Unique choral conducting opportunity
UN Choir Vienna seeking a new Musical Director
The UN Choir Vienna is seeking a new Musical Director for the first time since 2008.
The UN Choir Vienna was founded in 1981 by staff working for the organizations of the United Nations family located in the Vienna International Centre (also known as “UNO-City” to the outside world). Around 5,000 employees from more than 125 countries work for the organizations based in the Vienna International Centre.
While we sing first and foremost for our own pleasure, we are proud to be called upon to perform at official functions in the United Nations calendar. The Choir has also sung at the request of Permanent Missions to the international organizations to mark special occasions and anniversaries and host visiting choirs from around the world. We have also been asked to sing at memorial services held in memory of former colleagues - a function we consider especially important. We have performed many different kinds of music at different venues over the years. Examples include charity concerts, retirement homes, places of worship, choir festivals, staff association events, and at year-end, a “Sing-along” around the Christmas Tree in the VIC Rotunda. We sing classical and popular music from around the world in many different styles and languages.
Musical Director’s Job Description
We seek a Musical Director to lead the UN Choir. The UN Choir is part of the the Vienna International Centre (VIC) Music Club.
Musical Director’s Responsibilities:
· Leading UN Choir rehearsals from 12:00 mid-day each Wednesday at the Vienna International Centre. Each rehearsal will last 90 minutes and will be conducted in the English language.
· Nominating a suitable replacement should he/she not be in a position to hold a scheduled rehearsal. The Director will provide the name and contact details of the substitute to a liaison person in the Choir at least 24 hours in advance of the rehearsal in order to facilitate his/her admission to the VIC.
· Making decisions concerning which music is to be performed by the Choir, taking into account the abilities of the Choir members and their preferences, the objectives of any sponsors and the theme of each particular occasion. Any discussions with Permanent Missions wishing to engage the Choir to perform at an event are to be held by the Director, accompanied by a representative designated by the Choir and the President of the VIC Music Club.
· Consulting with the VIC Music Club Treasurer and other relevant officers to ensure that sufficient funds are available before entering into any commitment involving expenditure on behalf of the VIC Music Club (e.g. for accompanists, soloists, other musicians).
· Ensuring proper medical insurance for himself/herself or any substitute, and payment of any taxes that may become due because of the employment with the VIC Music Club.
Musical Director’s Requirements:
· Excellent musicianship and knowledge of and experience with choral music techniques, theory, repertoire, and performance.
· Demonstrated organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
· Effective leadership and the ability to give clear musical instructions in rehearsals and performances.
· The ability to engage with the audience at performances (e.g. to introduce the choir and the pieces, to encourage the audience to participate at events such as the annual Christmas Sing-Along etc.).
· The ability to play the piano and direct the choir when leading a rehearsal. Accompanists can be hired for performances and the rehearsal before.
· International/multicultural experience is a plus.
The current hourly rate for the Musical Director is €70 per hour.
How to Apply
Please send an email to UNchoir.Vienna@gmail.com
The text of the email should serve as an expression of interest (200-300 words). Please attach a CV/personal history of no more than one page that includes the following:
· Relevant education and training
· Relevant experience
· Examples of choral repertoire you have performed or conducted representing a diversity of styles/traditions
· Examples of international/multicultural experiences and collaboration
The last day applications will be accepted is Thursday 29 February 2024.
It is envisioned that interviews and trial rehearsals for selected applicants will be completed by June 2024 and that the new Musical Director will start in August 2024 on a mutually agreed date.