FSYO
Conductors Vacancy –
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An exciting opportunity to work with a youth symphony orchestra…

The Free State Symphony Orchestra Company (FSSO) is looking for two conductors for its youth symphony orchestras, one for the FSYO and one for the FSYO Sinfonietta. The FSYO is a key element in the FSSO’s music-educational pipeline. This pipeline provides opportunities for the most talented youth musicians to be mentored and trained in symphony orchestra playing, protocols and repertoire by the best available teacher-mentors and conductors. 

The appointment process comprises a written application, an interview, psychometric tests for short-listed candidates, and in-person auditioning with the FSYO by finalists. 

Duties and responsibilities to be shared in collaboration between the two conductors: 

  1. Initiates the planning process of the schedule of each year – auditions, rehearsals, performances, etc. – in conjunction with FSSO Artistic Director and the FSYO Organiser (as well as the Odeion School of Music and the conductor of the Odeion Sinfonia as necessary). 
  2. Assists the FSSO Artistic Director in compiling suitable and varied annual programmes and events of the FSYO within the available budget to be ready by the final Board meeting of the preceding year. This includes the choice of soloists or guest conductors, organisations to collaborate with, and budgets (in consultations with the Financial Administrator). 
  3. Conducts all FSYO and Sinfonietta rehearsals and concerts unless there is a guest conductor (or as arranged otherwise with the FSSO Artistic Director or Exco). 
  4. Oversees and manages the work and activities of the FSYO Organiser through regular communication and monitoring. 
  5. Oversees the marketing of FSYO concerts via the FSSO Office. 
  6. Communicates regularly with the FSSO Artistic Director regarding artistic and operational matters, including marketing.

Employment conditions: 

  • The FSYO Conductor must be a resident of the Bloemfontein-Mangaung area. 
  • This is a fixed-term contract appointment for up to three years, with the first year a probation period. 
  • It is a part-time, hours-based appointment linked to the annual schedule of the FSYO regarding auditions, rehearsals, performances and so forth. Remuneration is per hour on a claim basis.

Inherent requirements: 

  • A bachelor’s degree or tertiary diploma at NQF level 7 in music. 
  • At least three to five years’ experience in conducting youth and student orchestras. 
  • Knowledge of (and experience in selecting and sourcing) classical, light classical and popular music repertoire for youth symphony orchestras. 


Desired attributes: 

  • A qualification in orchestral conducting. 
  • Experience in conducting professional orchestras. 
  • Experience as a professional musician in a symphony orchestra. 
  • Experience playing in a youth symphony orchestra. 
  • Experience with orchestral instrument teaching at high school and tertiary levels. 
  • A clear sense of vision and strategy regarding the role and sustainability of youth symphony orchestras in changing times, being innovative and creative. 
  • An understanding of the various institutions that comprise the classical youth-orchestral environment in the Free State. 
  • Conscientious and with a clear sense of accountability. 
  • Managerial skills and experience; a working understanding of budgets and marketing; communication skills; ability to take decisions and produce results. 
  • Good interpersonal and people skills. Emotional intelligence. Service orientation. 
  • Ability to work with diverse youth of various ages, skill levels and backgrounds. 
  • Ability to deal with high-intensity work and frustrations under deadline pressure. 
  • Ability to deal with various stakeholders, e.g. parents and teachers; Musicon, Mangaung Strings and UFS staff; professional musicians; high schools; government officials; national cadet programme officials; patrons and audience members.

Recommended attributes: 

  • A postgraduate qualification in music. 

Assumption of duties: July 2025 (date to be determined). 

Instructions: Interested persons must send a substantive letter including: 

  • your reasons for applying; 
  • your key relevant attributes and experience; 
  • the names, positions and contact information (email and cell phone number) of at least two references; 
  • a comprehensive CV and certified copies of your ID and qualifications 

to the Office Manager at the email address below. 

The closing date for applications is 30 May 2025. 

Applicants must confirm their availability for an interview and audition with the FSYO on 11 June 2025. 

Enquiries: 

  • FSSO Office Manager: Ms Luzanne Eigelaar (eigelaarAL@ufs.ac.za or 051 401 2342) 
  • FSSO Artistic Director and CEO: Mr Daniel Boico (boicoD@ufs.ac.za) 
  • Board Chairperson: Prof Frederick Fourie (FourieFC@ufs.ac.za)