04/09/2026
Musical Director of Cantiones Choir. Cantiones Choir, established in 1982 in Oswestry, Shropshire, is an enthusiastic and committed mixed choir of between 35 and 40 voices. The choir rehearses on Tuesday evening from 7.30 – 9.30pm in Oswestry and has a regular accompanist. New members are auditioned and good sight-reading skills are expected.
Our present MD Tony Coupe, has been with Cantiones since January 2025 and will be stepping down in early May 2027. The choir likes to perform a variety of music including the standard choral repertoire, as well as shorter pieces and more contemporary works, and is keen to broaden its musical horizons. The choir performs a minimum of three concerts a year, including its very popular annual “Christmas with Cantiones”, as well as holding an annual ‘Come and Sing’ event as a fundraiser. The choir is looking for someone who:
· Is a trained musician with a passion for choral singing who is confident conducting a variety of repertoire
· Can further develop the choir’s vocal technique and ensemble work
· Is enthusiastic and able to challenge the choir with new ideas
· Has good organisational skills, including forward planning for concerts and compiling rehearsal schedules
· Is willing to work with the committee as to the future musical direction of the choir
· Is a good communicator
· Has been, or is willing to be, DBS checked
Further information about the choir and examples of past concerts are available on our website: www.cantiones.org.uk- please note that a new website is under construction. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview and to lead a short rehearsal session with the choir in the Spring Term 2027. The successful candidate will ideally take up their role from May 2027 to work with the choir to perform a light summer programme in July 2027. A September 2027 start date may also be possible
REMUNERATION
Dependent on experience, in the region of £600 per term, with additional concert fees.
HOW TO APPLY
Applications should be in the form of a current CV and a supporting letter, explaining why you feel you are the right person to take on the role of Cantiones MD. Send your application by email to: Annabel Gittins (Chair) [email protected]
