Could you be our next Musical Director?
Britannia Choral Society is looking for a talented and motivational Musical Director to lead and inspire us from September 2026.
Our friendly, ambitious and inclusive community choir was founded 80 years ago at Britannia Royal Naval College, when it consisted of cadets and staff at the College with a few local civilian singers. In the 1980s, the choir became an independent, self-supporting society which, under successive directors, has established a reputation for fine performances with an interesting and varied musical repertoire.
Rehearsals take place on Wednesday evenings in St. Clement's Church, Dartmouth from 7–9pm. We are a two-term choir and rehearsals start in early September and continue through to our Spring concert.
We generally perform three concerts per year, one of which is a family Christmas concert.
Responsibilities
The Musical Director is responsible for:
- Selecting, in conjunction with the Committee, the music to be performed
- Conducting weekly rehearsals and three concerts a year
- Advising the Committee on sourcing and engaging soloists and musicians, gaining agreement on fees and budget before formally engaging them
- Liaising closely with the Committee chair and rehearsal accompanist
- Advising on the preparation of the concert programme notes, posters and press releases
Person specification
Whilst the following experience, knowledge and skills are desirable, we welcome talented applicants from a wide diversity of backgrounds:
Experience
- Successes in conducting choirs supported by musicians / orchestras
- Running effective, engaging and enjoyable rehearsals
- Choosing appropriate repertoire for a choir's capability and context
- Working effectively with an accompanying pianist at rehearsals
- Managing and working within an agreed budget
- Making classical music accessible to choir and audiences
- Interpreting classical choral repertoire in an exciting, dynamic and innovative way
Knowledge and Skills
- Enthusiasm for music and the ability to stimulate, enthuse, engage and support a choir, orchestra and audiences, with a friendly, encouraging and inclusive approach, working with the Committee to foster a balance between musical excellence and the enjoyment of music making.
- To build our reputation for delivering quality performances.
- Knowledge of vocal techniques and the ability to teach these effectively.
- Wide ranging knowledge of choral music repertoire.
- Ability to liaise and maintain good working relationships with other music professionals, for example, universities, schools and other organisations across the South West.
We currently enjoy the services of a rehearsal accompanist.
Remuneration
The position of Musical Director is a paid post with payments for rehearsals and concerts.
Closing date: 31st May 2026
For more information or to apply for this position please email our Chair, Dr Keith Myerson (chair@britanniachoir.org). Your application should include a CV and a covering letter outlining your reasons for applying for the position, how your experience is relevant, and your vision for the future of our choir. Please also include details of a reference who can be contacted if you are shortlisted for the position.
