Sudbury Symphony Seeks a New Artistic Director

Sudbury Symphony Seeks a New Artistic Director

Beginning in the 2023/2024 concert season, the new Artistic/Music Director will serve as the artistic leader and community ambassador for the SSO. The orchestra has a small salaried core and an orchestral membership of about 44, some of whom are local professional and some of whom are volunteers. There is a union contract in place that covers the core musicians and other union musicians.  The orchestra size varies to match programs, venues and budgets. Programming is eclectic, popular and traditional with a commitment to Canadian and Indigenous content and collaboration.

Ideally, the new Artistic/Music Director will live in the Sudbury community and become part of the orchestra’s role as a relevant artistic and educational impetus to Sudbury’s exciting and evolving culture.

Salary, dependent on experience, duties, and residence, from $25-$50,000

JOB DESCRIPTION

In the Community: The Artistic/Music Director participates actively, frequently, and directly in community engagement and outreach initiatives, embracing the cultivation and stewardship of patrons, media, funders, and community members. The Music Director is committed to raising the profile of the orchestra, expanding its audience, and ensuring its ongoing sustainability.

As an innovative Artist: In consultation with the Artistic Advisory Committee, the Music Director drives the orchestra’s artistic decisions and activities, including programming, guest artist selection, and special projects. A usual season involves from 6-9  events. The applicant should possess a degree in music and appropriate experience as a conductor.

Administrative: The Music Director works closely with the ED, each reporting directly to the Board of Directors. The Music Director makes artistic decisions within a set financial framework and provides regular support to marketing and fundraising initiatives.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS and ABILITIES

  • Commitment to a culture of consistent artistic excellence and to providing a positive professional experience for all musicians, treating them with fairness, collegiality, and respect.
  • Passion to engage publicly and personally with audiences, relating both to new and experienced listeners, and speaking regularly from the stage to enhance the audience’s musical experience.
  • Collaborative and comfortable working with the Artistic Advisory Committee.
  • Innovative as a forward-thinking leader for the orchestra, championing contemporary and diverse music through performances and commissions of new works.

The successful candidate will work closely with the Board and staff in creating and refining SSO’s business model and strategic plans. They will assume a creative leadership role within the organization, understanding the balance between artistic ambition and the limits of financial and human resources, and working closely with the ED to build and manage appropriate annual budgets. In collaboration with Board and staff, they will be an active part of the Symphony’s fundraising and stewardship activities, using their position to build meaningful relationships with patrons, funders, partners, and donors.

Recognizing the bilingual nature of Canada and Sudbury as well as its Indigenous heritage, the Artistic/Music Director will play a key role in enhancing community pride through music. They will work closely with staff and volunteers to help to build an orchestral product that is multicultural and relevant to all parts of our community.

ABOUT SUDBURY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

The Sudbury Symphony Orchestra is comprised of both professionals and community musicians who are dedicated to increasing the awareness and appreciation of classical music in the Sudbury Region and surrounding area by providing the opportunity for the public to attend a stimulating program of concerts and by encouraging artistic excellence, commitment and education and also offers a music school program through the SSO Conservatory

SSO Vision and Mission

The Sudbury Symphony Orchestra (SSO) was established in 1953 to increase the awareness and appreciation of classical music in the Sudbury region through music education and by providing a stimulating program of concerts.

VISION We envision a Greater Sudbury whose vitality is enriched through the experience of live classical music

MISSION To perform quality live classical music and provide quality classical music education

VALUES

  • Excellence in Artistry by providing high quality live performances
  • Engagement in our community through collaboration and accessibility
  • Integrity and Professionalism in all we do

This is an opportunity to play a leading role in one of Northern Ontario’s most vibrant and successful arts organisations during a new and exciting period of change, development and transformation. Like other orchestras, the SSO is working at coming out of this difficult pandemic time and finding its place within the changing culture of our Northern communities. 

HOW TO APPLY

If you are a highly qualified applicant, a Canadian Citizen or permanent resident, please submit a resume and a cover letter describing your interest in and qualifications for the position, as well as your personal artistic vision for SSO. Please send applications to jgrant@sudburysymphony.com before June 30, 2022.

SSO is committed to the principles of employment equity in the workplace.