Music Director

Application and auditions for artistic director for thriving 50-member community orchestra with professional principal strings in Lake Forest, Illinois. 4 subscription concerts per year + 2 (same day) holiday performances. 6-8 rehearsals per concert. Rehearsals are held on Thursday evenings; performances are Sunday afternoons. Programming responsibilities (beginning 26-27 season). Collaborative, capable board and engaged membership.

Our next music director will have 10+ years conducting collegiate, professional and community orchestras. Rehearsals must be disciplined, organized, and enjoyable. We must be proud of our performances.

The music director reports directly to the board and is responsible for the fulfillment of the orchestra’s artistic potential and its image in the community. This responsibility is borne out in a range of activities beginning with planning and programming the season to rehearsal planning and orchestra preparation, to performance and post-performance learning.

With input from a music selection committee and the board, the music director creates the theme and programs for each subscription season, ensuring an appropriate level of challenge and interesting mix of composers, periods, and representation. The music director sets the tone for rehearsals and concerts, helping the orchestra grow musically while providing high quality concerts that audiences enjoy and return to. The music director nurtures relationships with the orchestra, board, audience, and donors, helping to retain and grow membership, patrons, and funding sources for the future. As the orchestra’s artistic leader, the music director must build and sustain the orchestra’s visibility and involvement in the community. The music director is expected to work closely with the board in carrying out these responsibilities. We would like the next music director to commit to a minimum of 3 years with the orchestra, beginning Sept 2026.