Artistic Director

The California Bach Society (CBS) is looking for a new Artistic Director beginning with the 2025 – 2026 season. A cornerstone of the Bay Area early music scene for more than 50 years, CBS is a 30-voice chamber choir known for finely wrought interpretations of Renaissance and Baroque music, often accompanied by leading period instrumentalists. Each season, the choir performs four concert sets in San Francisco, Palo Alto, and Berkeley. 

While CBS is a non-professional ensemble, its members are experienced singers allowing CBS to use a compressed rehearsal schedule of one extended Saturday rehearsal, approximately five weekly rehearsals, and two dress rehearsals prior to each performance weekend. 

Our ideal Artistic Director candidate has these skills and interests:

• Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in music, advanced degree in conducting preferred  

• Familiarity with choral repertoire, with special emphasis on music from 1500-1800

• Experience in successfully conducting and coaching choral ensembles, instrumental ensembles, and professional soloists

• Ability to select and guide experienced amateur singers in choral techniques, vocal production, musicianship, sight-singing, languages, and historical context of music

• Ability to challenge and inspire singers to meet the highest possible musical standards in a tight rehearsal schedule

• Dynamic and motivational rehearsal style

• Interest in exciting concert programming, with a primary goal to engage and grow audiences with moving and memorable live performances of Baroque music and beyond

• Interest in exploring collaboration possibilities with other Bay Area ensembles 

• Ability to work collegially with CBS Board members, volunteers, and staff, including eliciting input about programming and season planning

• Interest and desire to work with the CBS Board on long-term strategic planning and audience development