Posted: 24-Nov-25
Location: Springfield, Massachusetts
Type: Contract
Salary: Commensurate with experience
Preferred Education:
Additional Information:
The Springfield Symphony Orchestra (SSO), the largest professional symphony orchestra in Massachusetts outside of Boston, invites applications for its next Music Director. This is an extraordinary opportunity for a visionary conductor to honor the SSO’s rich tradition of excellence while shaping its future with bold artistic leadership, meaningful community engagement, and passion for innovation.
Springfield is a city of history, culture, and firsts - home to Dr. Seuss, birthplace of basketball, and one of the most diverse populations in New England. The SSO is a cultural cornerstone of the region, one of fewer than 100 metropolitan orchestras in the United States, with an annual budget of approximately $2.5 million.
With a dedicated audience, an outstanding roster of musicians, and a revitalized leadership team, the SSO is poised to thrive in its next chapter. The Music Director will be at the center of this transformation.
Residency in Springfield is not required; however, the Music Director must maintain a strong, visible, and consistent community presence.
About the Springfield Symphony Orchestra
The Springfield Symphony Orchestra (SSO) holds a proud legacy of artistic excellence and community connection. Founded in 1944, the SSO has built a reputation for delivering world-class performances and meaningful education programs. Each season, the SSO brings symphonic music to thousands of people through subscription concerts, youth orchestra programs, school partnerships, and community collaborations. Home to the SSO, Springfield Symphony Hall is a beautiful historic performance space built for, and known for, its outstanding acoustics.
Located in Springfield - the “City of Firsts” and a gateway to the vibrant Pioneer Valley - the SSO plays a central role in the cultural life of Western Massachusetts. With new leadership, a dedicated board, and an ambitious vision, the SSO is ready to broaden its reach, strengthen its impact, and reimagine what a 21st-century symphony can be.
Roles and Responsibilities
Artistic Leadership & Programming
- Drive the artistic vision of the SSO, honoring tradition while embracing innovation.
- Develop diverse and compelling programming in collaboration with the President & CEO, Programming Committee, and musicians.
- Conduct an agreed upon number of concerts per season, with opportunities to conduct additional subscription, education, pops, and community concerts.
- Ensure programming reflects a range of repertoire — classical masterworks, new compositions, popular genres — that engage musicians and resonate with audiences.
- Identify and engage guest conductors, soloists, and composers in collaboration with the Programming Committee and President & CEO.
Orchestra Leadership & CBA Adherence
- Serve as the SSO’s principal conductor, leading rehearsals and performances with clarity, professionalism, and respect.
- Foster an environment of trust, collaboration, and mutual respect with the musicians of the SSO.
- Actively participate in auditions and other processes outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
- Collaborate with the President & CEO to ensure all artistic decisions and schedules align with the CBA and organizational budget.
- Collaborate with the SSO Chorus Director to prepare and present performances involving the SSO Chorus
Community Engagement & Education
- Act as a visible cultural ambassador, representing the SSO at civic, cultural, and community events.
- Support and participate in the SSO’s strong education programs in collaboration with the Education Manager, youth orchestra conductors, and community partners.
- Participate in youth and education concerts, side-by-side performances, mentorship opportunities, and speaking engagements.
- Build bridges with schools, universities, and cultural organizations across Western Massachusetts to grow audiences and inspire the next generation.
Fundraising & Donor Engagement
- Partner with the Development team and board to cultivate donors, sponsors, and foundation supporters.
- Use artistic leadership and personal presence to inspire philanthropic support.
- Attend fundraising events, donor dinners, and cultivation activities as a central figure in the SSO’s success.
Governance & Organizational Collaboration
- Work in close partnership with the President & CEO to align artistic goals with strategic vision, budget, and organizational resources.
- Provide artistic leadership reports at board meetings and other organizational functions.
- Collaborate with staff, musicians, and board to ensure the SSO’s long-term success and impact.
Traits and Characteristics
- Visionary artistic leader with the ability to honor tradition while embracing innovation.
- Skilled communicator who inspires musicians, audiences, and donors alike.
- Collaborative and respectful leadership style that thrives in partnership with musicians, staff, and board members.
- Ability to engage authentically with diverse audiences and represent the SSO in the broader community.
- Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and expanding access to symphonic music.
- Strategic thinker with the discipline to balance artistry, community needs, and financial realities.
Qualifications
- Advanced degree in music or equivalent professional experience.
- Significant professional experience conducting full symphony orchestras.
- Proven success in programming, rehearsal leadership, and audience engagement.
- Experience conducting across a wide repertoire, including classical, pops, new works, youth/education concerts.
- Familiarity with collective bargaining environments and commitment to CBA adherence.
- Demonstrated experience in fundraising and donor engagement.
