The Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra invites applications to be its next Music Director and Conductor.

 The Organization

Currently in its 42nd season, the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra (TSO) stands as an exceptional model for regional orchestras across the country.  As an integral part of Tallahassee’s cultural scene, the TSO seeks to serve the entire diverse community through unique and uplifting musical experiences. As part of a larger, nation-wide group of American orchestras 1000+ strong, the TSO strives to advance the art form of orchestral music and to conduct best practices in all areas of business. 

Over the past two seasons, the TSO has gradually returned to in-person performances and additionally continues to live-stream all subscription concerts as a new way of doing business. The TSO’s 2022-23 season includes 19 concerts: 8 Classics concerts, 2 Holiday Pops events, 3 Young People’s concerts, a Halloween Spooktacular event, a Queens of Soul Concert (in partnership with Florida State University’s Opening Nights), a 4^th of July concert (in partnership with the City of Tallahassee), a partnership with Word of South Festival in April featuring Ben Folds, and 2 chamber music events.

The TSO is governed by a 34-member Board of Directors who meet approximately 9 times annually (including a half-day board retreat); the organization receives volunteer and fundraising support from the Tallahassee Symphony Society. The TSO’s operating budget in 2022-23 is approximately $1.3 million and there is an administrative staff of 3 full-time and 4 part-time employees. The TSO also receives administrative help from two paid interns. 

Job title:  Music Director and Conductor

Organization/orchestra name: Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra

Area of focus: Music Director/Conductor

Job type(s): Part-time, 1099 Employee

 Duties and responsibilities:

• Conduct a series of 15-20 concerts, to include 5-8 Classical concerts, 3 Pops concerts, 3 Young People’s Concerts per season, in addition to other special performances as agreed upon by contract
• Work with the CEO, Finance Committee, Executive Committee and Artistic Committee to develop and plan each season with an eye towards continually expanding the TSO’s audiences
• Work with the organization to develop and articulate an artistic plan that is based upon the desires of the community and orchestra
• Work with the CEO, staff and board to cultivate donors and donor relations
• Partner with other musical, arts, and philanthropic organizations to advocate for the arts and to develop innovative programming
• Participate in orchestra auditions
• Assist in the promotion of the orchestra by being available for public appearances and fundraising activities
• Work to further the orchestra’s role as a vital community resource, and demonstrate the ability and desire to uphold its mission to patrons, donors, and the community at large.
• Challenge and inspire the musicians of the orchestra to fulfill their artistic potential and lead the Symphony to new levels of artistic expression

Requirements:

• Demonstrate artistic excellence as a musician and conductor
• Possess the administrative/organizational skills required of an artistic leader
• Demonstrate the ability to develop imaginative programming ideas that have significance to the orchestra, the community, and the occasion
• Have awareness of the current field of solo artists, contemporary music, and performance practices
• As part of a management team, work collaboratively with the CEO, Board of Directors, and staff
• Demonstrate ability to communicate effectively in writing and through public speaking

About the Organization:

“The mission of the TSO is to engage, enrich, and inspire people at all stages of life through great music.” Founded in 1979 by Hungarian immigrant Nicholas Harsanyi—a student of Bartók, Dohnányi, and Kodály—the TSO has long-aspired to serve Florida’s historic Capital City through thrilling performances, edifying educational programs, and inclusive community engagement initiatives, many free of charge.
 
Over its 42-year history the TSO has worked in schools and community centers, has presented annual outdoor events that showcase the area’s natural and mysterious beauty, and has developed robust partnerships with our 3 higher-educational institutions and our City/County governments.
 
In recent years, the TSO has embarked on ambitious new projects—such as a 35th anniversary gala with soprano Renee Fleming, the creation of a jazz orchestra, and the adoption of Carnegie Hall’s educational 'Link Up' program—and has embraced social justice concerts, such as the 2017 “Requiem of Resistance” concert, a 2019 performance of Joel Thompson’s Seven Last Words of the Unarmed, and a planned community concert celebrating Florida’s Emancipation Day in May, 2023. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are important values of the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra and integral to our future growth.

The TSO seeks to make our organization accessible to all and to advance musical talent in our community, regardless of economic barriers. To this end, we offer free open rehearsal for all our Classics concerts, a free Halloween Spooktacular event, and have recently commenced our first after-school strings program at Sable Palm Elementary School, one of the poorest schools in Florida.

The Tallahassee Community:

Tallahassee is nestled in the rolling Red Hills region of Florida’s panhandle, a biologically diverse area designated one of America’s "Last Great Places" by the Nature Conservancy. Moss-draped oak trees and stately pines give a distinctly Southern feel to this vibrant capital city, which serves as both the epicenter of Florida politics and home to 3 thriving institutions of higher-education.
 
Tallahassee’s fascinating history interweaves stories of Apalachee and Spanish peoples in the 16th C, territorial and oppressive governments in the 19th C, and Civil Rights advocacy and national politics in the 20th C. Throughout time, an important and distinctive part of the city's history has been told through our sizable Black population. Tallahassee is home to the State’s largest and only public HBCU, Florida A&M University, and the TSO frequently partners with FAMU’s celebrated Concert Choir.

Application procedure: The search is being facilitated by Henry Fogel. The application will be open until the position is filled. Applications will start to be considered January 1, 2023. Interested candidates are invited to submit a letter of interest and current resume to astringer@tallahasseesymphony.org and/or the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra, Music Director Search Committee, 515 E. Park Ave., Tallahassee, FL  32301.  

• Demonstrate artistic excellence as a musician and conductor
• Possess the administrative/organizational skills required of an artistic leader
• Demonstrate the ability to develop imaginative programming ideas that have significance to the orchestra, the community, and the occasion
• Have awareness of the current field of solo artists, contemporary music, and performance practices
• As part of a management team, work collaboratively with the CEO, Board of Directors, and staff
• Demonstrate ability to communicate effectively in writing and through public speaking

About Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra

Currently in its 42nd season, the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra (TSO) stands as an exceptional model for regional orchestras across the country. As an integral part of Tallahassee’s cultural scene, the TSO seeks to serve the entire diverse community through unique and uplifting musical experiences. As part of a larger, nation-wide group of American orchestras 1000+ strong, the TSO strives to advance the art form of orchestral music and to conduct best practices in all areas of business. The TSO is governed by a 34-member Board of Directors who meet approximately 9 times annually (including a half-day board retreat); the organization receives volunteer and fundraising support from the Tallahassee Symphony Society. The TSO’s operating budget in 2022-23 is approximately $1.3 million and there is an administrative staff of 3 full-time and 4 part-time employees. The TSO also receives administrative help from two paid interns.

Connections working at Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra