Assistant Conductor

Position Role

Pacific Symphony is actively searching for a highly talented and musical individual to fill the role of Assistant Conductor, Pacific Symphony/Music Director, Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra (Assistant Conductor) beginning in the 2026-27 season. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication skills on and off the podium. This position offers an exciting opportunity for a conductor to contribute their skills, working with the Pacific Symphony’s Music Director and Guest Conductors in rehearsals, in concerts to ensure that Pacific Symphony performs at the highest possible artistic levels.

In this integral role, the Assistant Conductor will act as additional eyes and ears, playing a pivotal role in the orchestra’s artistic outcomes. Responsibilities include closely observing rehearsals and performances, providing insightful feedback about balance and interpretation, and effectively communicating artistic improvements and suggestions as directed. The Assistant Conductor will collaborate closely with the Conductor to ensure the musical vision for each performance is realized to its fullest potential.

The Assistant Conductor’s day-to-day duties are assigned by the Symphony’s Senior Vice President of Artistic Planning. The Assistant Conductor serves as the primary artistic support staff to the Music Director and assists them with the musical preparation of the orchestra at all rehearsals and concerts, while also preparing for the potential substitute for ailing or indisposed conductors. The Assistant Conductor is the Host and Conductor for Family and Youth concerts of Pacific Symphony.

Additionally, the Assistant Conductor is the Music Director of Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra which provides 100+ string, wind and percussion musicians in grades 9 through 12 with intense orchestral training. Alexander Shelley will be Pacific Symphony’s Artistic and Music Director beginning in the 2026-27 Season and will be overseeing this audition process.

Position compensation is $72,000-$75,000 for the 2026-27 Season.

• Assist and support the Music Director or Guest Conductors as cover conductor for all rehearsals and concerts for the Classical Subscription Series, Classical Specials, Chamber Orchestra cycles, Lunar New Year, Symphonic Soul, Nowruz, Messiah, Summer, and Symphony in the Cities rehearsals and concerts. This includes performance-ready preparation of all scores for the potential substitution of an indisposed or cancelled Conductor with minimal notice.
• Assistance with communication with Symphony Musicians including the delivery of notes to musicians between rehearsals, between performances, and around recording sessions, in a timely manner and as instructed by the Conductor.
• Serve as Music Director of Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra. Select programs, conduct all weekly rehearsals and concerts during the season. Lead an annual retreat for the students and listen to annual auditions in conjunction with other members of the Pacific Symphony Youth Ensemble team.
• Host and conduct Family and Youth concerts. Work with Family and Youth concert planning teams to plan and execute each program.
• As assigned by Senior Vice President of Artistic Planning or Music Director, conduct Pacific Symphony for non-subscription concerts, including but not limited to education or community engagement concerts, runout concerts, holiday concerts, Summer concerts.
• Mark musical scores for use by the video director for concerts that include Image Magnification.
• Assist the Music Director, guest conductors, artistic planning team and library as requested on artistic matters.
• Assist in concert logistics such as media cues, supertitles, artist calls and other elements for designated programs.
• Act as a spokesperson for Pacific Symphony and attend community activities and fundraising events as requested.
• Act as Host for pre-concert previews as requested.

• Reports to Artistic and Music Director
• Schedule Managed by Senior Vice President of Artistic Planning
• Works with Artistic and Music Director, Guest Conductors, Guest Artists, Pacific Symphony Musicians, Symphony Artistic, Youth…