Thank you so much for your interest in the Music Director position with the San Francisco Chamber Orchestra.
Applications will be accepted through November 2021
Interviews will begin in mid November 2021 and continue through December 2021.
Finalists will be chosen in late December/Early January
Each finalist will have an opportunity to conduct one MainStage and one Family Concert set with the SFCO in the Spring of April 2023.
Please send a cover letter, resume and anything else you would like to share to info@thesfco.org
MUSIC DIRECTOR JOB DESCRIPTION
The San Francisco Chamber Orchestra (SFCO) is seeking a creative, knowledgeable, inspiring, and community-minded Music Director who will bring joy, champion diversity, equity and inclusion, educate audiences, and foster our mission of making orchestral music accessible to everyone. Applications will be accepted through November 2021. Finalists are expected to be selected by February 2022. The audition season will take place in early 2023 and the new Music Director will assume the podium for the 2023-2024 season. Candidates should be qualified to fill the following roles: §
The Music Director is responsible for developing an imaginative, varied, and compelling program for the Orchestra, selecting soloists, developing and maintaining a strong working relationship with the musicians, establishing and communicating the programmatic path of the SFCO, and setting, in conjunction with the Board and staff, the short and long-term plans of the Orchestra.
The Music Director is a spokesperson for the organization and represents the organization to the outside world in a manner that is passionate, advocates live music, makes connections with the community, and educates the community about classical music.
Musical Responsibilities
Selecting works to be performed and soloists based on a wide range of musical knowledge and collaboration with the SFCO musicians.
Holding rehearsals for the orchestra and for conducting the orchestra during the performances (currently four “MainStage,” three “Family,” and two "Very First” concert series).
Speaking passionately and articulately about music and the Orchestra’s performances.
Providing input on the orchestra seating and substitute musicians in accordance with the relevant agreements.
Attracting and selecting soloists and guest artists.
Identifying and approaching local arts groups to appear with the Orchestra and coordinate their participation – usually for family concerts.
Debut Artists - Maintaining good relationships with major Bay Area instrumental teachers who help identify young musicians who are candidates to perform with the Orchestra as Debut Artists.
Administrative Responsibilites
Being a visible part of the Bay Area music community and actively participating in marketing, promotional, and fundraising efforts on behalf of the Orchestra. § Working with the Executive Director to determine the budget for each season and each concert.
Providing promotional material and descriptions of each concert for use for publicity. § Attending all Board meetings and providing thoughtful and thorough reports on artist activities and upcoming events.
Developing and maintaining strong relationships with local community arts groups, especially in relation to our Family Concert partners.
Maintaining good contacts/relationships @ Sphinx Organization for hiring Sphinx artists.
Maintaining relationships with members of the Founder’s Circle and expanding the member list.
Regularly communicating with major donors and funders. • Providing input and feedback on grant proposals.
The Music Director will report to the Board of Directors and must work cooperatively and closely with the Executive Director and the Orchestra’s staff. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are primary values of the SFCO. We manifest these values through the selection of musicians, composers, soloists and compositions to perform. The successful candidate for this position will meet our qualifications and demonstrate a commitment to and an ability to communicate these values