Assistant Conductor

Assistant Conductor

The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra (FWSO) announces an opening for a one-year position as Assistant Conductor. The successful candidate will assist the FWSO Music Director and serve as cover conductor for the Music Director, Pops conductors, and guest conductors for all orchestra services. The Assistant Conductor will lead education, family, and community concerts in addition to other conducting and administrative duties as specified by the Music Director and Artistic Operations department. Candidates must possess meaningful orchestral conducting experience, a broad knowledge of orchestral repertoire and concert programming, be fluent in English, and demonstrate an ability to deliver remarks (memorized or on the sport) to audiences. The successful candidate must be willing to relocate to the Dallas/Fort Worth area and be eligible to work in the U.S.

Audition Information:

Audition Location and Dates:

Initial applicants will be notified by Friday, December 11, 2026, if they have been selected as a finalist. Finalists will conduct the FWSO on Tuesday, January 19, 2027, and then interview with FWSO administration on Wednesday, January 20, 2027. Travel, accommodations, meals, and all related expenses are the sole responsibility of each candidate.

Audition Location:

Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra Cliburn Rehearsal Hall 330 E. 4th Street Fort Worth, TX 76102

Audition Requirements:

Individuals should submit a cover letter, current resume, two letters of recommendation, and contact information for three professional references. Candidates are also required to submit video samples (15 minutes maximum total duration) demonstrating their recent work. This should include (at the minimum) two contrasting repertoire styles. Video should be shot at close range of the conductor, taken from orchestra's vantage point, facing the FRONT of the conductor, of either a rehearsal or performance with full symphonic or large chamber orchestral ensemble. Videos must be sent electronically with links and dates of capture (Youtube, Vimeo, etc.).

Pianist Provided:

No

Opportunity Information:

Location:

Fort Worth, Texas USA

Season Information:

2027-2028

Program Dates:

September 01, 2027 - July 22, 2028

Program Information:

Conducting auditions will take place on Tuesday, January 19, 2027, between 10:00am-12:30pm and 2:00-4:00pm (CST) Interviews will take place on Wednesday, January 20, 2027, between 10:00 am-2:00pm (CST)

About the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra:

The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra under Music Director Robert Spano is deeply committed to uniting its community through presenting over 120 performance, education, and outreach concerts, reaching an audience of more than 150,000 annually. Since its beginnings in 1912, the FWSO has been an essential thread in the city's cultural fabric and the very foundation of Fort Worth's performing arts. The FWSO has performed at Carnegie Hall and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts as part of SHIFT: A Festival of American Orchestras. The FWSO has released 13 recordings – with several being world premiere releases – garnering international acclaim. The FWSO has embraced creative collaborations through residencies, partnerships, and commissions. As the principal resident company of the acoustically superb Nancy Lee and Perry R. Bass Performance Hall, the Orchestra performs a full season of concerts featuring internationally acclaimed guest artists and works by living composers. The Orchestra performs and partners with Jake Heggie, Texas Ballet Theater, Atlanta-based glo, Fort Worth Opera, The Cliburn, Fort Worth Botanic Garden, The Old Trout Puppet Workshop, and Performing Arts Fort Worth. The FWSO keeps exceptional musical experiences at the heart of its community.

Responsibilities:

• Assist and provide support to Music Director and all guest conductors

• Serve as cover conductor for the Music Director, Pops conductors and guest conductors for all services. This includes personal preparation of all scores and providing written and verbal feedback on artistic matters relating to repertory (balance, intonation, dynamics, ensemble issues, etc). Attendance at all rehearsals and concerts of music director.

• Lead education, family and community concerts in addition to other conducting and administrative duties as specified by the Music Director

• Collaborate with the Music Director, VP of Operations and Education department in programming of education and community concerts.

• Conduct FWSO Education, community and other concerts as assigned

• Participate on Education Committee on behalf of the Music Director to develop strategic educational programming.

• Other duties as assigned

Job Requirements:

• Extensive training and experience in orchestral conducting

• Broad knowledge of symphonic repertoire and concert programming

• Exceptional oral communication skills

• Exceptional organizational skills and time management ability

Compensation:

Payment is provided Salary commensurate with experience Comprehensive benefits package Conducting assignments will be commensurate with experience. Appointment will be for one year.

Contact Information:

Christopher Powell, Vice President of Operations View email address on click.appcast.io Do not send audition submissions to this address

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