1. No category

POSITION DESCRIPTION
Job Title
Chorus Master
Date
20 March 2015
Department
Artistic
Reports to:
Director of Artistic
Planning
Location
MSO Southbank Offices
Role Status:
TBC
1. POSITION PURPOSE
To establish and maintain the performance standards of a symphonic chorus of international standing.
To provide plans for the artistic development of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra chorus within
policy and budgetary guidelines of the company.
A key role within the Chorus, the role of Chorus Master reports to the Director of Artistic Planning,
however works collaboratively with the Chorus Coordinator and the Artistic and Operations
departments.
2. MSO VALUES & BEHAVIOURS
Excellence
We will deliver the highest standards of performance at all times,
artistically and organisationally
Creativity
We will be inventive and imaginative, supporting creativity throughout
the company and always seeking new ways to inspire our artists,
audiences, supporters and staff
Flexibility
We will be adaptable and responsive, constantly evolving to meet our
stakeholders’ needs and expectations and realise new opportunities
Leadership
We will demonstrate the highest levels of professionalism and be
passionate advocates for our company, our artists and the art form
Responsibility
We will be exemplars of good governance, sustainability and
accountability to our stakeholders
Integrity
We will be open and honest, reliable and respectful, and ethical at all
times
3. DIMENSIONS & WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
Reports to
Director of Artistic Planning
Direct Working
Relationships
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Director of Artistic Planning
Artistic team members
Director of Operations
Operations team members
Director of Education and Community Engagement
Director of Marketing
Marketing team members
Director of Development
Development team members
Finance team members
4. MAJOR RESPONSIBILITY AREAS
The main responsibilities of the Chorus Master are:
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5. KEY RESULT AREA
ARTISTIC LEADERSHIP
Preparation of choral works for performances
Audition and reaudition singers for the MSO Chorus
Relationship & Resource Management
Occupational Health & Safety
MAJOR ACTIVITIES
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Audition, re-audition and select the best available singers for membership
of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Chorus on a regular basis.
Preparation of choral works for performances with Music Director and
guest conductors of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.
Preparation and conducting of choral works in non-orchestral concerts, to
be agreed with the Music Director and Director of Artistic Planning of the
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.
In consultation with the Director of Artistic Planning, research new
repertoire for the MSO Chorus and new performance opportunities which
support and enhance the skills and reputation of the organisation.
In consultation with the Director of Artistic Planning, selection of nonorchestral concert repertoire, including the consideration of invitations to
perform with other organisations.
Provide artistic advice on all vocal matters to the Artistic team.
Oversee performance standards of associate artists (repetiteurs, guest
conductors, language coaches).
Foster emerging artists (singers, conductors, composers, accompanists).
Position Description – Chorus Coordinator
5. KEY RESULT AREA
MAJOR ACTIVITIES
BUILDING EFFECTIVE
RELATIONSHIPS
 The key challenge for the Chorus Master is ensuring that
inter-company relationships are collaborative and that communication to
key stakeholders is proactive, with outcomes aligned to the goals of the
Chorus & larger organisation.
 Create supportive and collaborative working environment for Chorus
Coordinator
 Form collaborative and constructive relationships with all MSO Chorus
members, Chorus Committee, volunteers and internal stakeholders of the
MSO
 Establish and sustain effective relationships with networks both internal
and external to the MSO to enhance the profile of the MSO
ADMINISTRATIVE
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Liaise with the Chorus Coordinator and determine necessary rehearsals
for concert activity and construct year-long rehearsal schedules for MSO
Chorus
Liaise with the Chorus Coordinator and the operations team regarding
stage set up and performance venues.
Monitor and evaluate activities of MSO Chorus in respect of long-term
strategies and objectives.
Investigate and develop activities which provide opportunities for the
members to develop and enhance their skills.
Establish and implement organisation strategies, objectives, policies and
programs.
Maintain lines of communication with all members of the MSO Chorus,
including members of the Chorus committee.
Carry out other associated duties as required.
Attend all MSO Chorus committee meetings as MSO management
representative.
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH
& SAFETY
 Work with management and other team members to ensure that all
occupational health and safety (OHS) risks are minimised through
awareness and application of safe working practices.
OTHER
 Carry out any other associated duties as reasonably requested
6. DECISION MAKING AUTHORITY
The position holder works under the general direction of the Director of Artistic Planning.
Page 3 of 4
Position Description – Chorus Coordinator
7. ESSENTIAL CRITERIA
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Proven abilities as a trainer and conductor of symphonic choruses
Thorough knowledge of the repertoire for chorus and orchestra and a capella
Knowledge of vocal talent across Australia and worldwide
Sound administrative and organising skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Demonstrated ability to liaise effectively with artists, management, chorus members and
members of the orchestra
Computer skills
Candidate must have tertiary music qualifications and preferably experience in arts
administration.
8. DESIRABLE CRITERIA
 Demonstrated experience in an orchestral or chorus environment;
 An appreciation or interest in the arts/classical music.
9. PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
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Pragmatic and logical in approach with excellent organisational skills;
Ability to form and sustain effective relationships with key stakeholders
Exceptional attention to detail;
Able to achieve outcomes with minimal direct management;
Ability to work with autonomously and within a team as required;
Display initiative and drive to self motivate and at times, motivate others.
10. POSITION DESCRIPTION MAINTENANCE
Date of last review:
22 April 2015, Version 1.1
Conducted By:
Ronald Vermeulen – Director Artistic Planning
Helena Balazs – Chorus Coordinator
Date for next review:
Page 4 of 4
APPENDIX ONE – CHORUS PROFILE
MELBOURNE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA CHORUS
The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Chorus has built an international reputation for the highest standards
and for bold artistic planning. Known as the Melbourne Chorale until 2008, it has since been integrated with
the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.
The Chorus sings with the finest conductors, including Sir Andrew Davis, Edward Gardner, Mark
Wigglesworth, Bernard Labadie, Stephen Layton, Vladimir Ashkenazy, Masaaki Suzuki and Manfred
Honeck. Recent highlights include Britten’s War Requiem, Kancheli’s Styx, Brett Dean’s The Last Days of
Socrates, Elgar’s The Dream of Gerontius, Rachmaninov’s The Bells and Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman.
The Chorus is committed to developing and performing new Australian and international choral repertoire.
Commissions include Brett Dean’s Katz und Spatz (commissioned with the Swedish Radio Choir),
Ross Edwards’ Mountain Chant (commissioned with Cantillation), Paul Stanhope’s Exile Lamentations
(commissioned with Sydney Chamber Choir and London’s Elysian Singers), and Gabriel Jackson’s
To the Field of Stars (commissioned with the Netherlands Chamber Choir and Stockholm’s St Jacob’s
Chamber Choir). The Chorus has also premiered works by many composers, including MacMillan, Pärt,
Henze, Schnittke, Bryars, Silvestrov,Maskats, Machuel and Vasks.
The Chorus has made critically acclaimed recordings for Chandos and ABC Classics, has performed across
Brazil including at the Cultura Inglesa Festival in Sao Paolo, in Kuala Lumpur with the Malaysian
Philharmonic Orchestra, with The Australian Ballet, Sydney Symphony Orchestra, West Australian
Symphony Orchestra, Barbra Streisand, at the Melbourne International Arts Festival, at the 2011 AFL
Grand Final and the Sydney Olympic Arts Festival.