NCS Accompanist Vacancy
Newcastle Choral Society
NCS ACCOMPANIST VACANCY
Background
We are a mixed choir with more than 60 members, now in our 8th decade, and one of the leading amateur choirs in the Tyneside/Northumberland area. We present three concerts a year of mainly classical music from past and living composers - including newly commissioned pieces - in venues that have included the Glasshouse (ex-Sage Gateshead), Newcastle City Council Civic Centre Banqueting Suite, churches and other suitable venues around the North East. We rehearse on Monday evenings 19.30 – 21.30 at St Johns Church, Kingston Park NE3 2HB, easily accessible by road and Metro, with free parking adjacent. Our choir season runs from the beginning of September to the end of June, with breaks for bank holidays etc.
ACCOMPANIST ROLE
Responsibilities:
We are seeking an experienced accompanist/repetiteur with good communication skills and the ability to work effectively with Musical Director, Tim Cranfield and the choir.
They may also be invited to take part in our concerts when needed, either by providing piano or continuo accompaniment, or with the occasional solo.
They may also be invited to provide accompaniment at occasional additional events such as Come and Sing days and one-off concerts.
Where possible and in good time, to arrange for a replacement accompanist to cover the role in the event of any absence due to illness.
We are looking for someone with a high standard of musicianship who shares our commitment to supporting music making in our local community.
The accompanist must give at least one term’s notice of an intention to resign the position.
Required Skills:
• Excellent pianistic and accompanying skills.
• Excellent sight-reading
• Ability to support the choir by score-reading vocal parts
• Harmonisation of warm-up exercises
• The ability to take sectional rehearsals if required
Remuneration
The Accompanist is paid at £45 per hour on a self-employed basis, responsible for their own tax, insurance and VAT matters.
Further Information
More information on the Choir can be seen on our website www.newcastlechoralsociety.org.uk and Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/NewcastleChoralSociety
Please send a CV and brief letter of application by Monday 30.06.26 to secretary@newcastlechoralsociety.org.uk.
Applications will be assessed in the first week of July with shortlisted applicants invited thereafter
to accompany the choir in a trial rehearsal. Due to the choir summer recess in July and August, this trial rehearsal will be on Monday 14.09.26 from 19.30 St Johns Church Kingston Park, NE3 2HB.
The successful applicant will be informed within one week of that trial and will be expected to start on Monday 28.09.26
Charmian Marshall
Chair Newcastle Choral Society
chairman@newcastlechoralsociety.org.uk