Conductor/ Music Director

Harmony Sinfonia

Music Director/Conductor Opportunity
Applications are invited for the position of Music Director and Conductor of Harmony Sinfonia. We are looking for a dynamic and engaging individual to join us from the summer term 2026 to build on the success of this well-established community orchestra.
The successful candidate will have the ability to inspire colleagues and, working in close collaboration with our leader, further improve the creative standards of the orchestra.
Payment for this role is £1,000 per term.

About us
Established in 2009 and based in St Margaret’s Church, Blackheath, London SE13 5DL, Harmony Sinfonia is a vibrant and thriving amateur orchestra playing a diverse and enterprising range of music. We perform three concerts a year, based on a seven-rehearsal termly schedule, with rehearsals held on Wednesdays, 7.45–10.00pm, plus a concert-day rehearsal on Saturday.

Application process
Those wishing to be considered should submit a CV (no longer than two sides of A4), with a covering letter outlining how they would fulfil this role. Please refer in your letter to the elements outlined in the Music Director role profile (see below). Candidates should also include a link to a video showing an example of their conducting. All applications should be sent to harmonysinfonia@gmail.com
Selected applicants will be invited to an interview in the Blackheath/Greenwich area with members of the committee on 26th or 29th January 2026, with shortlisted candidates invited to audition with the orchestra on either 25th February or 4th March.

The closing date for applications is 16th January 2026.

Role overview
To oversee the musical development of the orchestra and maximise learning and performance standards. The Music Director reports to the chair of trustees (the orchestra is a registered charity). This document is to be read in conjunction with the Music Director Contract.

Main responsibilities
Planning repertoire
Working with the trustees on the selection of suitable repertoire for the orchestra, giving consideration to the degree of challenge of different pieces, instrumentation, what the orchestra has previously played, availability and cost of parts.

Planning rehearsals
Agreeing rehearsal schedule with trustees each term.
Ensuring all rehearsals are thoroughly planned to ensure the most positive performance outcomes and to maximise players’ development and enjoyment.

Conducting
Taking principal responsibility for the planning and conducting of Wednesday-evening rehearsals, and at least one concert per term, with additional afternoon rehearsal held on concert day.
A full commitment to all rehearsals and concert dates.
Planning and collaboration with soloists as required to ensure positive musical outcomes.
Conducting sectionals where required.

Relationship with leader
Developing a productive and positive relationship with the leader to jointly work on developing performance standards.

Collaborative working with trustees to develop the orchestra’s standards and activities
Attending some trustee meetings, as an ex-officio committee member, to actively participate in discussions regarding the planning and direction of the orchestra.
Contributing to a range of initiatives to promote and develop the orchestra.

Community projects
From time to time the orchestra may engage in community projects. The Music Director should participate in these where practical to further promote the orchestra within the local area.

Person specification:-
Degree in Music
Excellent knowledge of a broad range of repertoire
At least three years’ experience of conducting orchestras
Significant experience of planning rehearsals
Good contacts with musicians to work with the orchestra as required
Ability to engage with and inspire all sections of the orchestra
Excellent communication skills with all orchestra members and audiences
Ability to develop good working relationships with the leader and trustees
Experience of working collaboratively with a committee
Excellent conducting technique
Commitment to full schedule of rehearsals and concerts