We are recruiting a new Music Director

The Renaissance Choir, one of the leading non-professional choirs on the South coast and based in Emsworth, Hampshire, is seeking a new Music Director to take it into a bright new future as from September 2026. This position arises from the impending retirement of its current Music Director Peter Gambie in July 2026, after 34 highly successful years.

The Choir is looking to appoint an individual who is able to maintain and build on the existing high standard of performance of the choir, to develop the musicianship of its members, to help attract new high-calibre singers, and to ensure continuing audience appeal.

Potential candidates should have wide experience of directing choirs, and be able to use this experience and their expert musical knowledge and good communication skills to guide and inspire the choir’s musicians in rehearsal. Rehearsals take place at the Emsworth Community Centre, PO10 7DD, from 7.30pm to 9.30pm on Friday evenings.

We put on around four concerts a year in S.E. Hampshire and West Sussex. In most years we go on tour, which has resulted in some memorable experiences in venues such as St Peter’s, Rome, Notre-Dame de Paris and the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela.

The position is paid. We offer a competitive level of remuneration for a minimum of 40 rehearsals and four concerts a year. Remuneration has two elements: a fee payable per rehearsal, and a concert fee. Additional fees are payable for one-off projects such as one-day tours and conducting vocal assessments. Fees are reviewed annually in line with CPI. Remuneration will be commensurate with the experience of the applicant.

Further details, including a role description and application process, are available in our Candidate Information Pack.

Auditions/interviews will be held during March/April 2026.

On 12 May 2026 we appointed Catherine Olver.

View our About page and other pages for further information about our musicians, history, policies, team and more.