Kantorei Seeks Artistic Director

After 16 seasons of artistic excellence in Colorado, founding Artistic Director and Conductor Richard Larson has stepped down from his position with Kantorei. Kantorei will operate with an interim conductor for the 2013-2014 season and seeks a permanent Artistic Director to lead the choir beginning in July, 2014.

About the Choir

Kantorei, founded in 1997, is a nationally recognized, all-volunteer, highly auditioned choral ensemble based in Denver, CO. In its 16-year history, the choir has performed at the 2003 and 2011 National ACDA Conventions, regional and local ACDA conventions, the 2008 National Performing Arts Convention, the Aspen Music Festival, and others.

Kantorei's mission is to promote appreciation for the choral arts in the Denver community, through the expert performance of historically and emotionally diverse choral literature.  To support this mission the choir presents an annual season consisting of four concert series.  Kantorei frequently hosts composers and conductors of international renown such as Eric Whitacre, René Clausen, Anton Armstrong, Eric William Barnum and Simon Carrington.

Responsibilities

The Artistic Director is responsible for all artistic aspects of the organization, including:

• Serving as Principal Conductor for concerts, regular weekly rehearsals, and ad hoc rehearsals

• Auditioning and/or selecting the Assistant Conductor, rehearsal accompanist, choir members, soloists, instrumentalists and guest conductors

• Planning and choosing repertoire for concert programs, tours and recordings, appropriate to the choir’s standing as an ensemble of international caliber

• Collaborating and cooperating with the Assistant Conductor

• Approving repertoire of guest conductors and composers

• Coordinating rehearsal and performance schedules with the Assistant Conductor and Executive Director

• Planning and overseeing the production of professional-quality recordings

• Providing oversight to outreach programs and additional artistic endeavors as identified in the choir’s strategic plan

• Presenting annual and multi-year artistic plans for approval by the Board of Directors

• Serving as an ex officio member of the Board of Directors and participating in executive planning and decision-making, including the development of annual operating budgets and multi-year strategic plans

• Actively networking in the choral and broader arts communities in Denver, the state of Colorado, nationally and around the world as an ambassador for Kantorei

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of and experience conducting traditional and new choral repertoire

• Conducting experience appropriate to leading a professional-caliber choir

• Ability to attract, inspire, and retain a community of talented musicians

• Ability to foster a sense of family and community within the choir while simultaneously achieving the choir’s shared goal of choral excellence

• Ability to conduct professional instrumental ensembles

• Creative programming experience

• Active involvement in the national choral community

• Ability to work effectively with the board of directors and administrative staff

• Ability to represent the organization with funding agencies, donors and supporters

• Formal academic credentials in music are desirable, but not required

The position of Artistic Director is considered part-time.  An annual allowance for ongoing professional development will be negotiated with the successful applicant.

Application Requirements and Timeline

To apply, please submit the following no later than November 1st, 2013:

• A letter of introduction

• Résumé

• Sample programs from previous concerts

• Sample video recording from a recent concert

• Sample video recording from a recent rehearsal

• A proposed program for a Kantorei concert

• Other materials that may support your application, including musical compositions or arrangements, etc.

• A list of references that includes mailing addresses, email addresses, and phone numbers

Electronic materials may be submitted via email to directorsearch@kantorei.org. Any physical materials may be submitted separately to: Director Search, Kantorei, PO Box 18987, Denver, CO 80218.

Kantorei will be accepting applications through November 1st, 2013. Final candidates will be notified and interviews scheduled for January and February, 2014. The position will begin on July 1, 2014.

For more information about Kantorei, please visit www.kantorei.org.