Description

The Susquehanna Chorale seeks a visionary, dynamic choral conductor to become the group’s Artistic Director (AD) starting summer 2027. Since its founding 45 years ago, the Chorale has been led by Linda Tedford, who is retiring at the end of the 2026 season. The Chorale’s values serve its mission of enriching lives and communities through the transcendent power of choral singing to reflect and evoke the wealth and beauty of the human experience. (The complete core values document can be found here.) 

About the Susquehanna Chorale

The Susquehanna Chorale is a nationally recognized ensemble comprising approximately 40 auditioned, volunteer singers. The choir is known by critics and audiences alike for its commitment to excellence and its artistic interpretation of choral works of many styles and historical periods. Reflecting its dedication to the music of our time, the group has performed the East Coast premieres of many recent works, and has commissioned a number of new works from noted composers. The Chorale performs regularly in central Pennsylvania and has toured nationally and internationally. Annually, the ensemble presents at least two multi-venue concert series, as well as a performance at the Educational Outreach Program Youth Choral Festival. In addition, the group is a highly respected choral collaborator, and has performed major works with the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra, a professional orchestra which draws players from the mid-Atlantic and Northeast. The Susquehanna Chorale’s awards include Chorus America’s Margaret Hillis Award for Artistic and Organizational Achievement, which recognizes musical excellence, strong organizational structure, sustained financial stability and a commitment to community engagement and education. 

Since 1989, the Chorale has led an Educational Outreach Program that encompasses four training choirs reaching hundreds of students from third grade to the first year of college: a preparatory choir, the Susquehanna Children’s Chorale, the Susquehanna Youth Chorale and the Susquehanna Alta Voce Chorale (for treble voices.) The AD oversees a music staff which directs the youth choral programs. 

The Susquehanna Chorale’s Artistic Director is supported by a dedicated board of directors, a full-time executive director and other paid administrative staff.

Role of the Artistic Director (AD)

The AD provides leadership and ensures excellence with respect to all musical activities of the Chorale and its Educational Outreach Program. The successful candidate will begin his/her term in summer 2027, prior to the 2027-28 season.

Specific duties

• Audition, evaluate, supervise and maintain communication with all volunteer and paid artistic personnel of the Susquehanna Chorale and the Educational Outreach Program
• Create programs of worthy, challenging and inclusive choral literature that represent a variety of styles, periods and genres
• Report to and maintain a working relationship with the board of directors
• Provide collaborative leadership with the executive director, who also reports to the board
• Represent the artistic functions of the Susquehanna Chorale in regular communications with the board president and executive director
• Provide artistic leadership and vision for the development of all associated choral groups
• Serve as ad hoc member of the educational outreach, long-range planning and development committees
• Represent the Chorale in local, regional and national organizations as the chief artistic spokesperson for the Chorale, its vision and its role in the community

Requirements in Choral Conducting and Performance

• Master’s degree in music, music education or choral conducting; or commensurate professional experience
• Experience working with a semi-professional or professional choral ensemble with demonstrated artistic excellence
• Knowledge of advanced choral literature
• Strong conducting and vocal pedagogy skills
• Ability to work with instrumentalists
• A demonstrated passion for music education and youth development
• Experience in recruitment, community outreach, audience development and fundraising
• Familiarity with nonprofit organizations and/or arts administration

Preferred

Master’s or doctorate in choral conducting

Attributes & Competencies

• Advanced rehearsal technique
• High musical standards paired with patience and positive, inspirational approach
• Emotional intelligence with strong interpersonal skills and collaborative working style
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to inspire, motivate and connect with adult singers of all ages
• Forward-thinking mindset with the ability to contribute creative new ideas to the Chorale’s future while preserving its culture and core values.
• Commitment to learning, performing and commissioning new works
• Compensation

The annual salary range is from $40-50K and will be determined based on qualification and experience. Consideration for travel and lodging may also be factored in depending on individual circumstances. 

Application Procedure

Please email the following to ad@susquehannachorale.org by July 31, 2026:

• A cover letter detailing your interest and qualifications
• A current resume or curriculum vitae
• Example programs from 3 concerts you have programmed and conducted within the last 3 years (including name of choir, date of concert and list of pieces performed)
• Please provide links to at least three video recordings (rehearsals and performances) from the last 2-3 years. The total running time for all submitted videos should not exceed 20 minutes. This limit applies whether the material consists of single pieces or excerpts from larger works. Rehearsal video viewpoint should primarily be of the conductor facing the camera. Packaged promotional videos will not be accepted.
• Contact information for three professional references

Review of applications will continue through August 2026. Semifinalist interviews will occur in the fall of 2026. Finalist auditions will follow in January 2027. We expect to make an offer of employment to our chosen candidate in February for a summer 2027 start date.

Requirements

Requirements in Choral Conducting and Performance

• Master’s degree in music, music education or choral conducting; or commensurate professional experience
• Experience working with a semi-professional or professional choral ensemble with demonstrated artistic excellence
• Knowledge of advanced choral literature
• Strong conducting and vocal pedagogy skills
• Ability to work with instrumentalists
• A demonstrated passion for music education and youth development
• Experience in recruitment, community outreach, audience development and fundraising
• Familiarity with nonprofit organizations and/or arts administration

Preferred

• Master’s or doctorate in choral conducting