Since 2001, Amare Cantare has been under the direction of Catherine “Kitty” Beller-McKenna, who is known for her innovative programming and her wide-ranging musical interests embracing a variety of styles and cultures. Currently on medical leave, Beller-McKenna will return in the new year and retire at the end of June 2025. We are grateful for all Kitty has brought Amare Cantare and our audiences. She will be deeply missed.
A search for the group’s next Music Director is underway, with an application deadline of January 15, 2025.
MUSIC DIRECTOR Part–Time Position
Location: Durham, NH
Contact: DirectorApplication@amarecantare.org
Amare Cantare chamber chorus seeks a dynamic part-time Music Director to build on a tradition of excellence and provide a creative vision for the future.
Amare Cantare
Amare Cantare (to love to sing) is an auditioned chamber chorus that strives for musical excellence in the performance of challenging and diverse repertoire. Amare Cantare seeks to foster a vital arts community, collaborate with other organizations, provide opportunities for artistic fulfillment for its singers, and share the love of music with its audiences. Since 1977, Amare Cantare has performed masterworks and choral music from six centuries. Based in Durham, New Hampshire, the group’s members come from all over the Seacoast. Amare Cantare has a volunteer member Board of Directors, which is responsible for managing all aspects of the chorus’ operations. Poco Amare is a sub-group of Amare Cantare created to meet demands for shorter, onsite performances.
Qualifications and Expertise
All applicants shall have:
- A degree in Choral Conducting or related area. Master’s or Doctorate is preferred.
- A minimum of five years recent choral conducting experience performing a cappella choral music as well as occasional works requiring instrumental accompaniment.
- Extensive knowledge of choral literature and experience conducting both traditional masterpieces and contemporary choral repertoire, including music of historically underrepresented composers and styles.
- Strong communication skills, and the ability to convey musical ideas clearly to singers of varying abilities.
- Knowledge and use of best practices in vocal production, choral conducting, and adult learning.
- Experience in recruiting professional instrumentalists.
- Experience with the use of media and technology to enhance singer preparation (e.g. posting recordings online, Zoom rehearsals, etc.)
Responsibilities
The Music Director:
- Is responsible for all decisions regarding selection and procurement of music for a Fall and Spring concert series. (Amare Cantare has an extensive music library.)
- Shall conduct all concert performances.
- Shall audition all prospective members and, in choosing singers, strive to maintain a balance among sections.
- May re-audition singers, and if needed, work with the Board to temporarily suspend or require the resignation of any member who does not meet the standards of the ensemble.
- Shall foster a positive environment, prepare and plan efficient weekly rehearsals on Wednesday evenings, schedule dress rehearsals and sectionals when necessary.
- Shall choose a temporary replacement if unable to attend rehearsal due to illness or emergency.
- Shall select soloists from among the membership.
- Shall work with the Board to help create a budget for the year.
- Shall select accompanists and other instrumentalists, when applicable, abiding by the annual budget.
- Shall provide concert program notes.
- Shall work with the appropriate committee to create the annual timeline.
- Shall collaborate with Concert Management/Scheduling Committee to select appropriate concert venues and dates.
- Shall work with Poco Amare Coordinator on small group gigs in addition to the concert series.
- Shall attend quarterly Board meetings and abide by the By-Laws, Standing Rules, and timeline.
- Shall present an oral report of the year’s accomplishments, challenges, and goals for the coming year at the annual meeting at the end of the concert season.
Compensation
Compensation is negotiable, depending upon qualifications and experience, and has a starting range of $12,000 to $14,000 annually.
APPLICATION PROCESS
- Application deadline: January 15, 2025. Submit application to: DirectorApplication@amarecantare.org
- The Search Committee will review applications as they are received and will contact applicants we wish to interview. All applicants will receive a response.
- Selected applicants will be invited to interview with the Search Committee between January 15 and February 15, 2025.
- Finalists will be invited to conduct a live audition in early March or after our Spring concert.
- Offer made to top candidate in early May 2025.
- Contract with new director begins July 1, 2025.
Application must include:
- Cover Letter – Provide a statement of interest including:
a. Your strengths as a conductor and artistic leader
b. What you hope to gain from this experience - Curriculum vitae
- Video of you conducting a choral group
- List of choral groups you have conducted including:
a. Name of group and location
b. Size (number of singers) and whether the singers were auditioned or not
c. How long you served as director
d. Type of music performed
e. Number of concerts presented each year - Sample list of choral works you have conducted, a cappella and with accompaniment (for example, piano or chamber orchestra)
- Two sample programs from recent concerts you conducted
- Materials that provide documentation in support of your application, including any links to recordings of concerts you have conducted
- Names and contact information for at least three professional references
- Salary requirements
If you have any questions, please address them to the above email address and we will respond as soon as possible.
Amare Cantare is an equal opportunity employer. Amare Cantare does not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of age, color, sex, disability, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity.