Music Director

Riverside Choral Society (RCS), an 80-voice avocational chorus in Manhattan, seeks a talented, experienced, energetic, committed choral conductor to serve as its next music director. Now in its 44th year, RCS wishes to continue its legacy upon the retirement after 35 years of Patrick Gardner, our esteemed current director and Professor Emeritus and Director of Choral Activities at Rutgers University. This high-level ensemble performs twice each season with professional soloists, frequently with a full orchestra. We have often presented our concerts at Lincoln Center, have been featured performers with the Mostly Mozart Festival, and have worked with several of the world’s great orchestras. RCS members are admitted to the chorus by audition and invitation for their strong musicianship, aural skill, and vocal technique. Rehearsals are held on Tuesday evenings from 7:00-9:30 pm at the Riverside Church on the Upper West Side. This part-time, paid position starts in January of 2025.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Outstanding conducting and vocal pedagogy skills
• Thorough background knowledge of and affection for Western choral music tradition from the Baroque era to modern-day 
• Experience directing and conducting a chorus with an orchestra
• The expertise to enrich the singers’ learning experience by sharing musical and historical information about the repertoire
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Comfort working in a collaborative environment
• The ability to motivate, energize, and inspire both chorus members and an audience.

 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Provide overall artistic leadership and vision for the future growth of the organization, including recruiting, auditioning, and retaining new singers each season with support from the volunteer choir leadership. 
• Direct the chorus in all weekly Tuesday night rehearsals, occasional sectional rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and performances.  
• Conduct the chorus in a minimum of two concerts each season. Additional performances such as outreach may be planned year-to-year as schedules allow. 
• Share updates and ideas with the chorus on a frequent basis via email.
• Attend all board meetings, engage in budgeting conversations, and participate in fundraising efforts and events.
• Select repertoire for each concert season – drawing from the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and contemporary choral traditions, including commissions and the introduction of new works  – with input from the volunteer choir leadership.
• Collaborate with the RCS Board of Directors regarding:
• Selecting appropriate performance venues
• Securing dress rehearsal and concert dates with venues
• Engaging and rehearsing with outstanding soloists and instrumentalists 
• Maintain an active presence in the area’s choral and musical landscape by building relationships with other musical organizations and promoting RCS  through social media.​

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APPLICATION PROCEDURE 

Riverside Choral Society is open to a diverse array of candidates, including those with varied workplace experiences and backgrounds. The organization does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, ethnic origin, physical disability or sexual orientation. Interested candidates should send a cover letter, résumé, and a video sample of rehearsal and/or performance to [email protected] by May 15, 2024. Interviews will take place in June and July. Finalists will be invited to lead the chorus in rehearsal in the fall of 2024, with a decision announced by the end of the year.