Vacancy for conductor 2026
Epsom Chamber Choir is seeking to appoint a new conductor with effect from September 2026 or January 2027. This is an outstanding opportunity to direct a highly-regarded, auditioned choir which is ambitious and hard-working, performing challenging repertoire to a high standard. The successful candidate will be a confident singer and experienced choral director with good keyboard skills and a wide knowledge of the repertoire. We are looking for an enthusiastic and innovative musician with vision, able to motivate and develop choir members in rehearsals and inspire them in performance.
Applications should include a full CV and a ‘sample’ programme that you consider would be appropriate for the Choir. In a covering letter, please explain why you are interested in applying for the post. Applicants selected for interview will be asked provide the names and addresses of two referees.
The closing date for applications is 22nd May 2026.
Short-listed candidates will be interviewed by the Choir’s selection panel in June*. Those candidates chosen for the final list will be invited for auditions with the Choir in July 2026*. * Dates to be confirmed.
Typically, the choir rehearses for about five to ten weeks before each concert - three principal concerts and a shorter Christmas concert each year. Fees are in line with other Surrey Chamber Choirs and are reviewed annually by the committee for the forthcoming season.
The conductor’s duties include selecting repertoire, arranging deputies when necessary, engaging other musicians where required, auditioning applicants, and re-auditioning current members.
The Choir
Epsom Chamber Choir was formed in 1969; it is a registered charity and is affiliated to Making Music. We are a choir of 38 voices based in Epsom, Surrey; (12 sops, 12 altos, 7 tenors, 7 basses). Most concerts are held at the church of St Martin of Tours, Epsom, which has an excellent acoustic but other venues may be used occasionally.
We rehearse at St Martin’s Infants’ School, Epsom, KT18 7AA, each Thursday evening from 8pm -10 pm during the school terms. Both the church and rehearsal venue are approximately 12-14 minutes’ walk from Epsom station.
Membership of the choir is by audition to test vocal ability and level of sight-reading. Re-audition of members occurs around every three years.
The range and styles of music performed is large, with composers as different as Monteverdi and Mäntyjärvi. The choir is of a sufficient standard to have sung challenging and complex music frequently a cappella, but sometimes with a small chamber orchestra. Soloists are often chosen from the choir. Our recent repertoire has included Eric Whitacre’s Leonardo Dreams of his Flying Machine, Alec Roth’s A Time to Dance, Bruckner’s Mass in E minor, Steinberg’s Passion Week, works by Bach, Will Todd, Stravinsky and many more.
The choir has gained a good local reputation for performing works less frequently sung by larger choirs and one of our aims is to include works by female composer in concerts where suitable. We also sing occasional cathedral services and welcome the opportunity for a short tour in the UK or Europe when the opportunity arises.
Management of all aspects of the Choir’s business, including all arrangements for rehearsals and concerts and the control of finance is done by the Committee.
The conductor is not a member of the committee but may be invited to attend meetings.
Enquiries and applications should be addressed to chair@epsomchamberchoir.org.uk
