Director of Classical Programming
The Role:
The Director of Classical Programming is a member of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra senior management team, reporting to the Music Director on all artistic matters and to the Senior Director, Artistic Operations on all administrative, human resources, budgetary and production matters. This position is responsible for ensuring the smooth execution of planning and programming for the WSO Classics series, Winnipeg New Music Festival (WNMF), classical music Specials and supporting all WSO concerts and events with a classical musical component.
In close collaboration with the Music Director and as part of the Artistic Operations team, this position is also responsible for the planning of educational programming to ensure that classical music repertoire objectives are met.
The incumbent is a key collaborator in the ongoing development and implementation of the WSO’s artistic profile, specifically and especially the WSO’s exceptionally high-caliber classical music programming - including responsibility for the initiation, development, and maintenance of the WSO’s relationships with the relevant conductors, artists, agents, presenters, educators, community partners and production workers in alignment with the orchestra’s various collective agreements and licensing agreements.
Key Responsibilities:
Artistic Planning
1. Reporting to the Music Director, and in collaboration with Artistic Operations and the Programming Committee, ensures the delivery of artistically excellent and relevant classical music programs that engage listeners, align with the WSO’s strategic plan, and engender donor support.
2. Liaises with Department of Public Engagement on artistic programming.
3. Responsible for communicating the technical requirements for WSO classical productions to the production team and ensuring that artistic goals are met.
4. Ensures artistic programs are carried out in accordance with conditions set out in collective agreements.
5. Is responsible for programming reports for all relevant classical music series, including but not limited to Thursday and Sunday Classics, matinees, Untuxed, educational concerts, Winnipeg New Music Festival, Community concerts, Specials and summer concerts and any concerts with a classical music component. Exclusions include (but are not limited to) WSO Movie series, Live at the WSO (former Pops series), Kids Concerts, other selected concerts, and events.
6. Works closely with the Programming Committee.
7. Creation of Works within Opas orchestra management software.
Administration
1. Collaborates with the Senior Director, Artistic Operations on any hybrid classical/non-classical programs (ex. community concerts, educational programming, Live at the WSO matinees, contracted services).
2. Manages the guest artist budget for applicable series and concerts.
3. Proposes, researches, and communicates repertoire for classical concerts to conductors and soloists as necessary, keeping abreast of diverse and emerging artistic talent, repertoire, and product offerings.
4. Ensures that all requirements for classical programming are met, including but not limited to:
a. Negotiating, issuing, and overseeing contracts for classical guest artists.
b. Recording planning and production data in Opas for all series and working with Music Librarians on inputting creation of new works into Opas.
c. Collecting and distributing rehearsal orders from all conductors and all relevant artists.
5. Supervises the Music Library, and the Manager of Education, Community, and Sistema.
6. Negotiates contracts with presenters for all contracted services including the Manitoba Opera, Royal Winnipeg Ballet, and Tour presenters.
7. Ensures the successful execution of relevant events that fall within applicable series.
8. Maintains a working knowledge of applicable collective agreements, licensing, and media agreements.
9. Manages media archival to Opas for all series.
10. Oversees the Education, Community, and Sistema portfolio in coordination with the Manager, Education, Community, and Sistema. Seeks opportunities to expand the Education and Community outreach portfolio.
Qualifications:
Education/Experience
1. Advanced degree in a classical music discipline (Ex. performance, musicology, music education, etc.) with a preference in an orchestral instrument or field of study. Will consider equivalent performance, artistic planning, or programming experience.
2. Has a passion for, and knowledge of, orchestral music and artists with a knowledge of guest conductors and artists across genres and styles.
3. Knowledge of the Canadian orchestral environment is preferred.
4. Artistic planning experience exemplifying a proven-track record of quality, creativity, and innovation, preferably in an orchestra setting.
Required Skills/Abilities
1. Excellent interpersonal, personnel management, and negotiation skills.
2. Excellent organizational and time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines and function under pressure.
3. Able to effectively balance teamwork with working independently.
4. Detail oriented, organized, able to problem solve and make critical decisions.
5. Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel). Experience with field specific databases such as Opas an asset.
This full-time position requires work on occasional evenings, and weekends. Some travel may be required. The WSO welcomes all qualified applicants and highly values inclusion, diversity, and equity.
Salary: Salary will be in the range of $65,000 to $75,000, commensurate with experience. WSO staff are eligible for a full benefits plan including a matching RSP contribution program.
To Apply: Please submit a cover letter along with a CV and 3 references to Marcie MacDonald, Senior Manager, Human Resources at [email protected]. First intake of applicants will be reviewed on August 12, 2024; however, applications will be received until the position is filled. Note that references will only be contacted following the interview process and in the eventuality of a potential offer.