CHORAL DIRECTOR
CÓR LINN ( Youth Choir)
Request for Expressions of Interest
Overview
Based in the heart of Dublin City Centre, the NCH is Ireland’s National Cultural Institution for music hosting in excess of 1,000 events each year. World-class music and entertainment for all ages is at the heart of its offering, enriching people’s lives through music and the magic of live performance. It is the proud home to the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) National Symphony Chorus, Cór na nÓg and Cór Linn choirs, who have been part of the organisation since January 2021, after moving from the ownership of the national broadcaster RTE.
The NSO/NCH is seeking expressions of interests from suitable contractors for the purpose of appointing a Choral Director for its youth choir Cór Linn, ideally for the beginning of the new Concert Season, August 2023.
The Choral Director, Cór Linn, will play a leading role in determining the Choir’s musical and strategic direction, in consultation with the NSO Choral Team, including the CDs of the National Symphony Chorus, and Cór na nÓg, NSO Choral Administrator and General Manager of the NSO and Choirs.
The Choir rehearses regularly in the NCH during school term times with extra rehearsal and concert dates as required. Singers are aged between 14 and 19, SATB, with the Choir currently having 40 members.
The application process will include an initial written application, an interview and a 15 minute video of the candidate taking a choral rehearsal. The initial written application should be a CV and covering letter outlining how our criteria are met.
This is a specific purpose contract for services, for which the successful contractor will be paid a fixed fee for the totality of the services provided. The fee will be negotiated, subject to experience. Proof of taxation status and VAT details will be requested from the successful contractor.
Application pack - This includes:
• Background information on Cór Linn
• Services description
• Selection criteria
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The Choir was formed by RTÉ in September 2018 to give young singers the opportunity to move to four-part SATB singing and in particular to help develop emerging young tenors and basses as their voices change. In January 2022 all three RTÉ choirs (National Symphony Chorus, Cór LInn, Cór na nÓg) transferred with the National Symphony Orchestra to become part of the NSO/NCH family of choirs. The youth choirs are now based in the old science Lecture Theatre, North Wing, NCH.
Cór Linn regular rehearsals take place 11.30am-1.30pm on most Saturdays during term time, late August – end of May in the NCH. Plus, concerts and extra rehearsals as required.
Performances have included Christmas concerts with the NSO, several acclaimed performances for New Music Dublin Festival, TV appearances (Ray D’Arcy Show), concerts on Culture Night and charity concerts for such as the Peter McVerry Trust.
Many singers graduate from Cór na nÓg to Cór Linn, maintaining friendships and continuing their musical history together.
Current Choral Team staffing:
Chorus Director National Symphony Chorus: David Young
Accompanist NSC: Fergal Caulfield
Choral Director Cór na nÓg: Mary Amond O’Brien
Music Assistant to the CD of both CL and CNN: Jennifer McMahon
Accompanist Cor Linn and Cor na nOg: Carole O’Connor
NSO Choral Administrator: Lesley Bishop
General Manager NSO and Choirs: Anthony Long
Reporting
The Choral Director Cór Linn, will report on matters concerning the choir to the General Manager of the NSO and Choirs, currently Anthony Long. The GM is responsible for ensuring that the contractor fulfils the services of the contract in line with expectations.
The NSO Choral Administrator ,in consultation with the Choral Director, CL, will manage all aspects concerning the professional music team including guest Choral Directors, Pianists, Vocal Coaches etc.
Key stakeholders
The Choral Director, CL maintains a close relationship with the other CDs of the NSC and CNN. In addition, the Choral Director, CL will have contact and work with promoters, orchestras, choirs and conductors as part of fulfilling their responsibilities.
Services Description
Purpose
The purpose of the contract to provide Choral Director services is to secure and maintain the Choir’s reputation as one of Ireland’s leading Youth Choirs, working closely with the other NSO Choirs and attracting regular opportunities to perform and develop the reputation of the Choir.
Key areas of responsibility
• To secure the Choir’s musical reputation with key stakeholders
• To attract and secure a diverse programme of concerts, attracting opportunities; agreeing the programme for the season with the GM NSO and Choirs; and ensuring the preparation and implementation of detailed, practical rehearsal plans
• To improve performance standards by shaping and implementing effective strategies for recruiting / auditioning/ retaining / reauditioning and developing the Choir’s membership
• To foster a climate and culture that increases the diversity of the membership, leading by example.
• Directing the professional music team to enable strong and confident performance standards, overseeing relationships between the professional music team and third-party professionals, including orchestras, conductors and other musicians. The professional music team includes guest conductors, music assistant and accompanists.
• To ensure that strategies for recruiting, retaining and developing membership are implemented effectively and consistently.
SELECTION CRITERIA
The following essential criteria will be used to shortlist applicants:
• Criteria Evidence
• Musical background - Credible musical background, including choral and other experience.
• Evidence of professional choral experience, especially as the choral director of a Youth or Childrens choir.
• Evidence of developing the choral and musical ability of an SATB choir.
• Developing diversity in a choir.
• Evidence of managing complex choral projects and/or musical organisations and musicians.
• Strategic: planning a season and future seasons
• Operational: planning rehearsal schedules, taking rehearsals, hearing auditions, working as part of a high functioning musical team.
• The candidate must pass a Garda vetting process and demonstrate knowledge of best practice when working with children and young people.
QUALITIES
We are looking for a dynamic and inspiring musician of the highest quality, with a wide musical knowledge, the ability to lead and develop young talent, work with other complimentary choirs and ensembles and motivate a professional music team.
How to apply
To apply, email a CV and covering letter to anthony.long@nch.ie and lesley.bishop@ nch.ie. The covering letter should explain how you meet the requirements in the selection criteria and your availability to take rehearsals on Saturdays – see below for more details. We actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. If you require a conversation in confidence regarding your application and any accessibility requirements, or queries please contact the NSO Choral Administrator - lesley.bishop@ nch.ie
The closing date for applications is Monday June 5th
What happens next?
Applicants who go forward to stage two of the process will be invited for interview. We anticipate that the interviews will be held in mid June. In addition to the interview, we will ask shortlisted candidates to submit a short choral rehearsal video.