The Grand Philharmonic Choir seeks an Assistant Conductor for the 2025-2026 season to work closely with Artistic Director Mark Vuorinen to aid in the preparation and performance of all concerts for the symphonic adult and chamber choirs throughout the season. The position will give an opportunity to an emerging choral leader to gain experience in conducting, leadership and the artistic logistics of operating a large choral organization.
This is a part time position contracted from September-May.
Duties and responsibilities include:
- Attendance at weekly rehearsal of the Grand Philharmonic Choir and GPC Chamber Singers is required, as well as all other rehearsals, as necessary
- Preparing and score study of repertoire of the GPC and Chamber Singers
- Leading rehearsals and sectionals of GPC and Chamber Singers
- Lead warmups before rehearsals and performances from time to time, as assigned
- Assist with administrative tasks such as seating plans, rehearsal schedules, etc.
- Listen for balance of ensemble when requested by the Artistic Director
- Work with the Artistic Director, Executive Director and production team on rehearsal or concert production issues
- With the Artistic Director and/or Executive Director and GPC Outreach Coordinator, plan and run public outreach and education events
Location of work:
Rehearsals are held weekly on Monday evenings in Kitchener-Waterloo. Concerts are held at Kitchener’s Centre in the Square and other locations throughout Waterloo Region.
Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will, at a minimum:
- be pursuing an undergraduate degree in Music (B.Mus, or BA, Music) Bachelor of Music or will have completed an undergraduate degree in Music
- have an interest and experience in conducting choral ensembles
- have excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Additional music skills will also be taken into consideration.
Application process:
To apply, please submit the following, by September 10, 2025:
- a resume, including repertoire list of works performed, rehearsed and/or studied
- cover letter outlining key choral leadership experiences and interest in the position
- one or two links (YouTube, Vimeo, Google Drive, or similar) of the candidate conducting an ensemble in rehearsal
- names and contact information for two people who can speak to your musical gifts and leadership strengths
This position is open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. The Grand Philharmonic Choir strongly encourages conductors of diverse backgrounds and experiences, including Black and Indigenous conductors, to apply. The contract may be extended for a 2nd year upon completion of a review at the end of the first year.
Applications and/or questions about the position can be sent to Artistic Director Mark Vuorinen at: markvuorinen@grandphilchoir.com
ABOUT THE GRAND PHILHARMONIC CHOIR
The Grand Philharmonic Choir traces its roots back to the 19th century, when Kitchener was named Berlin. A defining feature of local life was the singing festival (sängerfest) that attracted thousands of people; this has formed a lasting foundation of appreciation for choral music.
The choir has operated continuously since 1922. We are now four choirs in one organization: a large symphonic adult chorus, a smaller chamber choir drawn from the ranks of that chorus, a youth choir comprised of singers aged 14 to 23, and a children’s choir for young singers from age 7 to 14.
We produce, perform, and share choral music in and around Waterloo Region. Our offerings range from a formal concert series with professional orchestra and world-class soloists to free, open sing-along opportunities for the public.
We provide music education experiences for our singers and the wider community. Our children and youth choirs, totaling more than 90 young singers, engage in a formal music education program including ear training, performance skills, voice production, sight reading and music theory.
In 1972, Howard Dyck became artistic director and continued for another 38 years before retiring in July 2010. Ambitious and visionary, Howard built the choir’s performance standards, artistic ambition and administrative support. When the city’s 1,800-seat, acoustically fine concert hall, Centre in the Square, opened in 1982, it quickly became the choir’s home venue.
The children’s choir was begun in 1985, and the youth choir in 1998. The youth choir quickly became one of the best ensembles in Canada, winning first place in the youth category, mixed voices, at the CBC National Competition of Amateur Choirs.
Mark Vuorinen has been the choir’s artistic director since 2010. He has brought intense focus on performance standards, an innovative approach to programming, and commitment to outreach and collaboration.
Recent performance highlights for the choir include the passions of J. S. Bach, Beethoven’s Missa Solemnis, Britten’s War Requiem, Mendelssohn’s Elijah, and performances as guests of the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony and Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra.
The choir also embraces the opportunity to perform – and commission – works that address contemporary concerns, such as the environment, living in peace with those who are different from us, and works by Indigenous composers.
We support new composers by commissioning new works. In March 2025, we gave the premiere of pīsimwak – Moons II by Karen Sunabacka. Another commission is planned for its premiere in 2026.