APAP believes that pay transparency is a critical step toward pay equity and benefits both the job seeker and the employer. For those reasons, we are now requiring that employers include a salary range in all new job postings.
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Compensation for this part-time position will be commensurate with experience and budgetary considerations. Employment with the Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey will be offered on a year-to-year contract.
CPNJ is an equal-opportunity employer and values diversity and inclusion in its workforce and programming.
Preferred Education:
Masters
Internal Number: 1
Music Director and Principal Conductor
Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey (CPNJ) Trenton, NJ Part-time
Company Description
The Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey (CPNJ) invites nominations and applications for the position of Music Director and Principal Conductor, beginning in the 2026-2027 season. Finalists will serve as guest conductors during the 2025-2026 season.
CPNJ is a professional regional orchestra committed to enriching the cultural life of Trenton and the surrounding region through exceptional music performances and educational outreach. CPNJ’s mission is to make classical music accessible to all while serving as a vital cultural institution in the community. Our vision is to create transformative musical experiences that inspire, educate, and connect audiences, fostering artistic and community growth in Trenton and beyond.
Founded in 2013, CPNJ has become a cornerstone of Trenton’s artistic resurgence. For the 2024-2025 season, CPNJ is presenting five symphonic and four chamber music concerts, including a highly anticipated New Year’s Eve celebration, a family concert, and special collaborations with local arts organizations. CPNJ’s programming emphasizes artistic excellence, diverse repertoire, and innovative educational initiatives.
CPNJ engages a roster of professional musicians from the Trenton area and the broader Mid-Atlantic region. Our home is the Patriots Theater at the War Memorial, a historic and acoustically excellent venue that seats 1,850. In addition, the orchestra’s outreach initiatives include free concert tickets for local non-profit organizations, musical outreach classes in local schools, free master classes and performance opportunities for Trenton Music Makers and Trinity Strings, and collaborations with Trenton’s vibrant arts organizations.
Job Description
The Music Director and Principal Conductor of the Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey serves as the orchestra’s artistic leader and primary public representative. This individual is responsible for:
Artistic Leadership
Providing clear, inspiring artistic leadership, including effective rehearsal techniques and compelling performances.
Programming imaginative and diverse repertoire that aligns with CPNJ’s mission and engages a broad audience.
Time Commitment
Overseeing and conducting four or five orchestra concerts annually, with the possibility of an outdoor summer concert when the budget allows.
Leading rehearsals, generally held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings prior to the concert, with a dress rehearsal on the concert day.
Actively participating in educational outreach activities during the week before most concerts.
Attending concert receptions, engaging with high-level donors, and participating in CPNJ’s annual fundraising gala.
Supporting auditions and collaborating on the selection of soloists and guest artists.
Community Engagement
Building connections within the Trenton community, fostering partnerships with local arts organizations, and championing the arts as a catalyst for revitalizing the city.
Representing CPNJ as a public-facing ambassador, participating in interviews, media appearances, and promotional efforts.
Administrative Collaboration
Collaborating with staff, the board, and the executive director making budgetary guidelines and organizational goals a top priority.
Participating in periodic board or committee meetings as needed.
Fundraising and Audience Development
Engaging with fundraising efforts by cultivating donor relationships and networking at events.
Supporting marketing, public relations, and audience development efforts to expand the orchestra’s reach.
The Music Director works closely with the Executive Director, board of trustees, Marketing Manager, Orchestra Personnel Manager, Orchestra Committee, and venue staff to ensure the artistic and operational success of CPNJ.
Qualifications
The ideal candidate will possess:
Exceptional musicianship and conducting skills, with significant professional conducting experience.
A deep knowledge of and passion for a broad range of repertoire.
Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
A commitment to educational outreach and community engagement.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with staff, board members, and other stakeholders.
Success in fundraising, donor cultivation, and representing an organization in public forums.
A vision for making symphonic music relevant and inspiring to diverse audiences.
Previous or current music directorship or comparable leadership experience is preferred.
Additional Information
Compensation for this part-time position will be commensurate with experience and budgetary considerations. Employment with the Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey will be offered on a year-to-year contract.
CPNJ is an equal-opportunity employer and values diversity and inclusion in its workforce and programming.
Application Requirements
Applications must include:
A personal letter of interest detailing the candidate’s artistic vision and qualifications.
A current resume.
A repertoire list and 3-5 programs conducted within the last two years.
Contact information for at least three professional references.
Links to at least three (3) and no more than five (5) video recordings of conducting performances and/or rehearsals.
Click here to apply: https://capitalphilharmonicnj.getacceptd.com/
The application portal will open on February 5, 2025
Deadline to start the application process: March 12, 2025
Application Deadline March 15, 2025
For non technical questions, please contact: executive@capitalphilharmonic.org
Company Description
The Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey (CPNJ) invites nominations and applications for the position of Music Director and Principal Conductor, beginning in the 2026-2027 season. Finalists will serve as guest conductors during the 2025-2026 season.
CPNJ is a professional regional orchestra committed to enriching the cultural life of Trenton and the surrounding region through exceptional music performances and educational outreach. CPNJ’s mission is to make classical music accessible to all while serving as a vital cultural institution in the community. Our vision is to create transformative musical experiences that inspire, educate, and connect audiences, fostering artistic and community growth in Trenton and beyond.
Founded in 2013, CPNJ has become a cornerstone of Trenton’s artistic resurgence. For the 2024-2025 season, CPNJ is presenting five symphonic and four chamber music concerts, including a highly anticipated New Year’s Eve celebration, a family concert, and special collaborations with local arts organizations. CPNJ’s programming emphasizes artistic excellence, diverse repertoire, and innovative educational initiatives.
CPNJ engages a roster of... professional musicians from the Trenton area and the broader Mid-Atlantic region. Our home is the Patriots Theater at the War Memorial, a historic and acoustically excellent venue that seats 1,850. In addition, the orchestra’s outreach initiatives include free concert tickets for local non-profit organizations, musical outreach classes in local schools, free master classes and performance opportunities for Trenton Music Makers and Trinity Strings, and collaborations with Trenton’s vibrant arts organizations.
For non-technical questions, please contact: executive@capitalphilharmonic.org
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