Artistic Director

Artistic Director Position

Position Overview

As we approach the retirement of our founding Artistic Director in June of 2026, Chicago Chorale seeks a visionary musical leader who will work closely with the Board of Directors to set the course for the organization’s next chapter.

The Artistic Director is the organization’s primary representative to its singing members and the community, promoting excellence in performance, excitement about the group’s mission, and investment by its stakeholders. This is a part-time, contract-based position that will include regular evening and occasional weekend rehearsals as well as attendance at Board meetings and other periodic commitments. While the hours are non-standard, responsibilities are expected to average 10 to 15 hours per week. The Artistic Director is supported by a part-time Managing Director. The position is renewable by mutual agreement of the Artistic Director and the Board of Directors.

Please note that this successful candidate will begin their term as Artistic Director of Chicago Chorale in summer 2027 in advance of the choir’s 2027-28 season. As part of the selection process, three finalists for the Artistic Director position will be invited to serve as paid Guest Conductors for the choir’s 2026-27 season. As a finalist, you would select repertoire and prepare the choir over a ten-week rehearsal period that includes eleven rehearsals and culminates in two performances in Chicago on mutually agreed upon dates.

About Chicago Chorale

Chicago Chorale is a distinguished, 60-voice choir based in Chicago's historic Hyde Park neighborhood and composed of dedicated volunteer singers from throughout Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana. Founded by Bruce Tammen in 2001, we rehearse weekly on Wednesday nights and occasional Saturday mornings, and currently program three concert cycles per year, performing in November, March, and late May or early June. In addition to our concert programs, we participate in community events each year during the month of December: a Vespers service at a local monastery and a caroling sing-along that raises funds for non-profit organizations on the city’s south side.

Our repertoire ranges from beloved a cappella and orchestral works to overlooked masterpieces and newly commissioned music. We are known for delivering sensitive and thought-provoking performances of classical, baroque, romantic, and neoromantic works sung in their original languages. With more than ten recordings, multiple Ravinia performances, and four international tours to our credit, we are committed above all to artistic excellence and integrity and to challenging and inspiring our singers and audience members alike.​

Responsibilities of the Artistic Director

• Artistic Leadership:
• Collaborate with the Board of Directors to develop and execute an Artistic Vision
• Plan and conduct three concert programs annually (September–June)​
• Select diverse and challenging repertoire
• Recruit and audition singers to maintain performance standards
• Hire and oversee rehearsal accompanist
• Supervise any recordings or contracted performances outside of the concert season (e.g., Ravinia, other summer opportunities)
• Contract with musicians for performances involving orchestras, instrumentalists, and/or soloists
• Rehearsals and Performances:
• Conduct all rehearsals and performances
• Collaborate with the Managing Director to identify rehearsal and performance venues
• Administrative Duties:
• Collaborate with the Managing Director to maintain member rosters and oversee singer attendance
• Collaborate with the Managing Director on the design of marketing materials.
• Write or delegate writer for concert program notes
• Collaborate with the Managing Director on the design and copy for concert program books 
• Coordinate with Chorale’s music librarian to oversee the music library; select and purchase musical scores
• Participate in and prepare reports for Executive Committee meetings, Board meetings, and annual Board retreat
• Community and Audience Engagement:
• Engage with the community to build audiences and partnerships​
• Prepare and conduct Vespers and Caroling Sing-Along performances
• Participate in fundraising activities (donor appreciation and development events)
• Network with other Chicago arts organizations

Qualifications

• Education: Master's degree in Music with an emphasis in choral conducting or equivalent experience
• Experience: Minimum of 5–7 years choral conducting, including work with volunteer choirs and singers of varying skill levels. Comprehensive knowledge of classical Western choral repertoire and vocal production. Experience conducting instrumentalists is preferred, but not required.\
• Skills:
  • Strong verbal and written communication abilities
  • Proficiency with electronic communication; familiarity with Google Suite is a plus
  • Experience in fundraising, donor development, marketing, social media, and community outreach is preferred, but not required​
• Personal Attributes:
  • Demonstrated commitment to Chicago Chorale's mission​
  • Ability to inspire and work effectively with volunteer singers and stakeholders​
  • Dedication to fostering the artistic growth of the organization
  • Warmth and emotional intelligence

Application Procedure

Please see the attached Job Posting document for a detailed job description and application requirements.  Inquiries and job applications should be sent to [email protected]. Applications are due by January 15, 2026.