Director, COC Ensemble

Reporting to the Director of Artistic Planning, the Director, COC Ensemble Studio leads and implements the overall vision for the department, the day-to-day operations and planning in all areas of artistic, educational and organizational development and management of the COC Ensemble Studio and any related programs. The Director, COC Ensemble Studio is expected to maintain a close working relationship with the General Director, Director of Artistic Planning, and the Music Director of the COC, as well as a collaborative working relationship with the Music Director of the COC Ensemble Studio.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Programming & Operations

In conjunction with the Director of Artistic Planning, creates and maintains budgets, forecasts, and financial tracking for all aspects of the COC Ensemble Studio program. Manages all program costs and oversees the preparation of payroll and accounts payable activity for the program.

Supervises the COC Ensemble Studio Administrator in the administration of the programs.

Produces the COC Ensemble Studio Competition, a public concert and the final step in identifying candidates for the COC Ensemble Studio.

Departmental Vision & Planning

Serves as an adjudicator for selection of COC Ensemble Studio Competition semifinalists and finalists, and selects future COC Ensemble Studio artists in conjunction with the General Director, Director of Artistic Planning, Music Director of the COC, and Music Director of the COC Ensemble Studio.

Creates individualized curricula for COC Ensemble Studio artists, supervises their work, and serves as their principal career advisor.

Advises on COC Ensemble Studio casting and study role assignments for COC main stage productions.

In conjunction with the General Director, Director of Artistic Planning, and Music Director, develops long-range planning to ensure the program’s future.

Administration & Management

Arranges and attends auditions for COC Ensemble Studio artists with other performing arts organizations and managers.

Supervises all performance activities, including concerts and recitals, involving COC Ensemble Studio artists, on and off the mainstage.

Assists with choice of repertoire for COC Ensemble Studio productions and programs. Assists and mentors current COC Ensemble Studio artists with future negotiations, selection of management, and repertoire.

Company & Community Collaboration

Works with staff from production, music, marketing, development, education and public relations departments on behalf of the COC Ensemble Studio, its programs, and its artists.

Presents introductions, gives lectures and moderates discussions on behalf of the COC Ensemble Studio and the COC as required.

Networks nationally and internationally with other major arts organizations and individuals regarding the training of young artists, working toward a broader network of international connections.

Consults for other training and apprentice programs and adjudicates local, regional, national and international vocal competitions, as invited.

KEY REQUIREMENTS

Five or more years as an opera coach, administrator, or singer preferred

Advanced degree in music preferred

Must have substantive experience working with and mentoring young opera singers

Exceptional public speaking abilities

Willingness to travel

ABOUT THE CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY

Based in Toronto, the Canadian Opera Company is the largest producer of opera in Canada and one of the largest in North America. General Director Perryn Leech joined the company in 2021, forming a leadership team with Music Director Johannes Debus and Deputy General Director Christie Darville. The COC enjoys a loyal audience including a dedicated base of subscribers, and has an international reputation for artistic excellence and creative innovation. Its diverse repertoire includes new commissions and productions, local and international collaborations with leading opera companies and festivals, and attracts the world’s foremost Canadian and international artists. The COC Academy is an incubator for the future of the art form, nurturing Canada’s new wave of opera creators with customized training and support. The COC performs in its own opera house, the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, hailed internationally as one of the finest in the world. For more information, visit coc.ca

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested persons are invited to submit their resume and cover letter, stating salary expectations, no later than July 16, 2021 to:

[email protected]

Peter Ford Manager, Human Resources

Canadian Opera Company

227 Front St. E. Toronto, ON M5A 1E8

The Canadian Opera Company thanks, in advance, all applicants, however, only those considered for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls or agencies please.

The COC is committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities in all parts of the hiring process. If you require an accommodation, please let us know and we will work with you to meet your needs.

Date Posted: June 11, 2021