Head Coach & Chorus Master
Are you passionate about the arts and looking to work with one of the most innovative and ambitious professional opera companies in Canada? Calgary Opera invites applications for the position of Head Coach & Chorus Master at Calgary Opera beginning in the fall of 2022. The primary duties of the Head Coach will be to function as principal pianist, prepare the Chorus, and to provide musical assistance to the Conductor on opera productions at Calgary Opera. There will also be involvement coaching Calgary Opera’s emerging artists. Other responsibilities will reflect the experience and interests of the successful candidate.
As the Head Coach & Chorus Master your day-to-day responsibilities as determined by the artistic director may include:
- Principal pianist for productions
- Chorus preparation and administration
- Cover Conductor
- Musical assistant to guest conductors
- Backstage Conductor
- Artist coaching
- Emerging artist coaching
- Conducting emerging artist productions
- Liaising with Artistic Director
- Administrative duties related to artistic matters
- Liaising with stage management in daily schedule planning
- Correspondence with principal artists
- Assistance with preparation of orchestra material
- Consultation on musical editions
- Sourcing of musical material
- Involvement in planning of ancillary events
- Other duties as assigned
Application process
Candidates of interest will be contracted to participate in one of Calgary Opera mainstage rehearsals in the 2021-22 season. Possible projects include Ravel’s The Enchanted Child (L’Enfant et les sortilèges) sung in French, Lehár’s The Merry Widow sung in the Jeremy Sams English translation, Verdi’s La Traviata sung in Italian. Candidates will be invited for a period of approximately one to four weeks (TBD) to serve on the music staff of that piece, to coach Emerging Artists and engage with the chorus. Final interviews will be scheduled with the artistic director as well as the head of music during the residency in Calgary.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Calgary Opera commits to empower all voices, regardless of background or identity and is dedicated to creating a safe space for everyone to feel a keen sense of belonging. We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds who share in our commitment to build an equitable, diverse, and inclusive environment.
How to apply
Applicants must be a Canadian Citizen or a Permanent Resident. Please apply via email with your current resume, as well as three references and include a one-page cover letter that includes information about strengths and areas of interests to: Sarah Minor, Company Manager sminor@calgaryopera.com.
While we thank all candidates who apply, only those shortlisted will be contacted. The first round of interviews will take place by November 8, 2021. The role will remain open until filled.
