Resident Conductor Application

TORONTO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Peter Oundjian, Music Director
Resident Conductor position

THE APPLICATION DEADLINE HAS PASSED

APPLICATION INFORMATION:

The Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) is inviting applications for the position of Resident Conductor to begin during the 2012-13 season. The Resident Conductor will work closely with Music Director Peter Oundjian, the artistic staff and the musicians of the TSO. This two-year position includes significant podium time by combining the responsibilities of conducting select TSO concerts and rehearsals, covering assigned TSO concerts and rehearsals, as well as holding the position of Conductor of the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra (TSYO). In addition, critical training and active involvement in the programme planning, orchestra operations, recordings/tours, marketing, public relations, education and development activities will be provided to the Resident Conductor to enhance understanding of a professional orchestra. The Resident Conductor will also have a role in promoting and representing the work of the TSO. Based on availability, Sir Andrew Davis (TSO Conductor Laureate), Steven Reineke (TSO Principal Pops conductor) and other guest conductors will be made available to the Resident Conductor for consultation and discussion. While no age requirement is mandated, it is expected that this position will be filled by a emerging conductor who has already demonstrated substantial accomplishment in the Canadian orchestral world.

For detailed information and history on the TSO and TSYO visit tso.ca

Qualifications/Requirements:

• All applicants for the position of TSO Resident Conductor must be Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents.
• The TSO Resident Conductor is expected to reside in Toronto or environs during the concert season throughout the term of the appointment.
• Candidates should have an advanced musical degree or equivalent with an exceptional level of aural skill.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability and desire to connect with audiences to speak for the music and the orchestra are expected.
• Candidates should have experience working with professional orchestras; involvement with Youth or training orchestras is an asset.
• Demonstrated rehearsals skills, an advanced knowledge of orchestral repertoire with a working knowledge of Canadian and international contemporary orchestral repertoire is essential.

HOW TO APPLY:

Applications must include:

1. Letter of interest (maximum one page) addressed to: The Search Committee
2. Full curriculum vitae (no longer than 5 pages) which includes citizenship, contact information, relevant professional or management website, information regarding educational background and professional activities and a list of three professional references with contact information.
3. A complete list of repertoire, including information about performances past and future. This performance list should also include, if applicable, existing professional conducting commitments planned during the term of this residency.
4. 2 contrasting video clips representing the applicant’s work (inclusion of rehearsal footage strongly encouraged). Limit submissions to maximum 15 minutes in total with each segment clearly indexed.

NOTE: The search committee will receive all applications for the position in confidence.

Auditions:

• The search committee will include Music Director Peter Oundjian, representatives of the orchestra, TSYO faculty and artistic staff.
• The applications must be submitted no later than: Friday, March 9, 2012 at 5pm.
• Candidates who are selected as finalists will be notified by Thursday, April 5, 2012 and given the repertoire list and details for the final auditions.
• Live auditions for finalists will take place in Toronto on Saturday, April 14, 2012 with the TSYO at the Faculty of Music (University of Toronto), and Monday, May 7, 2012 with the TSO on-stage at Roy Thomson Hall (exact times TBA).
• The audition process will include on-stage rehearsal time, an interview process and a written exercise.

Terms of contract:

• September 2012 through June 2014 (2 year term with the possibility of a one-year extension through June 2015)
• This position is funded in part by the Canada Council with additional funding from the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.
• Compensation will be discussed at the time the position is offered.