Manawatu Youth Orchestra: Conductor

The Manawatu Youth Orchestra is seeking a conductor to begin February 2024. The appointment is for an initial period of two years.

The MYO rehearses Friday evenings 6:30-8:30pm through the school terms. It performs a concert twice a year, typically in June and September. The Conductor is a member of the MYO’s Music Direction Committee and Management Committee.

The MYO was established over 60 years ago to promote orchestral music in the Manawatu area. It provides a performing opportunity for the Manawatu’s younger orchestral musicians. The MYO consists primarily of secondary school age students with a minimum musical standard of Grade 5. Many have much higher qualifications. More experienced players also play in the Manawatu Sinfonia whose members are available to fill vacancies in the MYO as needed. This interaction allows the MYO to play innovative and sometimes demanding programmes.

The job description is available from the website or from the Secretary. Email applications, including a CV and covering letter to The Secretary, Manawatu Youth Orchestra, manawatuorchestra@gmail.com no later than 5pm Friday 1 December.

Objectives

To foster in young musicians a life-long interest in orchestral music
To provide an opportunity for members to develop their musicianship and explore the orchestral repertoire in public performance
To work co-operatively with other musical groups in the area and support their events
To promote orchestral music within the community
To provide affordable family concerts in Palmerston North

Orchestras

Manawatu Youth Orchestra

Conductor: Current resident conductor Isaac Henderson

Membership of the Manawatu Youth Orchestra averages around 50 players, with a good balance of sections. We welcome new players in all sections, though there may occasionally be limits in the woodwind section. Auditions are held in February each year, for more information see our 'Join Us' page. We perform two main concerts a year and also a variety of charity and schools events.

Manawatu Sinfonia

Conductor: No resident conductor. Recent guest conductors have included members of the NZSO and NZ School of Music.

We perform three or four main concerts a year, with a variety of styles to suit a range of audiences and provide interest and challenge to the players. Concerts often feature a professional soloist in a concerto and a large-scale symphony. We sometimes invite guest players to augment our numbers and fill any gaps in instrumentation.

Committee

President: Jeff McNeill

Vice-Presidents: Sir Brian Elwood

Secretary: Gillian Gibb

Treasurer: Bronwyn Boddy

Librarian: Lynette Quinn

Concert Manager: Robert Elder

Other Committee Members: Gabrielle Gibb, Isaac Henderson, Emma Mill, Catriona Hay, Katherine Ward, Simon Lennard, Rachel Ingham

Constitution

Support and Funding

The orchestra is a registered charity which is funded from member subscriptions, concert door takings, and valued support from various organisations. Like many such organisations, we are dependent on assistance, grants, and sponsorship in order to continue to provide a quality educational and cultural service to the community. If you think that you may be able to help support what we are doing, please contact us.

Links to other related groups

2024 Concert Details

Coming Soon!