SEEKING CHORAL MUSIC DIRECTOR
The Toronto Welsh Male Voice Choir (TWMVC) is seeking the services of an experienced Musical Director and Principal Conductor beginning September 01, 2027.
ABOUT THE CHOIR
The TWMVC has been thrilling concert audiences since 1995; presenting the achingly beautiful songs of the Welsh mountains and valleys & successfully bringing the spirit of Welsh TTBB choral singing to Canada. Its repertoire includes Welsh hymns and folk songs, African American spirituals, operatic arias, Canadian folk songs, Broadway show tunes and pop. This blend of music is performed “off book” in stunning four-part harmony.
While many TWMVC singers still claim Welsh heritage, the choir also includes singers of diverse backgrounds. Three-hundred concert audiences have experienced TWMVC in performance – usually partnered with charitable sponsors. Concert venues include churches, cathedrals, concert halls and outdoor stages across Canada and in both the USA and the UK. The Choir has performed from Newfoundland to B.C., has twice toured Wales and has performed with Welsh celebrity solo artists Bryn Terfel and John Owen Jones.
WHO SHOULD APPLY TO THIS CALL?
Choral music directors and choral conductors with established experience in leading groups of singers of varied musical skills through rehearsal sessions and conducting TTBB repertoire for concert audiences.
CONDUCTOR’S RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Conductor will be:
- Responsible for all aspects of the Choir’s artistic performance. He or she reports to the Board of Directors and works in partnership with other key TWMVC Committees;
- A visionary leader who will create an artistic strategy consistent with the TWMVC’s vision, mission, and values;
- A creative thinker, teacher, programmer, and experienced musician, able to inspire performances of superior artistic quality and emotional impact;
- Committed to creating a vision for the organization that builds on the Toronto Welsh Male Voice Choir’s 30-year history;
- He or she will be a team builder; able to foster effective working relationships with multiple stakeholders, including the TWMVC Board, its members, volunteers, professional musicians including other TWMVC staff, collaborative partners and funders.
- Adhere to all TWMVC’s policies and be a part of The Choir’s efforts to create a fulfilling environment.
- Plan and deliver weekly rehearsals for a 40-voice choir, in person on Wednesday evenings at our 401/ Yonge Street rehearsal facility, each year from early September to the end of May.
- Conduct the choir in concert about twelve times per year, with engagements staged both in the GTA and across southern Ontario, usually on weekends for sponsors, such as church organizations and charities;
- Be responsible for preparing concert repertoire of approximately 100 minutes.
Collectively, TWMVC singers have mastered a repertoire of concert-ready, off-book TTBB arrangements. While partly refreshed each season, this established song list will continue to form the core of our future repertoire. It includes traditional Welsh pieces and modern arrangements by composers/songwriters from Wales, sung both in Welsh and in English; as well as repertoire from other musical styles and genres, including Canadian folk, Broadway, opera, pop and the African American spiritual tradition.
MUSIC DIRECTOR RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Musical Director will:
- Work closely with TWMVC’s outstanding, long-term accompanist and our soloists;
- Participate in the TWMVC informal audition process for new singers;
- Work in collaboration with the TWMVC Board of Directors and TWMVC committees, respecting the provisions of the TWMVC Constitution, which governs Welsh content and choir governance and demonstrate a commitment to the Welsh language and Welsh choral traditions. (you do not have to speak Welsh). TWMVC is a choral collective, managed by its members.
- Fulfill other artistic responsibilities, which may arise for the successful delivery of the TWMVC concert schedule.
COMPENSATION:
Commensurate with experience. Travel, food, and accommodations are provided by the TWMVC, when the TWMVC is travelling outside the GTA.
THE SELECTION PROCESS:
TWMVC has established a Selection Committee from within its membership and will review all applications. Following review, the Committee will contact selected individuals for interview. The Committee will then present its final selections to the TWMVC Board of Directors. Final selection will be based upon the individual’s experience, qualifications, fit with the choir, and compensation expectation. All individuals who apply will be contacted regarding the outcome of the process.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS:
Interested candidates are invited to submit a letter of interest in confidence, as well as a resume, salary expectations, list of references, and up to three videos of professional quality (one of which, if possible, has been recorded live in concert) by February 28, 2027, to: TWMVC Search Committee Chair at niels@christensengroup.ca