About Elektra
Co-founded in 1987 by Morna Edmundson and Diane Loomer, the 45-voice volunteer chorus has been under the leadership of Artistic Director Morna Edmundson since 2009. The choir has a strong reputation for the elevation of the artistry and repertoire of adult treble choirs, and its passionate realization of this has been its trademark on the world stage. Elektra has commissioned over 120 works in its 37-year history and has released 17 CDs, many featuring first recordings of Canadian works.
Elektra is a registered non-profit organization in British Columbia and a Registered Charity with the Canada Revenue Agency. Organizationally, the choir is led by a volunteer board of directors. It has contractors in place fulfilling Managing Director, Marketing Director, Social Media Coordinator, Production Manager, Librarian, and Pianist. The Artistic Director’s responsibilities intersect with all of these roles. We are searching for an Artistic Director who ‘gets’ Elektra, understands and appreciates the legacy that Morna Edmundson has created and is excited to take the choir further.
About the position
A new Artistic Director will have sole leadership of the choir starting July 1, 2025, and we hope that they will be able to start a transition period in early April 2025. This individual will be an independent contractor, scheduling their time and duties as they see fit in close collaboration with the Managing Director. It is expected that the successful candidate will be combining their Elektra work with other part-time contracts. The ideal candidate holds a Master of Music degree or equivalent experience, has extensive knowledge of the Canadian choir and composer landscapes, experience leading adult treble ensembles, and a demonstrated passion for maintaining strong ties within the choral community within Canada and beyond.
The new AD will be able to create the very special ‘Elektra Sound’ in live performances and recordings that are radiant and transformative for the audience. Programming that spans historic and new repertoire will create excitement in our audiences and communities and the AD will be adept at building relationships with audiences, supporters and super fans.
The new AD will inspire and teach the group in a safe space of respect and collaboration and will bring their own experience of the physicality of singing to the rehearsal space. They will be a mentor and leader within the Elektra community and beyond and will be adept at recruiting the right voices to add to the ensemble as needed.
Elektra maintains a three-year strategic plan which the new AD will own and adjust with a critical focus on what fulfills the mission and is aligned with funder priorities. The AD will have a strong understanding of budgets and grant planning as a key foundation for delivering growth of the organization that goes beyond performing choral concerts.
Candidates without all these attributes are nevertheless encouraged to apply.
Elektra’s AD is a hands-on leadership role with demanding responsibilities in many areas. Given these responsibilities, we expect the AD to live full time in the Metro Vancouver area.
We value the leadership of people who have been historically and systemically marginalized and strongly encourage racialized, Indigenous, and LGBTQAI2+ candidates to apply for the role.
Remuneration
This is a part time contractual position allowing the flexibility to hold other paid appointments. The contractual fee is based on qualifications and experience, starting at CA$58,000.
Contact managingdirector@elektra.ca to request a full job description and instructions on how to submit your application.
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List of Requirements for Initial Application:
- Cover letter and resume;
- Three samples of programs presented in the last 2 seasons (if applicable);
- Performance video (maximum 10 minutes) if possible;
- Rehearsal video (maximum 10 minutes), if possible;
- Three references will be sought later in the process.