Artistic Director
Department Summary
The Grammy Award-winning Oregon Bach Festival is recognized nationally and internationally as a premiere performing arts organization that annually presents and produces approximately 30-40 performances of major choral-orchestral works, instrumental and chamber concerts, recitals, lectures, children's concerts, a two-week intensive study and choral performance program for high school-aged singers from across the US, a week-long Institute for organists, a period orchestral academy for graduate or pre-professional instrumentalists, and conducting masterclasses. Oregon Bach Festival is an ancillary program of the University of Oregon School of Music and Dance. It has representation from the community in the form of an advisory board elected from the Friends of the Festival (donors at a certain level and above).
The Artistic Director of Oregon Bach Festival (OBF) shapes the Festival's primary artistic and educational vision and proposes artistic programming in collaboration with the OBF Executive Director, the Dean of the School of Music and Dance (SOMD) at the University of Oregon (UO), and the Festival's Advisory Board. The Artistic Director will be responsible for conducting the majority of the Festival's choral-orchestral performances. Reporting to the SOMD Dean, the Artistic Director is the principal conductor for OBF. Initial appointment is expected for up to three years, with possibility of renewal.
Application Review Begins
July 12, 2019; position open until filled
Minimum Requirements
* Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
Professional Competencies
General
* Possesses and has demonstrated significant musical talent that will contribute to OBF's international artistic and educational recognition.
* Has thorough knowledge of choral-orchestral repertoire and styles, operas, and oratorios; comprehensive knowledge of scores forming the core literature of each historical period of choral and orchestral performance; experience in performance practice; and self-awareness of personal strengths in specific repertoire.
* Has instinct for developing imaginative programming ideas that have significance to the musicians, students, the occasion, and the community; this may require both a willingness to explore a variety of directions in music-making and experience in diverse repertoire.
* Understands and sees opportunity in working within a university environment; participates in building relevance to SOMD's academic mission.
* Embraces role within the community as OBF's artistic "face," demonstrating commitment to major gift/donor relationships; interest in community outreach; and participation in OBF's promotional efforts.
* Is an effective decision maker; builds consensus and unifying goals; provides guidance and support to staff, musicians, advisory board and the University.
* Brings credibility as an artistic leader through gaining the respect of staff, musicians, and board; is approachable, accessible and communicates with regularity; able to motivate and elicit the best efforts of all the above.
* Able to use connections to current solo artists, orchestral and choral musicians, and composers, with a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Technical/Performance
* Possesses conversant, documented interest in both historically-informed and contemporary performance practice.
* Demonstrates a scholar's inquiring mind that constantly searches for the best information and research about performance practice.
* Has comprehensive knowledge of music history and its historical context within the broader arts and humanities.
* Promotes new works and innovative interpretations in order to expand the musical horizons of audience members and stakeholders.
* Exhibits significant understanding and evidenced performance of JS Bach's music; commitment to JS Bach and the Bach-inspired, as well as OBF's legacy; ability to connect with and inspire audiences through the public sharing of knowledge about Bach and Bach-inspired music.
* Demonstrates all the professional qualities and characteristics of a highly skilled and experienced conductor; meets OBF standards of excellence.
Conducting
* Demonstrates well-established, efficient, and advanced skills in rehearsal technique that balance attention to technical details, overall interpretive goals, and scheduling practicalities.
* Holds a rehearsal/performance presence and communication style that promotes music-making and supports student and musician well-being.
* Displays a strong commitment to the artistic, social, diversity and inclusivity goals of SOMD and greater UO by ensuring that musicians and soloists reflect the diversity of the community.
Administrative and Personal
* Possesses experience and efficacy in long-range artistic planning; sensitivity to deadlines; strategic thinker.
* Operates within fiscal parameters.
* Has a proven history of working collaboratively with executive/managing and program directors and staff; openness to the ideas of others; ability to inspire creativity.
* Handles relationships professionally and works towards mutual understanding; is respectful, compassionate, and humble, but also decisive and inspirational.
* Utilizes professional connections to enhance and advance OBF.
* Finds opportunities for staff, musicians, program directors and students to expand knowledge and grow; encourages development of young audiences and performers.
* Exhibits awareness of the role of the orchestra and chorus in a changing society.
* Has confidence and integrity to make difficult decisions.
* Possesses concern for the effect the artistic director has on the professional lives and performance quality of the musicians.
* Has a sense of fairness and objectivity and commitment to diversity and inclusions goals of UO in making recommendations to OBF's management concerning personnel decisions within the Festival.
* Shows a willingness to participate in evaluation as a constructive aspect of Festival leadership.
* Has a commitment to fulfilling the Festival's potential as an artistic, educational and community resource; willingness to become involved in the life of the community.
* Inspires and communicates musically and verbally with audiences of all ages, both on and off the stage.
* Showcases interest in community outreach activities; willingness to support fundraising and participate in the promotional endeavors of the Festival.
Preferred Qualifications
* Successful completion of advanced degrees, studies or other training which demonstrate the candidate's preparation for this position.
* Prior academic experience is beneficial but not required.