Artistic Director Search
The Susquehanna Chorale seeks a visionary, dynamic choral conductor to become the group’s second Artistic Director (AD) since its founding by Linda L. Tedford, who steps down at the end of the 2026 season after a 45-year tenure. The Chorale’s values serve its mission of enriching lives and communities through the transcendent power of choral singing to reflect and evoke the wealth and beauty of the human experience. [The complete core values document can be found here.
Role of the Artistic Director
The AD makes all artistic decisions for the Chorale and its Educational Outreach Program. The AD ensures excellence in repertoire, rehearsals, performances and outreach programs. The successful candidate will begin his/her term in summer 2027, ahead of the 2027-28 season.
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Specific duties
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Audition, evaluate and maintain communication with all artistic personnel of the Susquehanna Chorale and the Educational Outreach Program.
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Report to and maintain a working relationship with the board of directors
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Provide collaborative leadership with the executive director, who also reports to the board
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Represent the artistic functions of the Susquehanna Chorale in regular communications with the board president and executive director
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Provide artistic leadership and vision for the development of all associated choral groups
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Serve as ad hoc member of the educational outreach, long-range planning and development committees
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Represent the Chorale in local, regional, and national organizations as the chief artistic spokesperson for the Chorale, its vision and its role in the community
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Requirements
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Master’s degree in music, music education, or choral conducting; or commensurate professional experience
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Demonstrated experience working with a semi-professional or professional choral ensemble
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Knowledge of advanced choral literature
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Strong conducting and vocal pedagogy skills
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Ability to work with instrumentalists
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A passion for music education and youth development
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Experience in recruitment, community outreach and fundraising
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Familiarity with nonprofit organizations or arts administration
Preferred
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Master’s or doctorate in choral conducting
Attributes & Competencies
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Collaborative working style
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High musical standards paired with patience and positive, inspirational approach
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Emotionally intelligent with strong interpersonal skills
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Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
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Ability to inspire, motivate, and connect with adult singers of all ages
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Forward-thinking mindset with the ability to contribute creative new ideas to the Chorale’s future while preserving its culture and core values
Compensation
The annual salary range is from _____ to _____ and will be determined based on experience.
Application Procedure
​Please email the following to ad@susquehannachorale.org by July 31, 2026:
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A cover letter detailing your interest and qualifications
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A current resume or curriculum vitae
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Example programs from 3 concerts you have programmed and conducted (including name of choir, date of concert and list of pieces performed)
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Links to two videos from your most recent year’s conducting experience
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Contact information for three professional references
Review of applications will continue through August 2026. Semifinalist interviews will occur in the fall of 2026 and finalist auditions will follow in January 2027.
About the Susquehanna Chorale
Numbering approximately 40 volunteer singers, the Chorale is regarded as one of the finest choral ensembles in the United States. The choir, whose membership is audition only, is known by critics and audiences alike for its commitment to excellence and its artistic interpretation of choral works of many styles and historical periods. Reflecting its dedication to the music of our time, the group has performed the East Coast premieres of many outstanding works, and has commissioned several new works from noted composers for its concert series. The Chorale performs regularly in central Pennsylvania and has toured nationally and internationally. The group is a highly respected choral collaborator, and has enjoyed a long relationship with the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra, a professional orchestra which draws players from the mid-Atlantic and Northeast. The Susquehanna Chorale’s awards include Chorus America’s Margaret Hillis Award for Artistic and Organizational Achievement, which recognizes musical excellence, strong organizational structure, sustained financial stability and a
commitment to community engagement and education. The group tied for second place in the 2020 American Prize Competition, which judges overall artistic quality, musicality, rhythmic incisiveness, ensemble, tone quality, accuracy, intonation and knowledge of style. Four of its CDs have received Grammy nomination consideration.
The Chorale leads an impactful Educational Outreach Program that currently reaches hundreds of local students from third grade to the first year of college through its four training choirs: a preparatory choir, the Susquehanna Children’s Chorale, the Susquehanna Youth Chorale, and the Susquehanna Alta Voce Chorale. The AD has a music staff which directs the youth choral programs.
The Susquehanna Chorale’s artistic director is also supported by a dedicated board of directors, a full-time executive director and other paid administrative staff.
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