Musical Director
Fulham Camerata - Musical Director Vacancy - September 2026
Fulham Camerata
Fulham Camerata (London SW6) is seeking an inspiring new Musical Director to lead us from September 2026.
Founded in 2007 and registered as a Charity in 2022, Fulham Camerata is a distinctive, financially viable, and well-respected amateur chamber choir. We are dedicated to the development of both amateur and professional singing within the local community, delivering high quality performances to our audience. We regularly collaborate with professional soloists and chamber orchestras, often supporting musicians in the early stages of their careers.
The choir has flourished under our current MD, Harry Guthrie, growing in both size and musical confidence. As we approach our 20th Anniversary in 2027, we are already planning an exciting programme of events and look forward to entering this next chapter with a new conductor.
Our Membership & Musical Approach:
• The Choir: We are a non-auditioned "self-selecting" choir of approximately 35–55 singers of all ages. Our recent performance of Rachmaninov’s Vespers saw a record participation of 48 singers and an audience of over 220.
• Repertoire: We explore a vast and varied repertoire, ranging from the Renaissance to the 21st Century, spanning the well-known to the obscure.
• Support: We currently employ a professional accompanist and four Choral Scholars. The scholars bolster their sections, provide confidence to the singers, and offer the MD flexibility for sectionals or solo opportunities as well as warm ups.
• Creative Collaborations: We are proud to have a Composer in Residence, Greg May (succeeding Alexander Hopkins), adding a contemporary edge to our programming.
Governance & Performance:
The choir is managed by a dedicated Committee of Trustees (Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, and six additional members) who work in close partnership with the Musical Director. We typically perform four concerts per year: one major concert per term, plus a festive Christmas charity concert.
Rehearsals & Performance Schedule:
Venue: All Saints Church, Fulham, London SW6 3LA
Weekly Rehearsals: Tuesdays: 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Term Structure: Three 10-week terms (Autumn, Spring, and Summer) plus a 3/4-week Christmas term.
Start Date: The successful appointee will begin on Tuesday, 8 September 2026.
MUSICAL DIRECTOR: Description and Responsibilities
We are seeking an inspiring Musical Director to start in September 2026, to lead and develop the choir in the spirit in which it was founded. The successful candidate will be a conductor who inspires confidence and is enthusiastic about working with, and encouraging, keen amateurs, helping them develop their vocal skills and achieve their best. The candidate should balance authority with approachability, bringing a sense of joy and fun to rehearsals whilst maintaining the clarity and authority necessary to achieve performances of a high standard. They should also have the patience and pedagogical skills required to manage mixed abilities, helping develop the less experienced whilst consistently challenging and engaging our most accomplished members.
The candidate must have experience in training choirs, working with professional soloists and conducting varied ensembles. They should have deep and broad knowledge of classical choral repertoire with the vision to propose creative yet suitable programmes. They should have excellent organizational skills
Fulham Camerata is more than just a musical ensemble; it is a community. We are looking for an MD who is willing to participate in fundraising and social events – their presence and engagement at our regular “pub social” would be highly valued – and ideally has the desire to grow with the choir over several years.
Musical Director Role Profile: It is expected that the successful candidate will:
1. Core Musical Leadership & Development
• Plan and conduct weekly rehearsals every Tuesday evening during term time (approximately 34 rehearsals per year).
• Prepare the choir for at least one concert per term, plus an additional Christmas concert (4 total)
• Lead dynamic warm ups and be committed to developing the repertoire and musical skills of the choir, to improving vocal quality, phrasing, expression, pitch, and ensemble.
• Be committed to promoting members’ enjoyment of rehearsals and pleasure in performance.
2. Artistic Planning & Programming
• Propose creative programmes to the Committee for the choir to perform, with planning starting a year in advance.
• Identify and source suitable sheet music for the choir, orchestra, and soloists (with Committee assistance).
• Engage organists, instrumental players, and soloists where required for performances.
• Contribute to publicity/marketing materials and provide programme notes for concerts when required.
3. Strategic & People Management
• Manage the accompanist and choral scholars in partnership with the Committee.
• Aim to maintain the size and balance of the choir.
• Be engaged with the life of the choir and be willing to work closely with the Committee.
• Be committed to the choir’s sustainability and financial success.
4. Professional Responsibilities
• When attendance is not possible, the MD is responsible for arranging cover by a sufficiently qualified deputy.
Musical Director - Personal Specification:
Essential Criteria
• Vocal Expertise: A confident singer with excellent technique, a "good listening ear" to detect errors, and strong sight-reading skills.
• Conducting Experience: Proven experience in conducting and voice-training an amateur choir of mixed abilities.
• Musicality: An accomplished all-round musician with a deep knowledge of Classical repertoire ranging from the Renaissance to contemporary works.
• Leadership Style: A good communicator with a stock of patience and a sense of humour; must be able to enthuse, inspire, and stretch singers of all levels.
• Artistic Vision: Ability to propose creative repertoire ideas and a clear vision for taking the choir in new, challenging directions.
• Administrative Skills: Punctual, a good organiser of time, and able to work co-operatively with the Committee
• Awareness of policies affecting amateur music groups (e.g. safeguarding, equal opportunities, data protection).
• References: Able to provide two strong references from relevant musical or professional sources.
The Ideal Candidate (Desirable)
• Advanced Performance: Experience conducting professional orchestras and soloists or leading a small choir to a particularly high standard.
• Keyboard Skills: Ability to play the piano
• Enthusiasm: A genuine passion for the life of the choir and a desire to contribute to its long-term growth and musicality.
Remuneration & Contract Terms:
Total Estimated Annual Earnings: Approximately £4,500 per annum
The Musical Director is engaged on a self-employed basis, with fees paid as follows:
• Weekly Rehearsals: £100 per session approximately 34 rehearsals per academic year, paid termly.
• Concert Fees: Generally £275 per performance.
Please note: Concert fees may vary depending on the complexity of the repertoire and the level of orchestral involvement.
Application & Interview process - deadline Tuesday 5th May
How to Apply:
Please send your CV and a covering letter to Judith Nugée, the Chair – email address: Chair@Fulhamcamerata.com - by Tuesday, 5 May 2026.
Your application should include:
1. Personal Information: Name, address, telephone number, and email.
2. Professional History: Relevant appointments and details of your current role.
3. References: Contact details for at least one professional referee (references will only be contacted if you are invited to interview).
4. Covering letter: Please outline how you heard of the vacancy, why you wish to lead Fulham Camerata, and the specific skills and talents you would bring to the role.
5. Sample Programme: A proposed sample programme for the Autumn Term 2026.
Selection Timeline
• Application Deadline: Tuesday, 5th May 2026
• Interviews: Saturday, 16th May 2026
• Auditions: Tuesday, 2nd June 2026 (7:30 PM – 9:30 PM)
Short-listed candidates will be invited to an interview, followed by a practical audition during a regular choir rehearsal.
Further Information For more details about the choir, please visit our website at www.fulhamcamerata.com or follow us on social media. You are also very welcome to email us at Chair@fulhamcamerata.com