Artistic Director

The Northwest Chamber Chorus of Seattle is seeking our next Artistic Director. 

Celebrating its 55th concert season in 2022–23, NWCC is an auditioned 45-voice ensemble, critically acclaimed for its compelling performances of a diverse repertoire of choral music. The chorus rehearses September through early June on Monday evenings and presents an annual series of concerts - two each in December, March, and June as well as community outreach performances. The chorus also periodically tours overseas. Rehearsals and most concerts take place at Phinney Ridge  Lutheran Church. More information about the chorus can be found at  

http://www.northwestchamberchorus.org. 

In addition to retiring Artistic Director Mark Kloepper, the choir’s current staff includes Executive  Director Carly Thornburg, and accompanist Ali Webb. The choir is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization governed by an eight-member Board of Directors including singers, community members, and former  NWCC members. The choir’s annual operating budget is approximately $100,000. Revenues come from concert tickets and program ads, an annual fundraising drive and auction, singer dues, and grants. 

Responsibilities 

- Audition and select new chorus members, keeping in mind the chorus’s efforts to reflect diversity, equity, and inclusion in its membership 

- Select challenging, interesting and diverse concert programming for three programs each season.

- Plan additional special projects every 1-2 years, generally funded by our annual spring auction  “fund a need”. These have included commissioning projects, concerts with expanded instrumental accompaniment, and so on. 

- Select instrumentalists and soloists for performances, as appropriate 

- Lead engaging, fast-paced and informative rehearsals weekly (Mondays, 7:00 to 9:30 p.m.) at  Phinney Ridge Lutheran. Conduct dress rehearsals, extra rehearsals (as needed), and concerts

- Conduct a two-day retreat each October and two Saturday retreats including one in January and one in March/April 

- Coordinate with volunteer section leaders to ensure knowledge of the repertoire and understand section concerns 

- Work collaboratively with NWCC’s accompanist 

- Participate in fundraising efforts, media appearances, and other public relations activities as appropriate, including attending NWCC’s annual spring auction. 

- Be responsible for creating program notes 

- At each monthly board meeting, report to the Board of Directors on the past month’s activities,  upcoming plans, and decisions or input needed from the Board 

- When needed, work in concert with Executive Director on chorus administrative matters 

Desired Skills and Experience 

- Substantial experience and/or formal training in choral conducting 

- Demonstrated knowledge of vocal pedagogy 

- Thorough knowledge of, and familiarity with, a diverse range of choral repertoire

- Ability to help the choir reach its musical potential through high rehearsal standards and  empathetic leadership