Ars Musica Chorale, of Ridgewood, N.J., a suburban community 15 miles from New York City, is seeking an experienced, accomplished music director/conductor with a wide knowledge of choral literature. The Chorale is a critically praised and highly-dedicated group of 80 avocational singers with professional standards and a commitment to excellence. Founded in 1965, Ars Musica will celebrate its 55th season with an eclectic mix of music from Purcell to Berlioz, Mendelssohn to Beethoven. Former Music Director Dusty Francis has since been appointed Director of the New York City Master Chorale. Our immediate past Music Director, James Kennerley, will assume duties as Director of Music at St Paul’s Choir School in Boston in September.
Our exciting 2018-2019 season featured our Encore Young Artists as soloists and included two collaborations each with the Adelphi Orchestra and the New Jersey State Children’s Chorus. All were involved in our Bernstein Centenary celebration, which also included working with Tony nominee Lauren Worsham. Audience growth has been steady, and for the first time in Ars Musica Chorale’s 54 years, every audience this past season exceeded 300! Through increased marketing efforts, the surrounding community has taken note of Ars Musica Chorale’s excellence in performance.
The Chorale has a regular season of four concerts with additional engagements on occasion. Tuesday night rehearsals and weekend performances take place mainly in Bergen County, New Jersey. Also, attendance at monthly board meetings, fundraisers, workshops, and summer sings will be expected. Experience with children’s choral groups will merit special consideration. The Music Director works with the part time Chorus Administrator and the volunteer Board of Directors.
The successful candidate will possess excellent conducting skills, superior communication skills, a history of musical accomplishments, the ability to teach musicianship, vocal and choral techniques and relevant languages, the ability to establish musical goals and reach them, and the ability to work with a volunteer organization. S/he will be expected to secure professional soloists and instrumentalists as needed.
Salary range: $17,000 – $20,000
Please send your cover letter, resume, CV and salary requirements to opportunity@arsmusica.org by July 31. Interviews and auditions will be held this Summer; duties will commence on September 1, 2019.
Additional Information on the planned 2019-2020 Season:
1st Concert:
Saturday, October 26, 2019 7PM Concert at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Ridgewood, NJ
Dido and Aeneas will feature glorious music by Purcell and Handel, including the Coronation Anthems.
2nd Concert
Saturday, December 14, 2019 7PM Concert at West Side Presbyterian Church, Ridgewood, NJ
An Ars Musica Holiday Celebration, a classic concert where we celebrate the season with the angelic New Jersey State Children’s Chorus and our Encore Young Artist (EYA) soloists, accompanied by a brass quintet, percussion, organ and piano ensemble.
3rd Concert
Sunday, March 15, 2020 4PM Concert at West Side Presbyterian Church, Ridgewood, NJ
Hariu L’Adonai: Mendelssohn and More featuring soulful melodies and stunning choral music by Mendelssohn (Motets) and Jewish composers, Salomone Rossi, Leonard Bernstein, Max Janovsky, Bloch, Weill.
4th Concert
Saturday, May 30, 2020 7PM Concert at West Side Presbyterian Church, Ridgewood, NJ
Romantic Revolutionaries: Beethoven and Berlioz with masterworks for chorus and orchestra including Beethoven’s Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage and Berlioz’ Messe Solennelle. (2020 is Beethoven’s 250th birthday.) We will be collaborating with the Adelphi Orchestra.
