Job Posting: Artistic Director

Reports to: Board of Directors
Supervises: Associate Conductor, rehearsal accompanists, guest soloists/musicians (when applicable)
Ex-officio: Member of the Board of Directors (non-voting)

Start Date: July 2027
Application deadline: April 3, 2026 – see below for further instructions.

Term: 1 year term with renewal upon successful review
Location: Vancouver, British Columbia

Organizational Overview

The Vancouver Cantata Singers (VCS) is one of Canada’s preeminent, award-winning choral ensembles. Known for its exceptional artistry, technical virtuosity and exquisite tonal blend, the choir maintains the highest standards of performance in repertoire encompassing 500 years.

VCS have been awarded the Canada Council’s top prize in choral singing, the Healey Willan Grand Prize, more than any other choir in the country.

VCS also commissions new works from critically acclaimed composers which have led to extremely successful and innovative collaborations with regional and international artists and ensembles.

VCS rehearses from September to May on Wednesday evenings in East Vancouver and performs a minimum of four concerts a year as well as occasional collaborative performances throughout the Metro Vancouver region.

Position Summary

The Artistic Director (AD) serves as the chief artistic visionary and musical leader of the Vancouver Cantata Singers. This role leads the choir’s artistic direction, repertoire, performance standards, collaborative partnerships, and public profile. The AD works collaboratively with the General Manager, Board of Directors, and choir members to develop and deliver inspiring concerts that reflect the organization’s history of artistic excellence.

The AD embodies the ensemble’s commitment to exceptional choral artistry, ambitious programming, and engagement with Vancouver’s cultural community, while maintaining fiscal responsibility and operational alignment with VCS’s strategic priorities.

Key Responsibilities

Artistic Leadership & Vision

• In consultation with the General Manager and Programming Committee, develop artistic programming (repertoire, themes, collaborators) for each concert season that balances artistic excellence, audience engagement, and financial realities.
• Collaborate on key aspects of concert preparation and production in consultation with the General Manager
• Champion and expand the artistic identity of VCS, fostering innovation while honoring the ensemble’s traditions of excellence and precision.
• Actively seeks out, studies, and prepares new choral repertoire, demonstrating a commitment to continual learning and the expansion and diversification of programming.
• Select composers to commission works for VCS and consult on development of new choral works
• Possesses and continually develops an extensive knowledge of conducting technique and choral pedagogy
• Serve as the principal artistic spokesperson for VCS in media, community, and donor settings.

Conducting & Performance Preparation

• Provide leadership and direction in rehearsals and performances throughout the season; prepare the choir to high artistic standards for concerts and, when applicable, for collaborations with guest conductors or partner organizations.
• Conduct regular rehearsals, sectionals (where applicable), and performance rehearsals; ensure coherence of artistic interpretation and ensemble sound.
• Oversee the planning of rehearsal schedules and performance logistics in collaboration with the General Manager.

Recruitment & Musical Development

• Oversee singer recruitment and audition processes, ensuring a strong and balanced ensemble.
• Initiates, leads, and develops outreach opportunities that foster meaningful community partnerships and expand the choir’s presence.
• Select and recommend soloists and orchestral musicians for performances, subject to logistical and budgetary considerations. 
• Promote ongoing vocal technique, musicianship, and ensemble coherence; provide musical guidance for section leaders, Associate Conductors, and accompanists.

Organizational Engagement & Advocacy

• Attend Board meetings as an ex-officio non-voting member and contribute to organizational planning and policy discussions.
• Work with the General Manager, Board of Directors, and donors to support fund development opportunities.
• Represent VCS at artistic, community, and fundraising events; cultivate relationships with peers in the Vancouver and national choral community.
• Support promotional activities including media interviews, program notes, and community outreach.

Qualifications & Competencies

• Proven expertise in conducting advanced adult choral ensemble(s), including preparation of artistically and technically demanding repertoire
• Deep knowledge of choral literature across historical periods and styles.
• Extensive knowledge of vocal technique and choral pedagogy
• Demonstrated ability to recruit, retain, inspire, and develop singers and artistic teams.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills; comfortable as a public artistic representative.
• Commitment to artistic excellence, community engagement, and organizational collaboration.
• Advanced degree in Music or Choral Conducting or equivalent professional experience.

• Experience with commissioning new works and working with living composers.
• Background in audience development and community engagement within the arts sector.
• A demonstrated ability to engage with, and build connections within, Vancouver’s choral and cultural community.

Expectations & Working Conditions

• Evening and weekend availability is required due to rehearsals and performance schedules.
• The AD is expected to be deeply involved in high-level artistic planning throughout the year.
• Reasonable travel for guest engagements or educational outreach may be required.

Compensation

• This is a contract position with annual compensation of $50,000-$55,000. There will be no relocation fees available for the successful applicant.

Application Instructions

Please submit the following materials to applications@vancouvercantatasingers.com no later than April 3, 2026:

1. Cover letter articulating your artistic vision and interest in VCS.
2. Résumé/CV highlighting relevant experience.
3. Up to a maximum of 3 samples of programs presented or prepared in the last 2 seasons 
4. Up to 10 minutes of Audio/video links of recent performances.

Only applicants advancing to the interview round will be contacted. Online interviews will begin in April 2026. Shortlisted candidates must be available to attend an in-person audition on May 20, May 27 or June 3, 2026.