Founded in 1977, the WBC is a professional chorus and orchestra devoted principally, but not exclusively, to historically informed performance of the works of J.S. Bach and his baroque contemporaries. The WBC has been an important and highly acclaimed musical institution in the nation’s capital for almost forty years with a long-standing commitment to community outreach through its school programs, “Bach to School” and the “Wunderkind Project”; six free “Noontime Cantatas” at the Church of the Epiphany in downtown Washington, D.C.; and “Talking Bach,” its pre-concert lecture series. The WBC’s subscription series typically comprises four to five performances at the National Presbyterian Church and two or three smaller-scale performances at “Live! at 10th and G” in downtown Washington, D.C. Further details regarding the history, programming, recordings and organization of the WBC can be found at www.bachconsort.org.
The ideal candidate will have a thorough knowledge of historically informed performance practice and in-depth knowledge of a wide range of repertoire, with a particular emphasis on baroque repertoire. He or she must have significant experience in both professional choral and professional orchestral conducting. The ideal candidate will have outstanding communication and interpersonal skills such as will promote collegiality within the orchestra and chorus and bring out the very best in both artistically. He or she will collaborate constructively with the WBC board and staff to help assure the smooth operation and management of the WBC.
Although the position is not necessarily viewed as full-time, the WBC expects that the successful candidate will consider the position to be a priority. At a minimum the successful candidate will be expected to rehearse and conduct the WBC in all major performances and direct all others personally, by supervision of an assistant conductor, or by invitation of a highly qualified guest conductor. He or she must enthusiastically support the marketing and development initiatives of the board so as to help ensure the continuing financial viability of the WBC. As the public face of the WBC, the Artistic Director will devote his or her time, talent and energy to personally promoting the mission of the WBC and assuring its position as a music organization of the very highest caliber now and into the future.
JOB DESCRIPTION
The following job description envisions an Artistic Director resident in the Washington, D.C. area and who is therefore available to perform all of the Artistic Director’s responsibilities described below. The WBC is receptive, however, to applications from otherwise highly qualified persons who do not anticipate relocating to the Washington, D.C. area.
The Artistic Director (“AD”) reports to the Washington Bach Consort (“WBC”) Board of Directors.
The AD has the overall responsibility for artistic direction and programming of the WBC in conjunction with the Executive Director, Operations Manager and WBC Board, with the understanding that the mission of the WBC is to focus principally on the performance of the music of J.S. Bach and his baroque contemporaries. The WBC shall remain committed to historically informed performance practice and use of period instruments for all programming, except where use of such instruments would not be appropriate for the repertoire presented.
Artistic Responsibilities
Develops all artistic programming in conjunction with the Executive Director and the Artistic Committee of the board for presentation to the board for approval.
Is responsible, directly or through a designated assistant, for the rehearsals of the chorus and orchestra as appropriate for each performance.
Personally conducts all WBC performances, except that with board approval, the AD may arrange for performances to be conducted by a designated assistant or guest conductor.
Selects and supervises the activities of the Assistant Artistic Director or Assistant Conductor.
Auditions chorus and orchestra members as necessary.
Selects vocal and instrumental soloists for presentation to the board for approval.
Directs all performances and rehearsals.
Proposes for board approval any appearances by the WBC outside its scheduled season as may arise by invitation of outside organizations or otherwise.
Recommends potential touring and recording projects.
Supervises presentation of pre-concert lectures.
Provides overall artistic guidance for WBC outreach programs.
Supervises the maintenance of the WBC music library and archives of past performances.
Governance and Financial Responsibilities
Serves as ex officio member of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee of the board and attends meetings of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of the board.
Participates in long-range planning of the board.
Participates in the development of the budget for artistic activities in conjunction with the Executive Director, Operations Manager and Artistic Committee of the board.
Takes responsibility for keeping direct costs of artistic programs within budget.
Marketing and Development Responsibilities
Prepares and participates in music presentations at fundraising, cultivation and other audience and patron development activities conducted by the WBC or individual board members or patrons.
Participates in post-concert events arranged for concert attendees.
Seeks opportunities for, and participates in, media promotion of WBC activities.
Assists in drafting of materials in letters, brochures and other written communication with the public relating to marketing and promotion of WBC activities.
Cooperates in the development of grant applications as necessary.
COMPENSATION
Compensation and benefits offered to the successful candidate will be competitive. They will depend upon the candidate’s qualifications and level of personal commitment of time to the position.
TIMELINE
September 20, 2016 – Deadline for receiving applications
November 1, 2016 – First phase of the selection process concludes with the identification of semi-finalists.
February 1, 2017 – The second phase of the selection process concludes with the identification of finalists. The WBC anticipates that each finalist will be given the opportunity to rehearse and conduct the WBC in a major subscription performance that will feature chorus and orchestra during its 2017-2018 season.
The WBC anticipates that a final decision will be made during the first half of 2018.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Applications and inquiries shall be sent to: search@bachconsort.org. Resumes should include at least two professional references. Links to on-line performance material are encouraged. Please do not send CDs or DVDs during phase one of the selection process. It will be assumed that the WBC has permission to contact identified references without prior notice to the applicant unless the applicant directs otherwise. The WBC will treat applications as confidential except as necessary to properly evaluate and decide upon the disposition of applications. Please send all applications and inquiries electronically. Phone calls are discouraged.
The Washington Bach Consort is an equal opportunity employer.
