Nominations and applications are now being sought for the position of Music Director & Conductor for ESA, available beginning in the 2025/26 Season. Complete applications are due June 23, 2023.

Download complete Music Director position announcement.

REPORTS TO: Eugene Symphony Board of Directors

The Position

The Music Director reports directly to the Association’s Board of Directors and is responsible for the fulfillment of the orchestra’s artistic potential and its connection with the community. They are responsible for the orchestra’s repertoire, programming, and concert presentation, and has authority over the selection, development, and replenishment of quality musicians. As the Association’s artistic leader, they must build and sustain the orchestra’s visibility and deepen its engagement with the community. The Music Director is expected to work closely with the Board President, Executive Director, and administrative staff in carrying out these responsibilities and in participating actively in fundraising activities.

Previous Music Directors include Marin Alsop, Miguel Harth-Bedoya, and Giancarlo Guerrero, each of whom has gone on to lead major American orchestras following their tenure in Eugene. The orchestra’s technical capability, combined with the community’s enthusiasm for art and music, makes this position an ideal opportunity for a talented and ambitious conductor to thrive in a supportive and rewarding artistic environment.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will possess exceptional musicianship and conducting skills; significant conducting experience, including work with professional musicians; knowledge of a broad range of repertoire; strong interpersonal, leadership, and communication skills; vision, passion, and ability to make symphonic music relevant and exciting for existing and new audiences through both traditional and innovative means. Previous or current music directorship or comparable experience preferred.

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation, including benefits, is competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Critical Date Availability Periods

A small group of semifinalist candidates will be invited to visit Eugene for an interview during the periods of November 9-10, 2023 and November 30-December 1, 2023.

At the conclusion of the initial search process, five finalists will be invited to conduct the orchestra in a subscription concert during the following periods. Applicants must confirm their availability for the interview period and subscription weeks in their application (see below).

• October 18-24, 2024
• November 15-21, 2024
• December 6-12, 2024
• January 17-23, 2025
• February 7-13, 2025
  

Application Instructions

Please read the following instructions carefully. Applications must include:

• A personal letter of interest from the candidate explaining their interest in the Eugene Symphony Music Director & Conductor position;
• A résumé of 1-2 pages maximum;
• 3-5 examples of programs conducted by the candidate (please DO NOT submit a repertoire list);
• Names, phone numbers, and email addresses of at least four professional references, two of whom are orchestral musicians;
• Links to online videos of the candidate conducting, with a maximum total duration of 30 minutes and with a preference for multiple selections that show differing periods and styles;
• A confirmation of the candidate’s availability for the interview periods and subscription weeks;
• (Optional) Contact information for candidate’s management or representation, included in the body of their email if sending a digital copy, or in the personal letter of interest if sending a paper application.

Please submit these materials as individual PDF or Word files. No other file formats can be accepted.

By applying, the candidate gives the Eugene Symphony Association permission to contact all references listed in application materials. Any physical materials submitted will not be returned to the candidate.

NO PHONE INQUIRIES PLEASE. The Eugene Symphony Association is an equal opportunity employer.

Please submit applications by Friday, June 23, 2023 to: mdsearch@eugenesymphony.org or Eugene Symphony Music Director Search, 115 W. 8th Avenue, Suite 115, Eugene OR 97401

It is the policy of the Eugene Symphony Association to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.