Call for Applications
Associate Organist and Assistant Conductor
2026-2027 Season
The Church of St. Andrew and St. Paul (Presbyterian Church in Canada), a vibrant multicultural congregation in the heart of Montreal, seeks a person to fill the combined position of Associate Organist and Assistant Conductor whose duties shall commence as soon as possible, but not later than August 1, 2026.
Anchored in the Reformed tradition, The Church of St. Andrew and St. Paul has a long history of excellence in music and preaching. Sacred music is for us an indispensable medium for Christian witness, both reaching out to the larger world through recordings and broadcasts, and welcoming the community into warm Sunday morning worship and special services throughout the year.
The A&P Music Department, led by Director of Music Stephanie Manias, oversees all musical activities in the Church. Of primary importance is The A&P Choir, one of Canada’s most advanced choral ensembles. Under the direction of Conductor Léa Moisan-Perrier, the hybrid professional and volunteer choir includes some of the finest singers from the greater Montreal area. In addition to providing music for the church’s regular worship services, the choir rehearses three times a month on Thursday nights and also presents concerts and special choral services, including: The annual Maison du Parc benefit concert in collaboration with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra Players’ Association, Carols by Candlelight, choral vespers and vigil services, and a Good Friday choral service with Ensemble Caprice.
The Church is equally proud of its tradition of excellent organ-playing, and boasts a four-manual 1932 Casavant with over 100 ranks and around 7,000 pipes spread over eight divisions, located in the chancel and the gallery. Dr. Isabelle Demers has served as Organist-in-Residence since 2025, offering an opportunity for direct mentorship to the Associate Organist and Organ Scholar.
Position Summary
The Associate Organist and Assistant Conductor collaborates closely with the Music Department of The Church of St. Andrew and St. Paul, providing service music on the organ for approximately three-quarters of Sunday services. A very high level of proficiency on the organ is expected.
In their capacity as Assistant Conductor, the successful candidate is expected to conduct full choral services in the absence of the Conductor, and rehearsal hours as needed. The Associate Organist and Assistant Conductor will also assist the Conductor for special services as required.
In addition to their compensation, the Associate Organist and Assistant Conductor will receive mentorship from the Organist-in-Residence and the Conductor.
The Associate Organist and Assistant Conductor may be asked to assist in organ maintenance occasionally, and in basic administrative tasks, primarily related to the music library.
Core Responsibilities
The Associate Organist and Assistant Conductor will:
● Work closely with the Director of Music, Conductor, and Organist-in-Residence to maintain the high-quality tradition of music-making at A&P;
● Play the organ at a majority of Sunday services, Lenten and Advent Chapel services, Taize services, and special choral projects. An exact number of services will be agreed upon between the successful candidate and the Organist-in-Residence, in consultation with the Director of Music and Conductor;
● Be entitled to the first right of refusal for all funerals and weddings taking place at The Church, remunerated separately from their contract;
● Conduct the choir in the absence of the Conductor when needed and in other services and rehearsals as assigned;
● Assist the Conductor and help with balance for orchestra rehearsals, for example, the Maison du Parc Benefit Concert, Carols by Candlelight services with brass and percussion ensemble, and the Good Friday Choral Service with Ensemble Caprice;
● When attending rehearsals as organist and/or conductor, sing in the Choir for other repertoire;
● Support the marketing and social media efforts of the Music Department, for example, in creating social media content (photos and videos of rehearsals).
Qualifications:
● Graduate degree in organ-playing, or equivalent;
● Experience in service-playing (hymns, choral anthems and introits, improvisation, voluntaries);
● Experience in working with a conductor;
● Conducting experience;
● Strong interpersonal skills;
● Degree in conducting (an asset);
● French-English bilingualism (an asset);
● Experience as a chorister (an asset).
Employment Details
● Part-time position (10-12 hours per week): hours and remuneration to be determined.
● Location: 3415 Rue Redpath, Montreal QC, H3G 2G2
● Start date: August 1, 2026, or sooner.
● Compensation commensurate with experience and qualifications following the RCCO scale.
How to Apply:
Please send the following material by email by Sunday May 31st:
● Video(s) of recent organ performances (maximum 15 minutes, showcasing a variety of styles);
● Video(s) of conducting in performance and/or rehearsal (maximum 15 minutes);
● Curriculum Vitae;
● Letter of interest;
● The names and contact information of three referees;
● List of organ repertoire;
● List of conducting repertoire.
Send all material to: apmusicdirector@gmail.com
Receipt of all applications will be acknowledged promptly, and successful candidates will be invited to an audition and interview at the Church of St. Andrew & St. Paul (3415 Rue Redpath, Montréal, QC H3G 2G2).
