MUSICAL DIRECTOR/CONDUCTOR

 

Location:          Lady Margaret School, Parsons Green, London SW6 4UN

Rehearsals:     Wednesday evenings (6.45 until 9pm) during school term times

Position Type: Annually renewable contract

Start Date:       January 2027 (or by agreement)

 

ABOUT US

 

Fulham and Hammersmith Choral Society was founded in 1951 and is a registered charity. We are a non-auditioned amateur choir of approximately 90 singers of all ages. We explore a varied repertoire of mainly classical music and perform 3 concerts every year in the London area, usually with instrumentalists and professional soloists, and at least once a year with a full orchestra.

 

The choir is supported by a committee whose role includes the organisation of venues, publicity, ticket sales and finance.

 

THE ROLE

 

We are seeking an inspiring choral conductor to lead and develop the choir as it enters a new chapter. The successful candidate will be someone who is enthusiastic about working with, and encouraging, keen amateurs helping them to achieve the highest possible standards. It is very important that the candidate should have a good sense of humour in order to bring a sense of joy and fun to rehearsals. FHCS is renowned for being a very friendly, social choir and the candidate must be keen to join in with termly social events arranged by the committee.

 

The candidate will work alongside a full-time Assistant Musical Director/Accompanist.

Remuneration is competitive with other local choirs, based on experience.

 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plan and deliver engaging Wednesday evening rehearsals, during school term times (approx 35 per year)

• Conduct 3 concerts per year in Spring, Summer and Autumn

• Plan and deliver an open Come & Sing day and a choir awayday annually plus other events as agreed

• Help to plan and conduct occasional charity choir events eg carol singing

• Select and source diverse repertoire as agreed with the committee

• Manage realistic budgets for concerts as agreed with the committee

• Select and engage soloists and instrumentalists for concert performances in partnership with the committee

• Arrange a suitable deputy conductor to cover rehearsals in the event of unavoidable absence

• Attend committee meetings by invitation (no more than 6 per year)

• Attend and report to the Annual General Meeting

 

REQUIREMENTS

• Proven experience conducting amateur choirs

• Commitment to fostering good vocal technique and high singing standards

• Excellent keyboard skills

• Dynamic, inspirational and enthusiastic with a good sense of humour

• Good communication and leadership skills to inspire amateur singers

• Sufficient singing ability to demonstrate to the choir what is required

• Experience collaborating with external musicians and soloists

• Financial literacy with experience planning events and concert budgets

• Good knowledge of a varied choral repertoire and vocal techniques

• A commitment to working in collaboration with the committee concerning all choir business

• An established network within the choral community to source rehearsal deputies

 

 

REFERENCES

 

Please provide two references from relevant musical/professional sources.

 

 

 

HOW TO APPLY

Please send your CV and a short covering letter stating why you would like to be the Musical Director of FHCS and detailing your relevant experience to fhcschoir@gmail.com.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview and successful interviewees to an audition with the choir.

Closing date for applications:              1 September 2026

Interviews for shortlisted candidates: September 2026 in Putney by arrangement

Auditions for final shortlist:                  October 2026 by arrangement

 

 

If you would like to discuss the vacancy before submitting an application, please email us on the above address with your name, telephone number and a good time to contact you, and either our Chairman or Vice-Chairman will call you.