Vocalis Chamber Choir is seeking to appoint a new Musical Director to start in September 2024, as Alexander Kyle, our inspirational MD for the past 10 years is taking up a new professional commitment.
Vocalis is a popular chamber choir in the beautiful spa town of Harrogate, North Yorkshire. We are a thriving SATB choir of just under 40 singers with a professional outlook, united in its commitment to performing music of the highest quality. Members come from all walks of life and are all experienced singers. Under Alexander Kyle, Vocalis has established an enviable reputation for performing choral music to a consistently high standard.
Our repertoire is wide ranging, including music from the Renaissance to the present day. The choir sings mainly 'a cappella', although some large works have been performed with chamber orchestra, other instrumental ensembles or organ. We have collaborated with local choirs for larger works, including Handel's Messiah and Bach's St Matthew Passion and Mass in B Minor, and have successful partnerships with local schools.
Vocalis sings up to five concerts a year. We are a registered charity, our main aim being to improve, develop and maintain public appreciation of music and we are dedicated to raising funds for local charities.
Rehearsals are held weekly - currently on Wednesday evenings (from 7.30-9.30pm) during term time at Harrogate High School, Ainsty Road, Harrogate, HG1 4AP.
Musical Director Requirements
We expect candidates to have prior experience of directing similar adult choirs, to have good keyboard skills, and be prepared to work alongside the choir's committee by proactively advising on theme, style and repertoire for concert programmes, concert dates and so forth. We are looking for someone with strong interpersonal skills who can inspire and engage the choir with their passion for high quality choral singing, along with a clear directing style and a sense of fun. Requirements also include:
* Maintaining and improving the vocal standard of the choir using knowledge of vocal technique.
* Auditioning prospective new members and re-auditioning existing members and to make recommendations to the Committee in the light of such auditions.
* Making recommendations to the Committee on the engagement of soloists and other performers needed for concerts.
Auditions/Interviews
Auditions of shortlisted candidates will take place at Harrogate High School on Wednesday 28 February (and possibly 6 March), to coincide with choir rehearsal evenings.
Candidates will also be invited to an interview soon after during w/c 4 and 11 March, timing early evening.
Remuneration
£100 to £125 per rehearsal and £150 to £200 for concert day plus rehearsal, dependent on prior experience. These fees are normally reviewed annually.
Applications
Please email your CV and a covering letter of application, including your particular areas of musical interest, to Kevin Paynes (Chair) at kevin.paynes111@gmail.com and a further copy of your email to recruitment@harrogatevocalis.org.uk.
More information about the choir and forthcoming concerts can be found at https://www.harrogatevocalis.org.uk. If you have any further queries or would like a conversation, please contact us via both email addresses and we will get back to you quickly.
Closing date for applications is no later than Sunday 4 February.
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