Conductor

Alton Concert Orchestra is recruiting a new conductor

Alton Concert Orchestra (based in Alton, Hampshire) is a registered charity.  Founded in 1992 we exist to serve the local community and to provide a forum for all musicians who enjoy playing in an ensemble.  We have a policy of welcoming anyone of any age without the requirement of an audition and currently have around 42 permanent members.

Our music repertoire is wide and varied to suit all tastes and ranges from classical symphonies to show music incorporating big band and swing.  Currently the orchestra puts on three public concerts a year, including the Bordon Proms in July, as well as being involved in local pop-up events and community partnerships with other local music groups and schools.

The orchestra is run by a committee and the involvement of members in its organisation is encouraged and welcomed.  Members pay a termly fee to cover music and other costs.  We pride ourselves on our friendly, hardworking approach to our music making.  We have an assistant conductor, David Budd, an orchestra member, who will be with us until July 2026.

For more information about the orchestra, please see our website:

Our Goal - altonconcertorchestra

Our principal conductor, Chris Gardner, is retiring at the end of this year and we are now looking for someone who will take up the baton and continue the excellent progress the orchestra has achieved under Chris’s direction.

Our new conductor will be engaged on a Making Music model contract and amongst other duties will be expected to:

• Work with committee members to recommend a musical programme for each season and to cost the programme as regards the engagement of any soloists and other performers required to perform the programme.
• Rehearse the orchestra in term time every Wednesday evening from 7.30 – 9.30 pm in Alton.
• Conduct the orchestra and other performers at concerts as shall be agreed.
• Ensure that the highest possible musical standards are achieved both at rehearsals and concerts, consistent with our financial resources and players’ abilities.
• Make recommendations to the committee for the engagement of soloists and other performers needed for concerts, and to audition them if necessary. 
• Attend committee meetings as and when appropriate.

Our new conductor will be inspiring and supportive of the orchestra’s efforts.  We believe that our playing is good for our level of resources and would like to improve it further.  We would like to continue to perform a varied programme of major works as well as commissioning work from local composers.

To apply for the position please send a musical CV, including details of the works previously conducted to committee member Michael Orchard at orchard.michael@me.com.  For more information and/or an informal chat about the position please also contact Michael.

The proposed fees will be in line with Making Music/Musicians Union recommendations. Conductors are self-employed and responsible for their own NI and tax.

We will interview a shortlist of candidates on 17th or 18th November, and hold audition rehearsals on 26th November and 3rd December. Both interviews and auditions will be held in Alton although Zoom interviews may be possible.  Closing date for applications is 24 October 2025.