Music Director: New Zealand Secondary Students' Choir

Choirs Aotearoa New Zealand (CANZ) is seeking a Music Director for the New Zealand Secondary Students' Choir (NZSSC) — a nationally prestigious youth choir with a distinguished international reputation since 1986.

This is a fixed-term, project-based contract covering 2027 and 2028, with opportunities for extension. The NZSSC gathers each school holidays for a week of intensive rehearsals and concerts around the country, with the two-year cycle culminating in a tour to an international choir festival or competition.

What you'll do:

• Develop and implement an inspiring artistic vision for the NZSSC
• Select repertoire that reflects both musical excellence and the cultural identity of Aotearoa
• Lead all rehearsals, performances, national and international tours, and recordings
• Mentor young singers, fostering individual growth and collective excellence
• Commission new works and collaborate with composers, vocal coaches, and music educators
• Contribute to the CANZ Artistic Advisory Group
• Represent NZSSC at public, media, and donor events, and support outreach initiatives

What you'll bring:

• Proven experience in choral conducting at a high national level
• Deep knowledge of choral repertoire, vocal technique, and ensemble training
• Experience leading school, youth, or professional choral ensembles
• Strong commitment to nurturing young musical talent
• Understanding of Te Ao Māori and Pasifika musical traditions, or genuine willingness to engage deeply
• Experience planning and delivering performances to an international standard

Desirable: familiarity with the New Zealand and international choral scenes, and a track record of commissioning new choral works.

CANZ is committed to diversity and inclusion and warmly welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds, particularly those from underrepresented communities in the arts.

To apply, send your cover letter, CV, video links (rehearsal and performance), a two-year repertoire proposal with written rationale, and a written reflection (max 1,500 words) to joinus@choirsnz.co.nz. The full candidate information pack is available at nzsschoir.com/jobs.