JOB OVERVIEW

Under the supervision of the VP of Artistic Planning, the Assistant Conductor is an integral part of the Utah Symphony | Utah Opera (USUO) conducting team. Regularly liaising with Music Director, Markus Poschner, and Principal Guest Conductor, Delyana Lazarova, the Assistant Conductor assumes a broad range of responsibilities.  The role enjoys considerable podium time rehearsing and conducting education, community engagement, Pops, film, and special concerts as assigned.  The Assistant Conductor is our primary cover conductor and acts as a representative of USUO.  As we are both a Symphony and Opera company, this structure provides the Assistant Conductor with access to both symphonic and operatic artistic processes, in coordination with production and touring schedules.

This individual works closely with both the orchestra musicians and staff members, most particularly the Artistic, Operations, and Education and Community Engagement Departments.  As such, the Assistant Conductor needs to be an excellent collaborator.  Access to the USUO administrative staff presents opportunities to learn how the entire organization functions thus building the Assistant Conductor’s skills toward a successful professional career.  We expect the successful candidate to eagerly and openly ask questions to remain informed and connected to USUO staff needs.  As an individual of an organization with a 52-week orchestra, the ideal Assistant Conductor will take advantage of our robust calendar by proactively engaging with as many services and opportunities as possible. 

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Serve as the Symphony cover conductor for all programs.
  • Learn all related scores.
  • Attend every orchestra service.
  • Be prepared to fill in as conductor if necessary.
  • Assist Music Director and guest conductors on issues of balance, sound reinforcement, and other artistic/logistical concerns.
• Under the guidance of the VP of Education & Community Engagement and the VP of Artistic Planning, assist in the creation and refinement of theme, repertoire, and general performance details including but not limited to: In School, Fifth Grade, Access to Music, Side-by-Side, and regional tours.
  • Prepare, rehearse, and perform related concerts.
  • In consultation with the VP of Education & Community Engagement, write and deliver scripts verbally to audiences where appropriate.
• Under the guidance of the VP of Artistic Planning, propose/refine concert themes and repertoire selections for select Family, Film, Deer Valley Music Festival, and Pops concerts.
  • Prepare, rehearse and perform related concerts.
• Attend various concert and non-concert activities and events, acting as a representative of USUO.
• Participate in Education and Engagement activities including but not limited to: Side-by-Side, Conductor in the Classroom, and Salute to Youth.
• Assist Music Director in Utah Symphony archival recordings and making timely suggestions of which live performances should be broadcast on radio.
• Prepare and deliver 30-minute pre-concert lectures for Masterworks performances and select run-out Symphony performances as assigned.
• Participate as directed in planning meetings, media events, fundraising activities, speaking engagements, education and engagement opportunities, development meetings and activities, administrative meetings and other activities as directed.
• Other duties as assigned, including but not limited to: calling supertitles as needed for Utah Symphony performances, score reading/video direction for mixed media concerts and/or video projects, assisting the Music Director in taking down notes between recording sessions, among others.

Application Procedure:

1. All applications must be received by May 11, 2026. Applications should be sent to asstconductor@usuo.org.
2. Individuals should submit a cover letter, current resume or CV, and contact information for three professional references. Candidates are also required to submit two current video work samples. Video should be a front-view perspective of either a rehearsal or performance with a full symphonic or large chamber orchestra ensemble.
3. All video materials must be submitted electronically through Dropbox, Hightail, or an unlisted YouTube link. Please include URLs to these materials in the application email.
4. Must be available for an audition in Salt Lake City, UT on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.

REQUIRED SKILLS / ABILITIES:

• Excellent verbal, aural, and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work independently.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and remain flexible to department urgencies when appropriate.

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in conducting or related music field required.
• Master’s level or higher preferred.
• Broad knowledge of orchestral repertoire and programming.
• Knowledge and understanding of industry trends.
• Proven record of successfully working with staff, musicians, guest artists, and civic engagement.
• Year-round residency in Salt Lake required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Prolonged periods of remaining stationary.
• Able to move equipment weighing up to 30 pounds.
• Must have reliable transportation.

About Utah Symphony Utah Opera

About Utah Symphony | Utah Opera Utah Symphony | Utah Opera’s mission is to connect Utah with great live music in orchestral and operatic art forms that celebrate past traditions while cultivating present and future audiences.The Utah Symphony, which performs more than 70 concerts at Abravanel Hall and in the community, is one of only fifteen year-round orchestras in the nation. Together with Utah Opera, which presents four productions annually at the Janet Quinney Lawson Capitol Theatre, USUO reaches 350,000 people in Utah and the Intermountain region through performances and educational outreach programs. The organization employs 57 staff and 86 full-time musicians and has a development staff of nine. USUO hosts an annual summer series – the Deer Valley® Music Festival – in Park City, Utah. For more information, visit www.usuo.org.

Connections working at Utah Symphony Utah Opera