Voci Women's Vocal Ensemble is seeking a new Artistic Director. As part of our search, we are interested in appointing a Guest Conductor to work with us for our Spring 2025 concert season. The Guest Conductor will be included in our search process for a long-term Artistic Director.
Voci is a vibrant, 33-year-old, treble-voice ensemble comprising approximately 24-28 singers. We enjoy singing a widely varied repertoire, including many pieces that were commissioned for and premiered by Voci. We particularly enjoy performing pieces composed by women. We perform a capella and with accompaniment as varied as baroque orchestra and bowed piano. Our members include both trained vocal professionals and high-caliber amateurs in this audition-only ensemble.
Voci is a well-organized small arts nonprofit with a very dedicated volunteer Board of Directors and healthy financials, as well as substantial experience working with Guest Conductors. We have an excellent pianist available for the rehearsal process and concerts and an extensive library of music (although new repertoire can also be brought in).
Voci meets Wednesday evenings in Orinda and typically performs in the Oakland/Berkeley and Walnut Creek/Lafayette areas. We have concert sets in December and March/April each year, and sometimes also May fundraising events. We are currently seeking a Guest Conductor for the March/April 2025 concert season. The successful candidate will also be considered for the permanent Artistic Director position.
Duties of the Guest Conductor include designing and proposing a concert theme, working collaboratively and creatively with the Board of Directors, researching and identifying proposed repertoire and any guest artists, auditioning and admitting new singers, and ultimately preparing the ensemble for performances. As Guest Conductor, you will plan and conduct rehearsals and vocal retreats, identify the need for supplemental learning aids or sectional rehearsals, select soloists, supervise our piano accompanist, prepare soloists and guest artists, and provide feedback to singers (collectively and individually) to ensure timely music learning and performance preparation in keeping with the traditions and standards of Voci.
Administratively, you will work with the leadership team (e.g., Chorus Manager and Event/ Production and Communications Leads), as well as the overall Board of Directors, to facilitate planning and execution of the season. You will be paid a monthly stipend and will be responsible for the taxes on this compensation. Voci does not provide benefits or insurance.
Please visit VociSings.org for further information, including recordings of our wide-ranging music and past concert and library repertoire. We invite experienced conductors skilled in working with treble choirs and music to submit a resume and cover letter. In the letter, please detail your experience with treble and/or women’s choirs and interest in Voci. Also, please submit a proposed concert set for approximately 60 minutes of music. Recordings of performances showcasing conducting would also be helpful. The submission deadline is September 25, 2024.
For further information or to submit an application, please contact Karla Sagramoso, Chair of Director Search, at KSagramoso@VociSings.org.