Call for Auditions – Apprentice Conductor Internship
Position: Apprentice Conductor Internship (paid)
Term: (8-12 weeks)
Start Date: January, 2014
Location: Peterborough, Ontario CANADA
Salary: compensation to be discussed on offer of position
POSITION DESCRIPTION
A period of intensive participation refining conducting rehearsal technique as well as immersion in the
operational functions of an orchestra will culminate in an opportunity to be the assistant conductor for the
Peterborough Symphony Orchestra [PSO] and for the Kawartha Youth Orchestra [KYO] for their concert in
February 2014, as well as for a jointly presented performance in Market Hall’s Youth Series program, also in
February. The successful candidate will receive an intensive period of mentoring and gain invaluable insight
into the role of a conductor and music director within both a semi-professional community orchestra and a
youth orchestra.
Responsibilities:
 Attending all rehearsals of the KYO and the PSO, within the designated period (Wednesdays 7:3010pm and Sundays afternoons 2-4:30pm in Peterborough, ON)
 A minimum of three (3) weekday afternoons in addition to rehearsals
 Attending board/committee and subcommittee meetings of each organization, as required
 Act as Assistant conductor at the February 2, 2014 concert of the PSO
 Act as Assistant conductor at two performance of the KYO: the regular season performance on
February 23, 2014 and the Market Hall Youth Series presentation on February 24th
 Making arrangements for their own travel and accommodation needs (billeting & accommodation
assistance is available)
 Undertaking a mandatory Police and Vulnerable Sector background check
 Submitting a final report and evaluation sheet to partner organizations including Project
coordinator and attending a final Summary meeting (March).
Key skills/requirements
 Outstanding symphonic conducting and leadership skills
 Strong interpersonal skills
 Excellent musicianship
 Advanced musical training (minimum Bachelor of Music degree music performance or music
education, or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Education will include formal
training in conducting.)
 Interest in community/volunteer orchestras
 Enthusiasm for working with young as well as amateur musicians
 Experience conducting ensembles
 Must be a Canadian citizen or landed immigrant and eligible to work in Canada
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The RBC Emerging Artist Apprenticeship program is a joint venture presented by Market Hall Performing
Arts Centre Inc. and partnered with the Kawartha Youth Orchestra and the Peterborough Symphony
Orchestra. This program is funded by the RBC Foundation. For more information, contact Program
Coordinator, Patricia Thorne at [email protected]
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Deadline: Please send C.V., list of upcoming engagements, cover letter with two references and DVD
showing two contrasting works by 5pm September 6, 2013. Candidates must be available in person for
second round on October 6, 2013. Only candidates qualifying for the second round will be contacted.
Send Submissions To:
RBC Emerging Artist Apprenticeship Program
c/o Market Hall Performing Arts Centre Inc.
P.O. Box 282
Peterborough, Ontario
Canada K9J 6Y8
ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTIONS
Market Hall Performing Arts Centre Inc. works to develop, nurture and
sustain the performing arts in Peterborough's historic Market Hall. The
Market Hall Performing Arts Centre is a non-profit organization, which has
operated the second floor of the Market Hall as a multi-functional venue since
1998, playing host to a wide range of performing arts activities and community events. www.markethall.org
Founded in 2002, The Kawartha Youth Orchestra gives young musicians of the Kawartha Region
the opportunity to learn symphonic music and perform in an orchestral ensemble. Under
the direction of Music Director Michael Newnham and professional instrumental coaches,
the KYO offers young musicians an advanced level of instruction and a quality orchestral
experience in Peterborough while enjoying the camaraderie of other young people.
The Peterborough Symphony Orchestra has been a cultural cornerstone of Peterborough
and region for over 45 years, and has developed a reputation as being one of the best
community orchestras in Canada. Each season, the PSO presents a variety of programmes
appealing to people of all ages and backgrounds, including its main series classical concerts,
an annual holiday family concert, a yearly crossover concert featuring some of the best of
recent pop/rock and roll, and educational concerts. www.thepso.org.
The RBC Foundation believes in the power of the arts to enrich our lives
and enhance our communities. Through the RBC Emerging Artists Support
Project, they engage in long-term partnerships with organizations whose
programs bridge the gap from academic excellence to professional careers
in all aspects of the arts. The RBC Emerging Artist Apprenticeship programs support organizations offering
recognition and support to apprentices and pre-professional artists.
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About Music Director, Michael Newnham:
Michael Newnham is best known for his intense and inspiring conducting style, based on a deep knowledge
of the score and informed by a strong interest in languages, cultures and history. A born communicator, his
open and direct contact with musicians and audiences creates performances full of expression and energy.
Mr. Newnham has conducted many orchestras and opera companies throughout Poland, Slovakia, Italy,
Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, South Korea, as well as his native Canada.
Mr. Newnham has been Music Director of the Peterborough Symphony Orchestra since 2001. Under his
tenure, the artistic level and the community profile of the PSO have risen dramatically.
Along with his duties with the PSO, he is the Music Director of Symphony New Brunswick. Musical
mentoring of young musicians also plays a large role in his life. In 2002 he founded the Kawartha Youth
Orchestra, and he has been on the faculty of Music at Port Milford for several years. He also taught for two
years as Guest Professor and Orchestra Conductor at Taegu-Hyosung University in South Korea, and was
conductor of the Warsaw Chamber Opera.
A graduate of the conducting class of prof. Bogusław Madey at the Chopin Academy of Music in Warsaw,
Poland, Michael Newnham also studied at the Indiana University of Music and at the University of Toronto.
Mr. Newnham has received the "Order of Merit" from the Republic of Poland and the "Best Conductor"
Award from the East Slovakian State Opera. He has conducted concert events marking the milestones of
Pope John Paul II at Air Canada Centre and twice at Roy Thomson Hall, and conducted an acclaimed
production of R. Murray Schafer’s “Patria: The Enchanted Forest”, in the Haliburton Forest.
Offstage, Michael listens to all kinds of music, likes to read, and gets around town on his bike or crosscountry skis. He shares his home in Peterborough with his wife Zuzanna, their two lovely daughters and two
cats. Michael has a great passion for many things in life, not least of which is everything involved with
roasting and brewing coffee. He hopes to get it right someday.
For more information, please visit Richard Paul Concert Artists at www.greatconcerts.com.
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