Northern Symphony Orchestra Starts Search for Next Conductor

Our founding conductor, Michael Halstenson, has announced his retirement. The Northern Symphony Orchestra (NSO) welcomes applications for the position of Conductor to begin on August 1, 2025. 

Please take note that the application process has closed. Applicants should look for a follow up from the search committee. Finalists who will each conduct a concert during the 2024-25 season will be announced publicly by August 1.

The conductor is an integral member of the artistic leadership team and primary director of the NSO. They are responsible for rehearsing and leading the orchestra in its regular three to four concert season. In collaboration with key volunteer leaders from the ensemble, they will also lead decisions about the orchestra’s programming. The Conductor reports to and works with the NSO Board of Directors. 

The conductor position is a one-season appointment, subject to annual renewal by the NSO Board. The position shall be a part-time, non-benefit eligible contract appointment.

• Prepare scores for rehearsal and performance, as well as concert program notes (verbal or written).
• Present proposals for repertoire and programming to the Artistic Advisory Committee for input.
• Work with the orchestra manager as needed to:
  • Select concert and rehearsal dates.
  • Confirm approved repertoire is available and within budget for each concert cycle.
  • Recruit, audition, evaluate, and seat musicians.
  • Ensure qualified substitutes and auxiliary musicians are available, as needed.
  • Ensure instrumentation and staging requirements are met for each concert cycle.
• Collaborate with the NSO Board in long-range artistic and organizational planning.
• Prepare reports for meetings of the NSO Board and attend meetings on request.
• Serve as NSO’s spokesperson, representing the orchestra to musicians, teachers, students, and the surrounding community.

• Earned undergraduate degree in music or commensurate experience.
• Demonstrated experience conducting a volunteer orchestra.
• Communicates effectively with musicians in a positive and respectful manner.
• Utilizes effective and efficient rehearsal techniques.
• Sets high standards of musicianship and performance for orchestra musicians with a variety of performance backgrounds, and effectively coaches them towards those standards.
• Lives within driving distance of Anoka, MN.

• Shall be considered a part-time, non-benefit eligible contract appointment.
• Serve a one-season appointment from August 1, 2025 to July 31, 2026, which is subject to annual renewal by the NSO Board after input from orchestra musicians.
• Compensation is $200 per service and will be paid at the end of each concert cycle.

Interested candidates should submit:

• A cover letter indicating interest
• A current resume reflecting educational background, training, and conducting experience
• Contact information for two or more references
• Video recordings of two recent performances conducting an ensemble
• Two concert programs that would be appropriate for a community orchestra such as NSO. 
  • View Past Seasons to see examples of the instrumentation, level of difficulty, and length of past concert programs.
  • View a Season Sample Schedule to see examples of rehearsal schedules, which are usually 5-6 rehearsals for classical concerts, and 3-4 rehearsals for holiday pops or summer concerts. 

Please submit required applications materials either by:

Email (Preferred)

northernsymphonyorchestra@gmail.com

Or Mail

NSO Conductor Search

attn: Audition Coordinator

832 38th Avenue

Anoka MN, 55303

Applications must be received by February 12, 2024, to be considered. The search committee may decide to conduct interviews to assist in selecting finalists. Candidates can expect to be notified by the beginning of May 2024 regarding their status in the process. 

Please take note that the application process has closed. Applicants should look for a follow up from the search committee. Finalists who will each conduct a concert during the 2024-25 season will be announced publicly by August 1.

Additional information can be requested by emailing northernsymphonyorchestra@gmail.com.