The Richmond Symphony Chorus is an award-winning, auditioned, all-volunteer ensemble of 150 members from the Richmond, VA region.  The Chorus performs regularly with the Richmond Symphony, as well as in stand-alone performances around the community.  The chorus members, ages 16-85, are a diverse group – teachers, medical professionals, attorneys, business leaders and students – all sharing a passion for choral singing.

Tell me more!

The successful candidate embodies the Symphony Chorus values of welcoming, passion, innovation, inclusivity and quality. The job requires strong leadership and organizational skills, a heart for community building, and the ability to deliver the utmost quality in performance. The Chorus Director is a dedicated musician of high caliber, and a motivated member of the Richmond Symphony artistic team.

What exactly would I do?

The Chorus Director position contains artistic, community and administrative components. Artistic duties include collaborating with the Symphony’s leadership to shape the sound of the Chorus in alignment with the Symphony, directing and instructing the repertoire of the season, leading rehearsals, auditioning new members, evaluating existing members, and curating, preparing and, if applicable, conducting concerts. The Chorus Director is an ambassador of the Symphony in our community, interacting with partner organizations, venue representatives, potential chorus members and the media. Administrative functions such as preparing and delivering communications, attendance at planning meetings, and participation in organizational discussions are required. 

What qualifications and skills do I need?

A Master’s degree in music and a commitment to our core values of welcoming, passion, innovation, inclusivity and quality is required. In addition, experience with adult choruses, a working knowledge of Italian, German and French, and a broad familiarity of standard choral repertoire is essential. Excellent written and verbal skills, being flexible and displaying a good sense of humor are all desirable traits.

What’s the compensation? 
This is a part-time position with a pay rate of $100-$110/hour. Concert conducting fees are negotiated separately.

How do I apply?

Send an email to apply@richmondsymphony.com with the following information: cover letter, resume, three professional references with their contact information (at least one familiar with your choral conducting), samples of two to three past programs that exemplify your work, and a link to video(s) that showcase you conducting in a rehearsal (preferred) or performance.

What’s the timeline?

Select, qualified applicants will be interviewed early summer 2023. Final candidates will be invited to Richmond late fall 2023 or spring 2024 for in-person interviews as well as concert preparation and performance with the Chorus.