The Brevard Symphony Orchestra, a professional orchestra based in Melbourne, a rapidly growing community on Florida’s Space Coast, seeks an experienced conductor to serve as Music Director/Conductor. The Music Director is responsible for the artistic leadership and artistic excellence of the orchestra. The Music Director shall work collaboratively with the Artistic Committee and the Board Chair to develop programs consistent with the policies and vision established by the Board of Directors. The selected individual will be available for various administrative, educational, fundraising, and public relations activities. Relocation to Melbourne is not a requirement, however, we prefer a locally resident Conductor.
Aspirational Goals
We are seeking an artistic visionary to lead us into the future; a candidate who is charismatic and energetic with the orchestra as well as the audience. The BSO needs someone who is not only an evangelist for classical music, but someone whose excitement about music is infectious. Brevard is a unique community with a diverse population, which requires a person who is as comfortable conducting in the concert hall as they are at an amphitheater and can connect with curious young concertgoers at our community outreach events. Ultimately, the Symphony family of staff, musicians, board, donors, and volunteers can't wait to start collaborating with a conductor that has a new vision for tomorrow.
Minimal Responsibilities
Administration and Concert Production
- Audition and selection of musicians
- Develop and implement an artistic vision and objectives in coordination with the Artistic Committee
- Ensure a high level of artistic quality is present in all aspects of the orchestra
- Identify all equipment and technical needs, and establish stage setup requirements for each performance and rehearsal in coordination with the production manager
- Identify instrumentation for all compositions to be performed and work with the Personnel Manager to develop musician payroll costs for budget planning
- Establish rehearsal schedules for each concert, including detailed information on which musicians need to be hired for each rehearsal
- Work with the Librarian to identify library tasks to be performed for all compositions to be performed
- Conduct all orchestra rehearsals and concerts
- Work with the Finance Committee and Executive Director to develop the Symphony’s annual budget
- Collaborate with the Board Chair, administrative staff, and Artistic Committee to develop programs, number of concerts, venues, dates, guest artists, and costs within a set budget and timeline
- Establish and maintain contacts with solo artists, agents, composers, and managers
- Our current season includes 5 classical programs, 3 pops, and a Fourth-of-July concert. There are also additional occasions for the symphony to be contracted to other organizations (e.g., Space Coast Ballet, Indian River Symphonic Organization, Vero Beach Opera).
- Each year, the Symphony also performs a series of educational concerts for 5th grade students in Brevard and Indian River County.
Community Relations
- Serve as an active advocate for the Brevard Symphony
- Be available for media interviews as appropriate
- Promote the Orchestra through local public appearances
- Participate in Orchestra fundraising and promotional endeavors
- Participate in the development of the Brevard Symphony Youth Orchestra in coordination with their director
Board Relations
- Develop and maintain an effective working relationship with the Board of Directors, The Executive Director, and Administrative Staff
- Actively participate in Artistic Committee and Board of Directors meetings
Audience Development
- Host Concert Conversations prior to each Subscription Series performance
- Collaborate with the Marketing Director to be available for marketing opportunities such as video messages before concerts, virtual program notes, interviews, etc.
Educational Activities
- Plan annual 5th grade concerts in coordination with school music teachers and music resource supervisor.
- Maintain an effective relationship and dialogue with the Executive Director and Conductor of the Brevard Symphony Youth Orchestra.
- Under the guidance of the Executive Director, assist in the creation and refinement of theme, repertoire, and general performance details including but not limited to: Fifth Grade Concerts, BSYO Side-By-Side and other education initiatives
- Prepare, rehearse, and perform related concerts
- Write and deliver scripts verbally to audiences where appropriate
- Collaborate with the Director of the BSYO in opportunities to support student musicians in the community.
Application Process
Interested applicants should send a detailed resume including at least 3 references to HR@brevardsymphony.com. Candidates should also submit a short (less than 10 minute) video of the candidate conducting (.MP4 or .MOV format), or an explicit link to a short YouTube video. We will accept applications until 1 July 2026. Interviews will be conducted with the most qualified applicants. Finalists will be chosen, then each will be contracted to rehearse and perform one concert during our 2026-2027 season. The successful candidate will be selected afterwards.
Statement of Inclusion and Equity
The Brevard Symphony Orchestra is committed to being a safe, inclusive workplace for people of all backgrounds and does not engage in discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or disability.
Candidate Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in music, conducting, or an instrument
- Master’s Degree in conducting desired
- Significant Orchestral conducting experience
- A deep knowledge of orchestral repertoire both old and new
- Demonstrated success leading an organization and programming orchestral repertoire
- Demonstrated experience in effective rehearsal practices and performances
- Ability to effectively engage with audiences
- Legally able to work for any employer within the United States
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