Music Director

For eight decades, the Christchurch Schools’ Music Festival has been an icon in the cultural life of Christchurch young people.

The largest annual event in the South Island dedicated to developing young musical talent, the Festival inspires the children of Canterbury to participate at the highest level in musical performance, both vocal and instrumental, fostering a lifelong passion for music.

On each of the four nights of the Festival a different massed choir of 800 voices joins the Junior and Senior Representative Choirs, the Concert Band and the Orchestra to present a high-quality concert.

We seek a Music Director for a three-year term commencing November 2026.

As the leader of the Music Team, the Director works in collaboration with the representative group conductors and others in order to:

• Guide the selection of the Festival’s theme and the songs that the massed choirs will perform

• Lead and guide the programme construction and the production values of the Festival

• Take professional responsibility for leadership and the cohesion of the Music Festival

• Conduct a selection of the massed choir songs.

The Association Executive provides support, guidance and policy direction for the Music Director.

The appointee will have significant music skills and sufficient conducting experience to undertake such a role with confidence.

The Music Director is awarded an honorarium of $8000 for each Festival.

Please click here for the Music Director Job Description

Expressions of Interest for this position close at 5.00pm on 30 September 2026