Musical Director

Musical Director Aberdeen Orpheus Choir

The Aberdeen Orpheus Choir is currently inviting applications for the position of Musical Director to replace their current director when she retires in the Summer of 2026. Full details of the position are included below along with information on how to apply and where to make informal queries in the first instance.

Aberdeen Orpheus Choir

The Orpheus is a four-voice choir of medium size (50-60 singers) for adults aged over 18. It is based in the city of Aberdeen, Scotland. Its members must be able to read music and commit to regular attendance at rehearsals and concerts. 

The singers enjoy performing a wide range of music, from Mozart to McCartney. Although it is an amateur group, members take pride in performing to a well-rehearsed, high standard. 

It is a sociable choir, and its members aim to make the Orpheus welcoming and friendly. Traditionally two social events a year take place outwith rehearsals.

The choir performs two principal concerts a year, at Christmas and in May, in Mannofield Church, Aberdeen with additional concerts for charity in a variety of venues (usually one per term). 

Rehearsals run from August through to May on Wednesday evenings from 7.15 to 9.15pm in Mannofield Church, Great Western Road, Aberdeen AB10 6UZ, with a break over Christmas and New Year.

General information relating to Aberdeen Orpheus Choir can be found on our website www.aoc.org.uk 

General description of Musical Director 

The Musical Director of the Orpheus Choir is responsible for all aspects of the musicality of this well known SATB  choral ensemble in Aberdeen. The Director works closely with an  elected committee of choir members to ensure the smooth running of the choir and is responsible for selecting the repertoire from an extensive existing library as well as regularly introducing new pieces and working closely with the professional accompanist to conduct the choir at rehearsals and concert performances. The Director contributes to the strategic direction of the choir while ensuring that rehearsals and concert performances are a positive experience for performers and attendees. The Director plays  a pivotal role in sourcing instrumental soloists for concerts (with an emphasis on encouraging young, local talent), auditioning potential members (alongside one or two committee members each time) and creating attractive and diverse programmes for the choir.

Please see below for a description of the skills and attributes required for the position.

Essential 

• Broad awareness of the choral music genre from classical choral pieces to contemporary and pop.

• Ability to select a broad repertoire of lyrical pieces with piano and/or instrumental accompaniments alongside acapella pieces and pieces for women’s and men’s voices to meet the needs of the choir and their audience.

• Experience in  rehearsing and conducting a choral ensemble 

• Experience in conducting a choral ensemble working with both singers and musicians.

• Experience in working with professional accompanists to ensure harmonious rehearsals and performances.

• Experience of auditioning prospective members.

• Ability to source, select and work with guest soloists

• Experience of contributing to the strategic direction of a musical ensemble shaping performances by the selection and rehearsal of music chosen for a particular group of performers.

• Experience of working with an elected  committee  to ensure the smooth running of a musical ensemble.

• Willingness to attend committee meetings to ensure the good running of the Choir as an ex-officio member.

Desirable 

• Previous experience in conducting and directing a SATB ensemble.

• Ability to accompany the Choir on the piano during rehearsals if the normal accompanist is not available.

• Ability to accompany guest soloists at concert performances.

• Friendly, outgoing and supportive mindset.

• A determination to make regular rehearsals and performances a positive experience for Choir members and audiences

• Tact and diplomacy when dealing with committee and Choir members and prospective members during auditions.

• Willingness to attend occasional social events to enhance working relationships with members of the Choir.

• Willingness to maintain and enhance the friendly ethos of the Orpheus Choir.

Working conditions: 

The Musical Director will be engaged on a self-employed basis. Further details of remuneration are  available on request.

Information about application procedures 

Applications for the post of Musical Director should consist of  a CV (2 pages of A4 maximum please) and a brief covering letter outlining your key skills and experience relating to the post. Applications should be submitted  by July 5th 2025 to the AOC President,  Brian Livingstone at  president@aoc.org.uk 

Interview process

Recruitment will be via a panel interview in early September followed by  a practical session with the choir in the third or fourth week of September. 

Informal queries 

Informal queries are most welcome. Please contact the current Musical Director, Jane Murray, on 07967926758, or at conductor@aoc.org.uk to find out more.