Vacancy for Principal Conductor

Applications are invited for the position of Principal Conductor of St Albans Symphony Orchestra (SASO). The orchestra brings together amateur and semi-professional players and is looking for an experienced and inspiring musician whose leadership will maintain and surpass its high standards of performance.

Suitably qualified applicants are asked to email a curriculum vitae (no longer than three pages) and a short informal video (this can be recorded on a phone in a quiet place). The video should be no longer than four minutes and should tell us about yourself and your approach to the position of Principal Conductor. Applications should be sent to Co-Chairs Hattie Jolly and Karen Mclaren at info@saso.org.uk. The closing date for applications is Friday 25th March 2022

Please note, incomplete applications will not be considered.

Selected applicants will be asked to attend an interview on:

  • Friday 22nd April (evening)

Dates may be added in May 2022 if necessary. Those reaching a second shortlist will be invited to rehearse the orchestra for one hour during July (on either the 6th or the 13th July). Two chosen finalists will be offered guest contracts to rehearse and conduct the orchestra for a concert (on either 2nd January 2023  or 11th March 2023) with a view to appointing one of them as Principal Conductor.

About Us

St Albans Symphony Orchestra is a large group made up of amateur and semi-professional musicians. We have just celebrated our ninety-first year, and cover a wide range of repertoire from large symphonic and choral works to smaller chamber orchestral pieces. We hold six concerts each year, including a New Year’s Day concert in St Albans Cathedral, a children’s concert, and the biennial St Cecilia’s Festival concert together with local choirs in St Albans Cathedral.