Cantamus is looking for a new Musical Director

Cantamus (Shipston)

Cantamus is looking for a new Musical Director
Cantamus is a small “a capella” mixed choir, who perform to exacting standards 3 or 4 times a year in the Shipston on Stour, South Warwickshire area. Richard Emms initially formed the choir and has led us with great skill for many years but is intending to step down early next year. We are looking to find a new enthusiastic Musical Director to take us on the next stage of our journey.
We rehearse on Tuesday evenings in Newbold on Stour and our repertoire is extensive and challenging, ranging from early music to 20th century pieces, some of which are arranged by Richard. Our 20 singers come from a wide range of backgrounds with a shared love of singing together, enjoy the challenge of demanding new pieces in up to 8 voices, and aim for the best performances possible. The management of the choir is led by ‘the gang’ who help arrange concerts, advise on repertoire and crucially manage the finances.
The Musical Director is expected to:
• Plan and lead our rehearsals, providing accompaniment whilst we are learning new pieces, and preparing us for performance.
• Conduct and lead us though our public performances.
• Advise on the vocal balance of the choir and assist the process of finding, assessing and assimilating new singers.
• Work with the gang to design the programme for forthcoming concerts, including liaison with Annie, a former actress and singer, who plans readings which complement our programmes of music.
We are expecting our Musical Director to have:
Experience and Skills
• A wide variety of musical knowledge either through training or experience.
• Experience in conducting and growing mixed choirs for high level performance of a wide-ranging repertoire.
• Ability to recommend suitably balanced musical programmes whilst working within the financial constraints of a small amateur choir.
• Sensitivity to encourage and support the development of a range of individual voices with the musical challenge of “a cappella” singing.
Personal Qualities
• Enthusiastic, energetic and fun to work with.
• Patient and adaptable in working with varying singing abilities whilst constantly improving performance standards.
• Reliable, well organised, with a good sense of humour.
• Outstanding communication skills with the ability to inspire and challenge us to tackle both unfamiliar repertoire and well-known works.
Remuneration
• To be negotiated, but expected to be around £3000 a year plus expenses, comprising say 40 x 2 hour rehearsals at £70, plus 3 or 4 concerts at £75 each.

Application Process
Please visit our website www.cantamus.org.uk for more information about the choir.
If you have further questions or wish to apply, please contact Hilary Roesen, email haroesen@hotmail.com.

In your written application, please explain how your experience and skills fit you for this role, and include the names of two referees who know you well.

Short-listed applicants will be expected to attend to take a rehearsal and answer questions at a follow-up interview.

If you are intending to apply please send your application to Hilary haroesen@hotmail.com by Monday 5th January 2026.