Associate Conductor

The Richmond Symphony

Join a highly accomplished artistic team in a city dedicated to growing arts and culture as
the Associate Conductor of the Richmond Symphony and Conductor of the Richmond
Symphony Youth Orchestra (RSYO). One of the only orchestras to continue playing to
both live and virtual audiences throughout the pandemic, the Richmond Symphony has
purposely worked to reimagine the music experience for ways to connect more deeply with
the Richmond community, and to bring the power and enrichment of music to participants
of all ages, regardless of their prior knowledge of or interest in classical music or traditional
symphony performance.
The Associate Conductor is a key artistic position, working in close collaboration with
Music Director Valentina Peleggi to develop the artistic growth, community impact, and
education initiatives of the Richmond Symphony as established by the Music Director,
Executive Director and Board of the Symphony. The Associate Conductor works as cover
conductor for all Symphony Series and other programs conducted by the Music Director,
conductor of Symphony concerts as assigned, including but not limited to Pops, Discovery
(education), Film, Big Tent, chamber orchestra, and other concerts as assigned.
The Associate Conductor works within the artistic, education, and community engagement
teams of the Richmond Symphony to shape education, youth, and community programs;
and to provide support to the artistic staff and on-call coverage of concerts and rehearsals of
its Symphony series and symphonic specials. The Associate Conductor will have a vast
number of conducting opportunities throughout the Symphony’s season. This position
typically conducts 4-6 Pops Concerts, 1-2 Films, 4-6 Chamber Orchestra Concerts, and 3-5
community concerts within the 40 week season.
Essential Functions
• Assist the Music Director, and the Director of Artistic Planning and Orchestral
Operations in the musical administration of the orchestra, as requested. Including but
not limited to
▪ Plan and conduct community concerts, educational concerts, and other
concerts as assigned.
▪ Serve as cover conductor for rehearsals and concerts and other programs as
assigned, including personal preparation of all scores; providing written and
verbal feedback on artistic matters relating to repertory (balance, intonation,
dynamics, ensemble issues, etc.); and being fully prepared to conduct as
substitute conductor for rehearsals and/or performances, if necessary. May be
asked to conduct off stage ensembles or serve as score reader for supertitles
or other production needs.
▪ Conduct concerts as assigned, which may include any types of programs
presented by the Richmond Symphony, in any venue, and on any dates.
• Assist the technical staff in live performance video or audio recordings for archival or
broadcast use.
• Serve as the Associate Conductor and the Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra’s
primary conductor, and in that role:
▪ Work with the Director of Education and Community Engagement in all
artistic matters, including repertoire selection, auditions, rehearsals, and
seating and part assignments.
▪ Build the musical education and preparation of the Youth Orchestra students,
and engage partner organizations as necessary to create the best possible
performance environment for the enrolled students.
▪ Participate actively in parent engagement activities as a representative of
RYSO and of the Richmond Symphony.
▪ Build the reputation of the Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra through
recruitment efforts, collaboration with local schools and universities, and in
other matters as requested.
▪ Work with the Education team in achieving goals of the Richmond
Symphony School of Music through RSYO and beyond.
• Participate as directed in planning meetings, media events, fund-raising activities,
speaking engagements, educational and outreach opportunities, development meetings
and activities, administrative meetings and other activities as determined and identified
by the Director of Artistic Planning.
• Support Marketing and Donor Engagement efforts as requested. May include
interviews, video content, donor event participation, and small group discussions or
meetings.
• Additional duties as assigned
Minimum qualifications
• Meaningful orchestral conducting experience and broad knowledge of orchestral
repertoire and concert program.
• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in orchestral/instrumental conducting strongly
preferred.
• Fluent in English and able to communicate effectively to musicians, staff, and a wide
range of audience members.
• Organizational fit for the Richmond Symphony culture. Exhibits the Symphony values
of innovation, inclusion, passion, quality and welcoming.
• A willingness to work as a team, working towards creating the best artistic
environment possible.
• Exhibit keen interest in serving an artistic organization
• Pass a background check
• Legally eligible to work in the country in which the position is located

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• A deep knowledge of orchestral repertoire and standard practices.
• A skilled communicator and an ability to interface with a wide variety of individuals.
• Working knowledge of Google Docs and Google Calendar. OPAS a plus.

Work Environment
• Must maintain a residence in Richmond, VA throughout length of contract.
• A combination of administrative work completed at Richmond Symphony Offices
downtown along with a schedule of rehearsals and concerts.
• Present for a robust schedule of evenings and weekends

Compensation and benefits

This is a full time position with an annual salary of $47,000. Benefits include health,
dental, telemedicine, vision, disability and instrument insurances, a flexible spending or
health savings account, paid time off, sick time off, free parking, and a 403(b) plan.
How to apply
Send an email to apply@richmondsymphony.com with the following information: cover
letter (outlining the reason for applying, why you should be selected and how you heard
about the opportunity), resume, three professional references with contact information (at
least one familiar with your conducting), samples of two to three past programs that
exemplify your work, and a link to three videos (preferred from performance) of
contrasting style, showing the candidate from the front, not exceeding 20 minutes in total.
Additionally, please include two draft programs that show your ideal program for a
classical community concert and two draft programs that show your ideal program with
the Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra.
Any offer of employment is contingent upon a background check.
Select, qualified applicants will be interviewed in early 2024. Final candidates will be
invited to Richmond, Virginia, on March 4 and 5, 2024 for in-person interviews as well as
rehearsals with the Richmond Symphony and the Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra.