Baltimore, Maryland
Allentown, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Posted: 23-Jan-25
Location: Greenbelt, Maryland
Type: Contract
Salary: $25,000
The Prince George’s Philharmonic, a community orchestra based in Prince George’s County, Maryland, a suburb of Washington DC, seeks a Music Director/Principal Conductor to start July 1, 2026. Finalists for the position will be invited to conduct a subscription concert during the orchestra’s 2025-2026 season.
The ideal candidate will possess exceptional musicianship and conducting skills; significant conducting experience, including work with professional musicians; knowledge of a broad range of repertoire; good public speaking skills, and evidence of successful collaboration with all orchestral constituencies (Board of Directors, Executive Staff, Musicians, and Educators). The Music Director/Conductor is also expected to interact with the Prince George’s County Council and corporate donors, as well as make media appearances.
The orchestra, which is approaching its 60th season, is Prince George’s County’s oldest continuous performing arts ensemble. The group is made up of more than 75 amateur and professional musicians and has a budget of between $140,000 and $160,000. The orchestra rehearses weekly on Wednesday evenings between September and May. It typically performs six programs per season at several venues within the county. Its repertoire includes some of the most challenging pieces in the standard repertoire as well as contemporary works, some of which the orchestra has premiered.
The Philharmonic has become an important force in music education in the county. It maintains a program called “Symphony Kids” where students are provided with instrumental music lessons and presents master classes by some of its guest soloists. It also provides talented high school students the opportunity to perform with the orchestra, and it has formed partnerships with arts magnet high schools in performing works for chorus and orchestra.
We seek a Music Director/Conductor who will build on this solid foundation and help move the orchestra forward with creative ideas for audience development and programming. In collaboration with the Executive Staff, Board, volunteers, and musicians, we seek a Music Director/Conductor who will work to present music of the highest quality, strengthen the school music offerings, and heighten the Philharmonic’s visibility in the community through new partnerships, cultivated audiences, and fresh initiatives.
Applications will be accepted immediately and must be received by March 1, 2025. Applicants should submit a resume, cover letter and three professional references that include contact information to pgpmdsearch@gmail.com. The email subject line should read “Music Director Application.” Applications should contain links to videos of conducting in rehearsal and concert environments.
The candidate must have proven musical ability and exhibit leadership in developing the artistic quality of the orchestra. The candidate must demonstrate experience in working collaboratively with diverse constituencies, including orchestras, administrators, boards, and the local business community. A master’s degree in Music and/or five years’ conducting experience is required. We desire an individual who resides in the Washington-Baltimore area or will be relocating there by the time the 2026 season begins.
The Music Director/Conductor is responsible for the artistic operation of the orchestra. As a part of that responsibility, the Director, along with the Board and Executive Director, determines each season’s rehearsal and concert schedule. The Director selects soloists, preferably showcasing regional talent. The Director defines musician requirements for specific programs and works with the Personnel Manager in meeting those requirements. The Director leads auditions as necessary to fill musician positions and makes the final decisions on player selection, seating, part assignment, and other matters pertaining to orchestral participation. The Director is also responsible for choosing an Assistant or Associate Conductor.
The Director works with the Board to define the specific vision, goals, and objectives of the Philharmonic and helps develop, advocate for, and participate in, activities that promote the orchestra. The Director is expected to be a visible and active part of the community and represent the Philharmonic at various civic functions and organizations. The Director works to increase the interest in classical music and other musical genres that represent our diverse community and to develop programs that expand our audiences. The Director participates in activities, such as radio interviews, to promote concert attendance and presents pre-concert lectures or in-concert comments. The Director is also a participant in our fund-raising efforts and is expected to interact with members of the County Council and donors.
The Director, in collaboration with the Executive Director and the Chair of the Board’s finance committee, develops the orchestra’s annual Artistic budget. The Director is an ex officio member of the Board and participates in its monthly meetings. The Director works with the Philharmonic staff, including the President, Personnel Manager, Librarian, and the Stage Manager, in the preparation and staging of concerts.
Our orchestra reflects the exceptional diversity that is a defining feature of Prince George’s County. We seek a Director who wishes to work collaboratively with this dedicated group of musicians, educators, and board members to enhance the cultural life of our community.