POSITION OVERVIEW
We are seeking an experienced, passionate, and energetic Interim Artistic Director for a one-year position while our current director is on sabbatical, from January 1, 2027, to December 31, 2027. The interim director will lead us through our spring and fall/winter 2027 terms. On completion of this contract, and by mutual agreement, further opportunities for involvement with the choir may arise. This is an excellent opportunity to work with an established choir and a committed Board of Directors (most of whom are choir members) as well as a range of other skilled musicians to help accomplish our artistic and educational goals.
For more information about the United Voices Choir, see the About UVC page on our website.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Program Development & Planning
- Design, develop, and lead the spring 2027 and the fall/winter 2027 concert programs in support of the choir’s developmental and financial goals. Currently a typical year consists
of two fall concerts (same repertoire) in November, a Sing-Along Messiah in December,
and two spring concerts in May/early June (same repertoire) at downtown and Kerrisdale venues. - Select vocal and instrumental music and develop costing for concert programs in consultation with our Board and Administrative Coordinator, including proposals for guest soloists and orchestral/instrumental performers.
Rehearsal Leadership
- Conduct weekly SATB rehearsals on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM.
Provide choristers with planned rehearsal schedules no later than the Thursday preceding each Tuesday rehearsal. Rehearsals currently take place in the West End. - Lead sectional rehearsals as needed (soprano/alto and tenor/baritone sections).
- Collaborate/liaise closely with Rehearsal Accompanist and Section Leads to monitor each section’s progress.
- Collaborate with the Professional Development Lead to organize two half-day mid-term workshops (one in spring and one in fall). May take place on a weekend if necessary.
- If numbers warrant, conduct auditions for new applicants to the choir in collaboration with our Administrative Coordinator.
Performance & Events
- Oversee and conduct concert performances that may include both vocal soloists and orchestral/instrumental accompaniment.
- Conduct technical and dress rehearsal at the concert venue.
- Ensure concert program running order is finalized at least two weeks prior to performance.
Professional Collaboration
- Work closely with the Concert Production Team.
- Liaise regularly with Section Leads.
- Attend monthly board meetings to provide and receive advice and guidance.
- Work with our Rehearsal Accompanist and Administrative Coordinator to acquire
qualified substitutes or additional pianists when needed for rehearsals or sectionals.
Time Commitment
- Approximately 5 to 10 hours most weeks, more in the week before concerts, much less in summer.
- Weekly rehearsals: Tuesday evenings, 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM.
Choir generally does not rehearse after the spring concert in late May/early June and does not meet in July and August. - Sectional rehearsals and workshops — schedule flexible and may include weekends.
WHAT WE PROVIDE
- Professional accompanist for rehearsals, workshops, and concerts.
- Support from part-time Administrative Coordinator (1 day per week), as well as a
hands-on Board of Directors and volunteer team. - Music, rehearsal and concert venue costs covered.
- Appropriate rehearsal and concert setup/take down.
- Music Librarian support.
- Concert production team.
REMUNERATION
Salary Range: $10, 000 – $14,000 for the contract year.
WHAT WE SEEK
- A skilled conductor who has experience directing SATB choirs, good knowledge of and love for the classical choral repertoire.
- Ideal candidates will have a M.Mus. or equivalent experience, strong leadership, communication and social skills, and can work collaboratively and effectively with volunteers and the Board of Directors.
- An interim artistic director with the ability to plan and deliver rehearsals and concert programs effectively within budgetary and time constraints.
- An interim artistic director with a commitment to music education and the ability to develop singers’ vocal technique and musicianship.
CONTRACT PERIOD
January 1, 2027 – December 31, 2027
APPLICATION PROCESS
Intererest candidates should submit:
- A resume highlighting relevant conducting and choral experience
- Cover letter with 500 word essay outlining the following:
- Why you are the right person for this job.
- Why you are the right person for this job.
- Your anticipated format for weekly rehearsals.
- Repertoire list of works performed as conductor, chorister, or orchestral musician.
- Any recordings of video materials showing conducting ability for either a cappella, orchestral accompaniment, or both.
- References, with contact details, from previous choral work.
- Current work status (and visa type, if applicable).
Candidates should be prepared to conduct a portion of a rehearsal in September 2026
as part of the selection process.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
July 10, 2026
APPLICATIONS OR QUESTIONS
Email your application or questions to:
Dammy Damstrom Albach, Board President, at applications@voiceschoir.ca