Artistic Director Search

Litha Symphony Orchestra – New York, NY
Seasonal | Paid per Service | Applications Due: September 15, 2025

🎶 About Litha Symphony Orchestra
Litha Symphony Orchestra is a volunteer community ensemble based in New York City, known for adventurous programming and ambitious performances. With a mission to push the boundaries of what a community orchestra can achieve, Litha brings together musicians of varied backgrounds—from dedicated hobbyists to semi-professionals—for performances that celebrate creativity, risk-taking, and collaborative artistry.

Our main season includes three concerts from June through August, with additional opportunities for performances throughout the year. Rehearsals and performances primarily take place at the Church of the Holy Apostles in Chelsea.

🎯 What We’re Looking For
We are seeking an Artistic Director who is ready to push creative boundaries, champion bold programming, and help reimagine what a community orchestra can achieve.

We’ve previously taken on large-scale masterworks like Mahler—and dream of tackling Rite of Spring. We want someone who shares that vision and sees storytelling through repertoire as a key part of the concert experience.

This is an ideal opportunity for an early-career conductor eager to gain artistic leadership experience, or a seasoned conductor looking for a meaningful and creatively fulfilling project.

You might be a strong fit if you:

• Are an artistic risk-taker who blends masterworks with lesser-known and underrepresented works
• Have a gift for building narrative-driven programs
• ​​Lead with clarity, collaboration, and respect, creating a rehearsal room where musicians of all levels feel valued
• Understand that artistic leadership includes community-building
• ​Are energized by collaboration and bring fresh ideas to the table

We’re less concerned with your résumé’s prestige and more interested in your vision, drive, and heart.

🪄 Role & Responsibilities
The Artistic Director is a contracted, non-board position who reports to the President and collaborates with the Board and artistic staff. The Artistic Director also serves as ex officio Chair of the Artistic Committee.

Key responsibilities include:

• Plan and conduct all rehearsals and performances (or designate a qualified substitute when necessary)
• Select repertoire, soloists, guest artists, and assistant conductors
• Design concert programs with artistic vision and thematic cohesion
• Establish audition procedures and recruit musicians
• Maintain records of repertoire, personnel, and programming history
• Collaborate with the Librarian and Director of Personnel to coordinate logistics
• Work with the Director of Marketing on program themes and promotional materials
• Provide regular reports to the Board and attend meetings when possible

💰 Compensation & Schedule

• $125 per service (rehearsals + performances), subject to board review
• Each summer concert cycle typically includes 4–5 rehearsals and one performance, with additional opportunities throughout the year (e.g., New Year’s Eve concert)
• Compensation is reviewed annually at the September board meeting and effective January 1 of the following year
• Contract start date: January 1, 2026
• Application deadline: September 15, 2025
• Interviews and auditions: October 2025
• Final selection: By December 15, 2025

📬 How to Apply
To apply, please email the following materials to [email protected] with the subject line: “RE: Artistic Director Search”

• A brief message in the body of the email introducing yourself and your interest in the position
• Your resume (PDF preferred)
• Links to conducting video samples (YouTube or Vimeo strongly preferred)
• Sample orchestral programs or programming portfolio