Description

The California Bach Society (CBS) is looking for a new Artistic Director beginning with the 2025 – 2026 season. A cornerstone of the Bay Area early music scene for more than 50 years, CBS is a 30-voice chamber choir known for finely wrought interpretations of Renaissance and Baroque music, often accompanied by leading period instrumentalists. Each season, the choir performs four concert sets in San Francisco, Palo Alto, and Berkeley.  

While CBS is a non-professional ensemble, its members are experienced singers allowing CBS to use a compressed rehearsal schedule of one extended Saturday rehearsal, approximately five weekly rehearsals, and two dress rehearsals prior to each performance weekend.  

See calbach.org/apply for the required application materials.  Applications are due by October 15, and interviews/auditions will take place November – January. The new Artistic Director will be selected by March 2025.  

For more information about CBS, including our Mission and Vision statements, see www.calbach.org. The Press tab describes many of our previous programs.

Requirements

Our ideal Artistic Director candidate has these skills and interests:  

                  Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in music, advanced degree in conducting preferred  

                  Familiarity with choral repertoire, with special emphasis on music from 1500-1800

                  Experience in successfully conducting and coaching choral ensembles, instrumental ensembles, and professional soloists

                  Ability to select and guide experienced amateur singers in choral techniques, vocal production, musicianship, sight-singing, languages, and historical context of music

                  Ability to challenge and inspire singers to meet the highest possible musical standards in a tight rehearsal schedule

                  Dynamic and motivational rehearsal style

                  Interest in exciting concert programming, with a primary goal to engage and grow audiences with moving and memorable live performances of Baroque music and beyond

                  Interest in exploring collaboration possibilities with other Bay Area ensembles 

                  Ability to work collegially with CBS Board members, volunteers, and staff, including eliciting input about programming and season planning

                  Interest and desire to work with the CBS Board on long-term strategic planning and audience development