. Members are admitted by audition and expected to attend all rehearsals, as well as spend time outside of rehearsal learning their music.

CpM normally produces four concerts a season. In addition, the chorus is regularly hired once or twice per season by area orchestras to perform with them for concerts and other special events.

DUTIES OF THE MUSIC DIRECTOR

ARTISTIC MANAGEMENT

• Provide vision, leadership and artistic direction to the chorus;
• Maintain and advance the standard of excellence in performance, and program a diverse repertoire, in line with the mission statement of the organization;
• Periodically hold auditions for new singers;
• Periodically hold auditions for current members. Presently singers re-audition every two years;
• Prepare the chorus for all CpM subscription concerts (normally 4 per year) at regular rehearsals, including sectional rehearsals as necessary;
• Coordinate with section leaders to communicate rehearsal notes and other information to singers;
• Work with a contractor or otherwise engage orchestra players, and obtain orchestral/instrumental music parts;
• Select soloists, including hearing auditions if appropriate, and negotiate fees within the agreed budget;
• Plan and conduct additional rehearsals for soloists and instrumentalists, with and without the chorus, as necessary;
• Prepares scores and markings for chorus, orchestra and soloists;
• Write or approve program notes, and, with the Executive Committee, review program books;
• Engage and manage the accompanist;
• Ensure the chorus is prepared for concerts and other events for which the chorus is hired. This may include attending rehearsals of the hiring organizations and meeting with the conductor;
• Undertake any other activities that form a normal part of performance preparation.

BOARD RELATIONS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

• Attend Trustees meetings and Executive Committee meetings as necessary. This has usually been most meetings. Occasionally attend other meetings;
• Present regular reports to the Board and Executive Committee regarding artistic programs and projects;
• Participate in fund-raising events, for example conducting “Summer Sings” open to the public, usually on Monday evenings in August.

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

• Work with the Executive Committee annually to plan repertoire and budgets for each season, including preparation of costs of soloists and instrumentalists;
• Follow the approved budget for programming;
• Assist in grant applications.

PUBLIC RELATIONS

• Serve as artistic spokesperson for the organization;
• Participate in events to honor donors and subscribers, to encourage others to become supporters of CpM, and to further the aims and mission of CpM and its name-recognition;
• Represent the chorus in media appearances;
• Participate in musical and professional organizations;
• Work with the Executive Committee to develop marketing and PR campaigns.

Candidates will be invited to interview in the early spring, and we expect that the finalists will prepare and conduct one concert next season. Although this is highly desirable, it will not be an absolute requirement to a candidate if this cannot be scheduled.

Applications are invited from qualified conductors and will be kept confidential. Please send a one-page cover letter and a résumé of no more than 3 pages, to arrive by March 24th, to:

Music Director search
Chorus pro Musica
645 Boylston Street
Boston MA 02116