Description
SEEKING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
The Minnesota Chorale, a semi-professional chorus in its 54th season, serves as the official choral partner of the Minnesota Orchestra and presents its own award-winning programming. With the upcoming retirement of its longtime director, Kathy Saltzman Romey, the Minnesota Chorale seeks an Artistic Director who will bring new ideas that build upon its traditions of success in artistic partnerships, community collaborations, educational experiences, and intergenerational singing. The Artistic Director sets the creative direction for and ensures the musical excellence of the Minnesota Chorale while fostering a collaborative environment for innovation and growth.
Requirements
Key Responsibilities
1. Creative Direction
- Establishes artistic direction for Chorale
- Partners with Executive Director to create overall schedule of concerts and commissioned works
- Selects repertoire for Chorale-produced concerts guided by Chorale’s Mission, Vision, Values, Guiding Principles, and United Belonging Statement
- Produces program notes, reviews publicity, and provides remarks for Chorale-produced concerts
2. Musical Leadership and Management
- Auditions all members of the Chorale and creates rosters for each concert from the pool of volunteer singers and section leaders (currently 180 and 70 respectively).
- Prepares and rehearses Chorale for Minnesota Orchestra concerts while discerning and implementing the vision of the orchestra conductor
- Prepares and directs rehearsals and performances for Chorale-produced concerts
- Selects Chorale assistant directors, accompanists, soloists, and instrumentalists and leads searches for conductors of other groups in Chorale’s Family of Choirs as needed
- Oversees artistic staff of Chorale – Organization Structure
3. Collaborative Relationships
- Maintains clear and open communications with the Board, Chorale staff, and musicians
- Partners with the Board and Executive Director to assure fiscal health and organizational stability
- As choral advisor to the Minnesota Orchestra, consults on programming and advises on choral resources for joint projects
- Supports stewardship through engagement with sponsors and donors
- Develops and fosters collaborations with community partners
- Represents the Chorale as its artistic leader in local, regional, national, and international settings
Attributes
- Accomplished: has broad knowledge of choral repertoire ranging from a cappella pieces to masterworks; leads performances that include choral and orchestral musicians and soloists; runs motivating and efficient rehearsals that promote vocal health; has expertise in vocal technique, choral diction, and pedagogical skills; leads with empathy, integrity, and respect
- Connected: creates and thrives on strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, has a network of established relationships within the Twin Cities or the ability to create one with targeted introductions, active in Chorus America and/or American Choral Directors Association
- Dynamic: demonstrates confidence and resiliency, anticipates and adapts to changing circumstances while preserving enthusiasm and artistic excellence, implements detailed plans well
- Engaging: inspires and connects with singers and audiences, communicates with authenticity, demonstrates humility and humor, has emotional intelligence and strong interpersonal skills
- Innovative: shows passion for developing new ideas and embracing new technologies to lead the Chorale and its Family of Choirs into a vibrant future
Commitment, Compensation, Application Requirements at mnchorale.org/employment
- Time Commitment: this Minnesota-based position averages 20 hours per week, more in concert weeks and less in the summer
- Reporting Structure: reports to the Board of Directors per linked organization chart below
- Salary: $45,000 - $55,000 annually depending on qualifications and experience
- Benefits: stipend for health insurance; 401(k) plan; vacation; earned sick and safe time; budget for professional memberships and development; Minnesota Chorale offices are closed the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day as well as the week of the Fourth of July
Note about 2026-27 performance schedule: The 2026-27 performance schedule does not resemble what the Chorale’s schedule would be with a new artistic director. In her last season, Kathy Saltzman Romey is literally going “all out” and preparing 10 and conducting 5 concerts in the 13-concert season. In contrast, we anticipate that the new artistic director will prepare roughly 5-6 concerts and conduct roughly 2-3 of them in the 2027-28 season.
Application Requirements and Process
By July 31, 2026, please submit these materials using the form, at https://www.mnchorale.org/employment.
- Letter of interest
Resume or curriculum vitae
Link to a live video recording of about ten minutes of a recent choral rehearsal and about ten minutes of a recent performance
Two programs from recent concerts and a description of your conducting and programming role
List of three to five professional references
Completed chart of major choral works linked below
Completed selections for mock concert as described in file linked below
A search committee composed of Chorale Board members, singers, and community representatives will consider applications according to this timeline:
Review of Applications will begin August 1, 2026
Anticipated Virtual Interviews October 20-23, 2026
Anticipated In Person Interview/Audition January 9-10, 2027
Anticipated Extended Offer February 2027
Employment will begin July 1, 2027 for the 2027-2028 concert season
Questions? Email [email protected]
