Department: Artistic Planning FLSA Status: Exempt Work Location: Primarily onsite, with some remote work FT/PT: Full-time Last Revision Date: October 1, 2024 Submission Deadline: November 17, 2024
How to apply: A cover letter is required for consideration of this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and working at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, outlining your skills and experience that directly relate to the responsibilities of the role.
Please also submit a minimum of 3 URL links to recent conducting videos with orchestra demonstrating contrasting styles, at least two of which should feature standard repertoire (please do not send videos as attachments). Videos should be captured from the orchestra’s vantage point.
Finalists must be available for an in-person audition and interviews taking place on February 25 and 26, 2025.
Please submit complete applications to: acaudition@dso.org by Sunday November 17, 2024.
The Organization: The Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) is known internationally for trailblazing performances, collaborations with the world’s foremost musical artists, and a deep commitment to serving our community. Making its home in historic Orchestra Hall at the Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center, the DSO actively pursues its vision to be an inclusive and culturally relevant community where all people can experience their world through music.
The DSO is a complex organization. Operating 365 days per year in historic Orchestra Hall, one of America’s most acoustically perfect concert halls, we are a performing arts institution, an educational facility, and a community center. We are governed by an independent Board of Directors and employ both union and non-union employees as musicians, stage crew, and administrative staff. Creating a unified culture throughout the institution is an organizational imperative, and we are guided by our values of excellence, diversity, resilience, collaboration, and innovation. The DSO is also deeply invested in the city of Detroit; through our Detroit Strategy initiative, we are expanding the DSO’s participation in the growth and well-being of the city.
The DSO’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is paramount to who we are; we work to create an environment where all employees are seen, valued, and supported to enable their best every day. This is essential as we pursue our mission to impact lives through unforgettable musical experiences by sustaining a world class orchestra for the city of Detroit and the global community.
The DSO offers a unique, fast-paced working environment, an excellent overall compensation package, and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For more information visitwww.dso.org.
Position Summary: The Detroit Symphony Orchestra seeks an Assistant Conductor beginning in the 2025-26 season. This role serves as Assistant Conductor to Music Director Jader Bignamini, as well as cover conductor for guest conductors on our PVS Classical and William Davidson Neighborhood Concert Series. Additionally, the Assistant Conductor will have the opportunity to conduct the majority of the DSO’s Young People’s Family, Education, and Community concerts as well as select PNC Pops and other special concerts as needed and based on experience.
Specific Duties and Responsibilities:
Serve as cover conductor and be of general assistance to the Music Director, guest conductors, and soloists for the most efficient preparation of concerts and recordings, providing feedback related to balance, intonation, dynamics, and other artistic matters.
Act as a substitute conductor in case of emergency for assigned concerts and rehearsals.
Work with members of the Artistic Planning team and related teams to develop programs for Family, Education, and Community concerts as assigned.
Based on experience, conducting opportunities for the Assistant Conductor may include: one DSO subscription program (full or chamber orchestra); Community Concerts; the majority of Young People’s Family Concert programs, Educational Concert Series and/or In School programs; PNC Pops Series and Special Presentations; New Music Group programs as needed; other programs as assigned.
Assist in the production of the DSO webcast series “Live from Orchestra Hall” to include score reading; collaborating with Music Director, guest conductors and Executive Producer/Directors on camera shots and sequences; participate in interviews and webcast planning.
Participate in approval process and/or editing concerts for broadcasts, streaming, and commercial releases, as needed.
Participate in auditions as an auditor.
Speak publicly as a representative of the DSO throughout community as assigned, as well as act as a resource and host as needed for audience development, Community, and Educational Outreach programs.
Lead pre-concert talks for the PVS Classical Series.
Collaborate with Advancement, Communications, and Marketing teams on engagement activities, which may include hosting or speaking at events.
Collaborate with Communications teams on digital projects.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications:
Exceptional musicianship and conducting skills; knowledge of a broad range of repertoire; strong communication, interpersonal, leadership and organizational skills.
Minimum of five years’ experience as a conductor and/or music director of symphony orchestras. Previous experience conducting professional symphony orchestras.
Bachelors level college, conservatory degree or other advanced studies in music, conducting or music education required.
A detailed knowledge of orchestra operations, including understanding of orchestra concert programming and/or performance of orchestral repertoire, is essential for this position. Must be able to work with artists and a broad spectrum of personalities.
Experience and comfort with public speaking and preparing remarks.
Imagination, flexibility and the ability to work under pressure.
Must be able to work days, evenings and weekends as required.
Must be fluent in the English language, both spoken and written. Articulate, and able to communicate effectively with a broad range of constituents including but not limited to musicians, staff, and patrons of all ages.
Authorization to work in the United States.
Desired Qualifications:
Advanced educational degree and/or training from a university, college or conservatory, in music, conducting, or music education.
Experience leading family and education concerts.
Demonstrated experience and investment in issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Additional Information:
This is a salaried, non-union position.
Successful candidates must be available to work a varying schedule, including nights and weekends, to meet the needs of the DSO’s performance schedule.
Successful candidate must maintain primary residence in Metro Detroit.
All positions at the DSO require the successful completion of a background check prior to beginning employment. A criminal record does not automatically disqualify candidates.
The acclaimed Detroit Symphony Orchestra is known for trailblazing performances, collaborations with the world’s foremost musical artists, and a deep connection to its city. Led by Music Director Jader Bignamini since 2020, the DSO makes its home at historic Orchestra Hall within the Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center, offering a performance schedule that features the PVS Classical, PNC Pops, Paradise Jazz, and Young People’s Family Concert series. In addition, the DSO presents the William Davidson Neighborhood Concert Series in metro area venues, as well as eclectic multi-genre performances in its mid-size venue The Cube, constructed and curated with support from Peter D. & Julie F. Cummings. A dedication to broadcast innovation began in 1922, when the DSO became the first orchestra in the world to present a live radio broadcast of a concert and continues today with the groundbreaking Live from Orchestra Hall series of free webcasts.
Since its first school concerts a century ago, and particularly since the founding of the Civic Youth Ensembles in 1970, the DSO has been a national leader in bringing the benefits of music education to students, teachers, and families in D...etroit and surrounding communities. The DSO remains committed to expanding its participation in the growth and well-being of Detroit through programs like its Detroit Neighborhood Initiative—cultural events co-created with community partners and residents—and Detroit Harmony, a promise to provide an instrument and instruction to any student in the city who wants to learn. With unwavering support from the people of Detroit, the DSO actively pursues a mission to impact lives through the power of unforgettable musical experiences.