Asheville Symphony Orchestra - Chorus Director

The Chorus Director of the Asheville Symphony Chorus (ASC) provides artistic leadership, musical direction, and vision for the Chorus. The ASC Director works collaboratively with the volunteer members that make up the Chorus, the ASC Board, and the Asheville Symphony Orchestra (ASO) to ensure high artistic standards, meaningful musical experiences for singers and audiences, and alignment with the mission of ASC.

• Provide artistic leadership and set the musical vision for the ASC and the Asheville Symphony Chamber Chorus (ASCC)
• Select choral repertoire in collaboration with the ASO Music Director and the ASC Board, ensuring musical excellence and appropriate challenge for the ensemble
• Plan and conduct all ASC and ASCC rehearsals and prepare ASC for joint concerts with the ASO
• Prepare the ASC and ASCC musically and artistically for performances, emphasizing vocal technique, musicianship, diction, and ensemble balance
• Audition and evaluate new and returning chorus members, and make recommendations regarding membership and section placement
• Collaborate with the ASC Board on season planning, artistic goals, and organizational initiatives
• Participate in long-range artistic planning to support the growth and sustainability of the ASC
• Serve as an ambassador for ASC within the community and the broader arts ecosystem
• Support fundraising, marketing, and outreach efforts as appropriate, including participation in special events, donor cultivation, and promotional activities
• Maintain positive, professional relationships with ASC members, ASC Board members, ASO staff, guest artists, and accompanists

• Advanced training in choral conducting and musical performance (Master's degree required; Doctoral degree preferred)
• Demonstrated experience leading adult choral ensembles
• Strong rehearsal technique and the ability to communicate musical concepts clearly and effectively
• Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills
• Ability to collaborate effectively with orchestral partners, board leadership, and volunteers
• Commitment to artistic excellence, inclusivity, and community engagement

• Experience working with symphony choruses or large choral-orchestral works
• Familiarity with the Western North Carolina arts community
• Experience supporting fundraising, audience engagement, or community outreach initiatives

Asheville Symphony Orchestra (ASO) ASO is a leader among cultural organizations in a desirable, arts-focused community. In recent years, the Symphony has experienced remarkable growth in artistic excellence, educational and program offerings, and revenue generation, reaching an audience of more than 50,000 annually through ticketed performances, community programming, and music education programs. ASO produces a variety of musical programs for the benefit of Asheville and the Western North Carolina region.

Currently, these programs include 16 classical concerts, 3-4 pops programs, 4 ALT ASO chamber orchestra performances, community engagement programs such as Symphony in the Park in downtown’s Pack Square Park, recitals, and a robust music education suite that includes the Asheville Symphony Youth Orchestra, Music in the Schools, Young People’s Concerts, Pre-Concert Talks, Hip Hop Folktale Project and more. The Asheville Symphony also produces an acclaimed Artist Residency program and the Asheville Amadeus Festival, a 10-day celebration of arts, culture and music, both of which are produced every other year.

Asheville Symphony Chorus (ASC): ASC presents choral masterworks from all centuries in the finest classical tradition. This 145-voice ensemble regularly performs with the ASO and presents independent concerts that enrich the cultural life of Asheville and Western North Carolina. Founded in 1991 by Director Emeritus Dewitt Tipton, the ASC was created to complement the ASO season and enhance the region’s cultural landscape.

That founding vision continues through powerful and inspiring performances. Over the years, ASC has performed an impressive range of works with the ASO, including Handel’s Messiah, Mozart’s Requiem, Poulenc’s…