The Ripieno Choir is a well-regarded, financially viable choir of 30 experienced amateur singers based near Esher, South West London. We have a particular, though not exclusive, fondness for exploring newly discovered or little-known works from the Baroque and Renaissance periods. Our current conductor, who is now retiring after 22 years, has greatly developed the choir's expertise and musical ambition. In consequence we have grown a loyal and enthusiastic audience whose support enables us to intertwine our a cappella concerts with performances of major works alongside renowned professional soloists, and accompanied by period instrument ensembles. Every few years we tour abroad - most recently to Barcelona and Venice - to enjoy singing in the fabulous venues and acoustics for which our core repertoire was crafted.
We are seeking a new conductor from Sept 2018 to build on this base and further develop the choir's repertoire, musicianship and vocal technique. You will be an enthusiastic singer with experience of conducting a small choir to a high standard, sound knowledge of and pleasure in the early music repertoire, and a willingness to explore beyond it. You will have experience of selecting and conducting professional orchestras and soloists, and be able to provide keyboard accompaniment during rehearsals where necessary to supplement the choir's reasonable sight-singing competence. You will be committed to the choir's sustainability and financial success, proposing attractive programmes for our 3-4 concerts a year and contributing to our production cycle of publicity materials, blogs and programme notes, with planning starting 3 concerts in advance. Most importantly, you will be committed to promoting members' enjoyment of rehearsals and pleasure in performance.
Rehearsals are held in Thames Ditton, on Sunday evenings (19.45-21.45) during term time, with approximately 10 rehearsals per term. For more information on the choir, including past performances, and the complete job specification, please visit http://ripienochoir.org.uk
To apply, please email your CV and covering letter to vox@ripienochoir.org.uk by 11th February 2018. Suitable candidates will be invited for interview over the weekends of 24-25th Feb and 3rd March 2018, with a final short list of candidates invited to audition at our Sunday rehearsal on 18th March 2018.
