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- London’s Royal Opera House Is Embracing AI. Some Musicians Aren’t Happy
“We started programming SHIFT because there is a bit of a crisis in the performing arts with regards to machine learning. There’s absolute panic. And in fact last year, when we announced it, some leading people in the arts were describing AI as evil and as the devil.” – The Independent
- Report: Australian Arts Participation At Highest Level Ever
More Australians are attending live arts events and festivals, with 2025 the highest level of attendance recorded. While some art forms have seen shifts back towards more frequent pre-COVID-19 attendance patterns, others have not fully recovered. – Creative Australia
- Carl Schachter, Influential Music Theorist, 93
His groundbreaking work as a music theorist primarily advanced Schenkerian theory by integrating rhythmic, metric, and harmonic dimensions into linear voice-leading analysis, while emphasizing how these elements interact to form structural coherence in tonal music. – The Violin Channel
- Painter Of Dallas Whale Mural Painted Over For World Cup Promo Sues FIFA
The 17,000-square-foot mural, one of artist Robert Wyland’s popular “Whaling Wall” series, had been on view in downtown Dallas since 1999. Wyland is suing international soccer’s governing body and the building’s owners for $25 million under the federal Visual Artist Rights Act, saying the mural was covered without his knowledge or consent. – AP
- Dito Von Reigersberg, Aka Martha Graham Cracker, Philadelphia Arts World’s Favorite Drag Queen, Is Dead At 53
As Martha, he hosted a highly popular monthly cabaret and collaborated with, among others, the Philadelphia Orchestra and Opera Philadelphia. He also had a notable career, under his own persona, as an actor and theatermaker, most notably as a cofounder of Pig Iron Theatre Company. – The Philadelphia Inquirer (MSN)
- Brazilian Police Say They’ve Identified Mastermind Of Matisse Robbery In São Paulo
Last December, thieves stole 13 prints, including eight by Matisse, from the Biblioteca Mario de Andrade in São Paulo. Two suspects accused of the robbery itself were identified soon afterward; police have now named the alleged ringleader, who is currently in prison on other charges and has a considerable criminal history. – ArtReview
- New York State Adds $150 Million To Theater Production Tax Credit — But Is It Going To Shows That Really Need It?
“The program … faces criticism from budget watchdog groups, state lawmakers, and even theatrical insiders who say the tax credits don’t support shows most in need of financial support. Many that have received state aid had the backing of major production companies,” including Disney. – Bloomberg Law News
- Trump Administration Wants To Judge Higher Ed Institutions On Graduates’ Earnings, Posing Dangers For Arts Schools
“The Department of Education has proposed a new ‘accountability’ system that would judge higher-education programs largely by graduates’ earnings, … a test that music, visual arts, and filmmaking programs would, by their nature, be likely to fail.” Programs whose graduates don’t meet earnings benchmarks could become ineligible for federal student loans. – ARTnews
- Minnesota Star Tribune To Cut 65 Jobs, Explore Going Fully Nonprofit
“The Star Tribune employs 495 people and cuts will be made across every department. The newsroom has just under 200 journalists and will decline to 175 while remaining one of the largest between the coasts. Just last year, 125 employees were laid off when the company … closed its … printing plant.” – The Minnesota Star Tribune
- Speight Jenkins, Director Who Transformed Seattle Opera, Has Died At 89
Over his 31 years as general manager, he made the company into one of the most respected in the country and, said some observers, the Wagner capital of the U.S. It’s easy to forget that he began his career as a New York music critic and hosted Met Opera telecasts. – MyNorthwest.com
- “America’s Greatest Opera Boss Has Died”
Norman Lebrecht’s obituary notice for Speight Jenkins, which ran today, is titled “America’s Greatest Opera Boss Has Died.” I couldn’t
- Executive Director
POSITION PROFILE
The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO) seeks a visionary, entrepreneurial, and collaborative leader to serve as its next Executive Director.
This is an opportunity to lead one of America’s most distinctive orchestras and one of Louisiana’s most important cultural institutions. The Executive Director will partner with musicians, Board leadership, artistic leadership, staff, donors, volunteers and community stakeholders to shape the next era of artistic excellence, financial sustainability, audience growth, and statewide impact.
The Executive Director serves as the organization’s chief executive officer and strategic leader, responsible for growing philanthropy, advancing the mission, strengthening organizational capacity, expanding community engagement, and ensuring long-term institutional resilience.
The Executive Director reports directly to the Board of Trustees and works in close partnership with the Music Director and orchestra leadership.
ABOUT THE LOUISIANA PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA
Founded in 1991, the GRAMMY Award winning Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra is the nation’s oldest full-time musician-governed and collaboratively operated professional orchestra and Louisiana’s only full-time professional orchestra. The LPO is a Group 3 orchestra with an annual budget of $5-5.5million which serves an annual audience of approximately 60,000 people in one of the most culturally vibrant cities in the nation. The LPO exists to transform people and communities through music and serves as a cultural leader throughout New Orleans, southeastern Louisiana, and communities across the state.
Rooted in one of the world’s most influential musical cities, the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra reflects both the artistic traditions and creative spirit that define New Orleans. Through artistic excellence, education, and community engagement, the organization creates meaningful musical experiences that connect audiences across generations and communities.
Over a full 32-36-week season, the LPO presents a broad portfolio of programming in New Orleans and across multiple adjacent parishes that reflects both tradition and innovation. Annual offerings include classical subscription performances, chamber music, education initiatives, community engagement programming, contemporary music, cross-genre collaborations, pops, family programming, and performances that celebrate Louisiana’s cultural identity and musical heritage. Recent seasons have featured world premieres, contemporary compositions by living composers, partnerships with local artists, collaborations across artistic disciplines, and programming designed to broaden access and deepen relevance.
Each year, the organization reaches tens of thousands through performances, education initiatives, and community engagement programs. The LPO Academy provides sustained musical instruction for nearly 500 students across partner schools, while broader education and engagement initiatives serve more than 14,000 young people and families annually. The orchestra partners with educational institutions, cultural organizations, civic leaders, and community organizations to strengthen access to music.
As resident orchestra partner to major cultural organizations and touring artists, the LPO occupies a unique role within New Orleans’ cultural ecosystem and contributes meaningfully to the civic and cultural vitality of Louisiana.
The LPO has a tri-partite organizational governance structure comprised of 67 full-time musicians, an administrative staff, and a Board composed of two-thirds community trustees/one third musicians. The organization’s distinctive musician-governed model creates an extraordinary culture of ownership, collaboration, entrepreneurship, and institutional commitment. This model has defined the orchestra since its founding and remains central to its identity and success.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra stands at an important moment of institutional opportunity.
Building upon artistic momentum, expanding impact, strengthening educational reach, and deepening community partnerships, the organization seeks a leader who can guide the orchestra through its next phase of growth and sustainability.
The next Executive Director will inherit:
• A nationally distinctive governance model
• Strong artistic leadership
• Deep community roots
• Meaningful education initiatives
• Engaged musicians, Board, volunteers, and staff
• A recognized civic role within one of America’s most culturally significant communitiesThe next Executive Director will play a central role in:
• Strengthening long-term financial sustainability
• Expanding philanthropy and contributed revenue
• Growing earned revenue opportunities
• Increasing audience engagement and participation
• Building statewide visibility and impact
• Advancing strategic planning initiatives
• Strengthening operational excellence
• Positioning the LPO as an essential civic and cultural institution for Louisiana’s futureThis role requires an executive who understands and appreciates both the art and enterprise of primarily orchestral but includes all forms of music — someone who combines strategic vision with operational rigor, financial discipline with entrepreneurial thinking, and community leadership with a deep appreciation for artistic excellence.
KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Leadership
The Executive Director will:
• Lead development and implementation of organizational strategic priorities
• Partner with Board leadership, Music Director, volunteers and musicians to advance long-term institutional goals
• Foster innovation while preserving organizational mission and artistic excellence
• Position the organization for long-term sustainability
• Lead organizational planning initiatives
• Identify opportunities for strategic growth and institutional advancement
• Monitor industry trends and evolving audience behaviorsFundraising and Philanthropy
The Executive Director will:
• Serve as chief fundraiser and lead ambassador
• Personally cultivate, solicit, and steward major gifts
• Expand relationships with foundations, corporations, government agencies, and individual donors
• Support annual, campaign, endowment, and planned giving initiatives
• Strengthen contributed revenue performance
• Partner closely with development staff and Board leadership
• Advance institutional fundraising strategy
• Build philanthropic culture across the organizationFinancial and Business Leadership/management
The Executive Director will:
• Oversee financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting
• Ensure responsible stewardship of organizational resources
• Develop multi-year financial sustainability strategies
• Monitor performance through measurable operational and financial indicators
• Expand earned revenue opportunities
• Strengthen business operations and organizational systems
• Support data-informed decision-making practices
• Ensure compliance and sound governance practicesAudience Development and Community Engagement
The Executive Director will:
• Lead strategies to expand audience growth and retention
• Enhance the organization’s visibility and community impact
• Foster accessibility and audience relevance initiatives
• Expand partnerships across education, tourism, business, government, and community sectors
• Support education and community engagement programming
• Position the LPO as an essential civic institution
• Advance initiatives that broaden participation and deepen community connectionOrganizational Leadership
The Executive Director will:
• Recruit, develop, manage, and retain high-performing staff
• Foster accountability, transparency, and collaboration
• Build organizational culture aligned with mission and values
• Support professional development and leadership growth
• Promote effective cross-functional communication
• Lead changes in management initiatives when necessary
• Assure excellent communication with audiences, Board, and musiciansExternal Relations and Advocacy
The Executive Director will:
• Serve as a primary organizational spokesperson
• Represent the organization with elected officials, civic leaders, donors, media, and community stakeholders
• Strengthen institutional visibility and reputation
• Build strategic partnerships that advance mission and sustainability
• Advocate for arts investment and cultural policy priorities
• Participate actively in industry leadership organizations and broader civic conversationsQUALIFICATIONS
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
Required Experience
• Minimum 10 years of progressive leadership experience
• Significant executive or senior leadership experience within nonprofit, performing arts, cultural, higher education, mission-driven, or complex enterprise organizations
• Demonstrated fundraising success
• Experience managing significant operating budgets
• Strategic planning and organizational leadership experience
• Team leadership and talent development experience
• Ability to direct and motivate all components of the organization
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skillsPreferred Experience
• Experience within orchestras or performing arts institutions
• Knowledge of nonprofit governance structures
• Familiarity with orchestra economics and labor environments
• Experience with collective bargaining environments
• Audience development and earned revenue strategy experience
• Experience leading organizational transformation initiativesBachelor’s degree required. Advanced degree greatly preferred.
Traits and Characteristics
The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
• Strategic acumen
• Fundraising confidence and proven success
• Entrepreneurial mindset
• Financial sophistication
• Collaborative leadership style
• Emotional intelligence
• Exceptional interpersonal skills
• Sound judgment
• Adaptability and resilience
• Creativity and innovation
• Transparency and integrity
• Commitment to mission-driven leadership
• Passion for orchestral music and community impactThe successful candidate will inspire trust and transparency across musicians, Board leadership, staff, volunteers, donors, and community stakeholders while advancing a compelling vision for the organization’s future.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
The Executive Director reports directly to the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra Board of Trustees and oversees the administrative staff leadership team.
The Executive Director works collaboratively with orchestra musicians and the Music Director to advance institutional priorities and organizational success.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package commensurate with experience.
Applications
Please submit a cover letter that describes your interest and qualifications for the position. Send with a resumé and the names of three professional references.
All applications will be treated as confidential. References will not be contacted without applicant’s knowledge and agreement. Electronic submissions are preferred (MS Word or Adobe Acrobat attachments only, please).
Email: louisianaphilharmonicedsearch@gmail.com
For priority consideration, please submit application materials by June 20, 2026.
- The Movie Star Who Doesn’t Exist
Good Morning,
A top celebrity-profile writer set out to interview Tilly Norwood and ran into a problem: she isn’t a person (The New York Times). The AI “actress” has no inner life to report, which didn’t stop anyone from trying.
Bookstores are supposed to be dying, but that’s old conventional wisdom. The count is actually growing, and briskly (AP). Publishing is supposed to be glamorous; but here’s how the business really works (The Republic of Letters).
Supposedly, the tuning reference for music — A=440, got nudged down to A=432Hz, supposedly because it’s more soothing. But what’s the evidence? (AP).
Then a couple of good news stories: When a keyboardist fell ill mid-show in Sydney, a university student climbed onstage and finished the performance (The Guardian). And Chicago’s stand-up comics, gig workers in the truest sense, finally have a path to health insurance (WBEZ).
Meanwhile, someone peeled Maurizio Cattelan’s duct-taped banana off a museum wall and walked off with it — and the museum wants to prosecute (ARTnews). You can steal the fruit. Good luck stealing the concept.
Doug
- A New Partnership Helps Stand-Up Comics In Chicago To Finally Get Steady Health Insurance
The Health Alliance for Chicago Comedians is building a pilot program to help 10 comics pay insurance premiums through the Affordable Care Act’s next open enrollment period. Stand-up comedians, especially early in their careers, often take gigs and side jobs which offer no insurance. – WBEZ (Chicago)
- It’s Just A Few Cents: More People Are Listening To Music Pitched Down To A=432Hz
“Music recorded in 432 hertz (cycles per second) is taking off on social media platforms and music streaming services. … Scientists say there’s no robust evidence that music tuned to 432 hertz has any special benefits or healing properties. Some musicians and listeners say it helps them connect with nature, relax or concentrate.” – AP
- Okay, Here’s How The Publishing Business Really Works
Nobody would patronize a best-seller–only shopping mall kiosk called We Bet We Have That Book You Want, even though best-sellers are most of what anyone buys. People want to walk into stores with lots of books which they have no interest in even looking at. – Republic of Letters
- Two Washington Stars Rise Up To Take On The Damaged Washington Post
The two closely named rivals plan to take on a much more established competitor: The Washington Post, which is owned by the Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and recently cut its staff by a third. – The New York Times
- Busting Conventional Wisdom: The Number Of Bookstores Isn’t Shrinking, It’s Growing Robustly
Membership in the ABA grew by more than 500 over the past year, to a total of 3,417 (at 3,783 locations), nearly triple what it was a decade ago and the highest level since the late 1990s. – AP News
- Britain’s Biggest Female Ballet Star Comes Back From Paralytic Meningitis
“It was six weeks of being unable to move, … to participate in life at all, before she could get out of bed. And then Lauren Cuthbertson, the biggest British dance star since Darcey Bussell, … had to persuade her useless limbs, now stripped of their strength, to listen to her brain again.” – The Times (UK)
- A Priority For Australia’s Next Cultural Policy: Protecting Freedom Of Expression
Treating freedom of expression and social cohesion as trade-offs is a category error. Freedom of expression is an internal attribute of cultural activity, an inherent good. Without it there is no culture worthy of the name, only sanctioned content. – ArtsHub
- Adelaide Wisdom Benjamin, Philanthropist Who Saved New Orleans’ Symphony Orchestra, Dies At 93
Adelaide Wisdom Benjamin, a queen of Carnival who became a lawyer and philanthropist whose gifts of money, determination and leadership helped save New Orleans’ symphony orchestra, died Saturday in her sleep at her New Orleans home. – NOLA.com
- Rosamund Pike Lectures Audience Member From The Stage For Texting During Performance
“Maybe it was very important, and maybe you’re a doctor, and you’re saving someone’s life, and I hope you are, but we do see these, we do feel them. I’ve got you, I feel like I’ve got to hold you all, so when I feel that and see it, it’s hard.” – The Guardian
- A Top Celebrity-Profile Writer Tries To Profile Someone Who Doesn’t Actually Exist: AI Actress Tilly Norwood
Taffy Brodesser-Akner: “Did I mention that in addition to being just a computer, she’s also kind of a bitch?” – The New York Times Magazine
- University Student Audience Member Steps In To Finish Performance When Keyboardist Falls Ill
The orchestra’s keyboardist had suddenly fallen ill. Was there by any chance a pianist in the house? And one with exceptional sight-reading skills? – The Guardian
- Study: Humans Need “Semantic Knowledge” To Innovate
The research demonstrates that our “semantic knowledge”, the internal cognitive map of how concepts connect and apply to one another, is the absolute precondition for meaningful invention. – Neuroscience
- We Need Artists To Collaborate With AI
Machine learning represents a seismic shift, both in society and in the arts, and we need storytellers, artists, teachers and thinkers in this space to help determine the direction of that shift and help us navigate this unfamiliar territory. – The Guardian
- At New York Public Radio, New CEO Ousts Many Senior Execs
“Christy Tanner, a veteran of CBS News, took the helm at NYPR in early February. Since then, she has let many of its top figures go with little explanation, … surprising the organization’s staff and unsettling some of its remaining leaders. … None of the departures have been announced publicly.” – Semafor
- Arts Council England, The National Cultural Funder, Names A New Chairman
As of August 1, Dawn Airey, a longtime television executive who is currently chair of the National Youth Theatre and the educational platform Digital Theatre+, will succeed Nicholas Serota, who spent almost a decade leading the Council after a famously successful tenure as director of the Tate galleries and museums. – The Independent (UK)
- Survivors Recount Living Through Russia’s Bombing Of Kyiv’s Cultural Sites
“We began evacuating the artefacts while the roof was still ablaze and the firefighting operation was still under way,” said the director of one museum. “We could hear the roof collapsing. We were constantly wading through water.” – The Guardian
- Why Restorers Of This Bull Mosaic In Milan Left Out The Testicles
In fact, the missing glands on the bovine in this 19th-century floor mosaic had been gouged out by excessive tourist traffic some time ago, and the restorers (and the landlord) declined to replace them. Here’s why. – Smithsonian Magazine
- Maurizio Cattelan’s Banana Is Stolen From A Museum Wall, And That Museum Wants To Prosecute
The theft of the fruit from the jokester artist’s piece Comedian happened this past Saturday at the Pompidou Center’s outpost in Metz, France; the duct tape was left behind. No suspect has yet been identified, and museum staff promptly replaced the banana. – ARTnews
- Ragazzi Boys Chorus seeks Artistic Director
Organization
Ragazzi Boys Chorus is a premier, GRAMMY award winning, choral organization dedicated to transforming the lives of boys through the power of music, educational discipline, and performance excellence. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Ragazzi serves over 230 young singers between the ages of five and 18 each year through a comprehensive training program that emphasizes vocal technique, music literacy, and personal growth. The organization presents a wide range of performances, from classical masterworks and contemporary choral compositions to multicultural repertoire, appearing in major concert halls, community venues, and collaborative productions with leading arts organizations. Ragazzi Boys Chorus is committed to excellence in musical performance and education. The Ragazzi experience instills self-confidence, cooperation, leadership, sensitivity, and tenacity, helping boys develop into young men of character and distinction. Ragazzi serves its singers and the broader community by performing a diverse selection of choral works to the highest artistic standards. Central to the organization’s mission is a commitment to artistic excellence and character development, fostering confidence, teamwork, and leadership skills that extend far beyond the stage.
Founded in 1987, Ragazzi is the largest boy choir in the San Francisco Bay Area and has grown into one of the leading boys’ choruses in the United States, with multiple ensemble levels that provide a structured progression from beginning singers to advanced performing groups. The Chorus performs a robust annual season that includes subscription concerts, regional, national, and international tours, and high-profile collaborations with symphonies, opera companies, and professional ensembles. Ragazzi singers have appeared with organizations such as the San Francisco Symphony and Opera, and have participated in prestigious festivals and international tours, earning recognition for their musical precision and expressive performances. Ragazzi singers were invited to perform at the Chorus America conference in 2023 and the ACDA conferences in 2012, 2024, 2025, and 2026. The program’s curriculum integrates rigorous rehearsal schedules with music theory and sight-singing instruction, ensuring a well-rounded and immersive musical education.
Ragazzi’s administrative offices and primary rehearsal facilities are housed at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Redwood City. While an active congregation, the site also serves a range of community uses, including other nonprofit and commercial tenants, reflecting a shared, community-centered environment. Ragazzi maintains dedicated access to multiple upper-floor classrooms for regular instruction, while also utilizing shared first-floor spaces, including the Sanctuary, Parish Hall, and smaller breakout rooms, for full ensemble rehearsals, sectionals, and meetings. To broaden access and support younger singers, Ragazzi operates additional satellite rehearsal locations for its Primary Group in Burlingame at the First Presbyterian Church of Burlingame and in Palo Alto at the First United Methodist Church.
Performance activity takes place across a network of venues throughout the region, underscoring Ragazzi’s strong community presence. Regular concert sites include First United Methodist Church in Palo Alto, Mission Santa Clara de Asís, Hillsdale High School Theater and Aragon High School Theater in San Mateo, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Redwood City, and Old First Church in San Francisco. These venues provide a range of performance settings, from intimate sacred spaces to larger theater environments, allowing Ragazzi to engage diverse audiences across the Peninsula and San Francisco.
Ragazzi’s impact extends beyond performance through its strong emphasis on education and community engagement. The organization partners with schools and community groups to expand access to high-quality choral training, while offering need-based scholarships to ensure that financial barriers do not limit participation. Alumni of the program frequently continue in music and leadership roles, reflecting Ragazzi’s long-term influence on artistic and personal development. Through its commitment to excellence, accessibility, and community connection, Ragazzi continues to serve as a vital cultural resource and a nurturing environment for the next generation of musicians and leaders.
Ragazzi has a 10-member board of directors led by President Linda Enger. The Artistic Director reports to the Board of Directors and supervises artistic staff, conductors, accompanists, and teaching artists associated with the choral program. For the fiscal year ending August 31, 2024, Ragazzi’s audited financial statements reported total revenue of $2 million, including 11.5% from contributions, 85.5% from earned revenue sources, and 3% from investment income. The projected revenue for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2026, is $2.1 million, including 87% from earned revenue sources and 13% from contributions.
Sources: edited from ragazzi.org; propublica.org
Community
Situated along the Northern California coast and encompassing nine counties, the San Francisco Bay Area is one of the most dynamic and influential regions in the United States. Anchored by the city and county of San Francisco, the region is home to a diverse population of more than seven million residents and is internationally recognized for its economic innovation, cultural richness, and scenic beauty. San Francisco itself serves as a civic, cultural, and financial hub, known for its iconic landmarks, historic neighborhoods, and commitment to public services, equity, and sustainability. The broader Bay Area includes Silicon Valley, often referred to as the South Bay, a globally recognized center of technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation that encompasses Santa Clara County and many of its vibrant cities. According to the Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce, the region is home to one of the world’s highest concentrations of engineers, scientists, software developers, entrepreneurs, and research institutions, fostering an ecosystem where bold ideas, collaboration, and forward-thinking leadership continue to shape industries worldwide.
The region offers an exceptional quality of life shaped by its distinctive geography and vibrant communities. From the Pacific coastline and the Golden Gate Bridge to rolling hills, waterfront parks, and nearby wine country, the Bay Area provides abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation and exploration. San Francisco’s compact, walkable urban environment features a rich mix of neighborhoods, each with its own character, as well as an extensive public transportation network that connects residents and visitors throughout the region. The area is also a major destination for tourism, celebrated for its culinary scene, historic sites, and cultural attractions that draw visitors from around the world.
Arts and culture are deeply embedded in the identity of the San Francisco Bay Area. The region supports a wide array of museums, performing arts organizations, festivals, and community-based cultural initiatives that reflect its diversity and creative energy. San Francisco, in particular, is home to numerous cultural institutions and civic programs that promote access to the arts, historic preservation, and community engagement. Strong partnerships among local government, nonprofit organizations, and community stakeholders contribute to a thriving cultural ecosystem that prioritizes inclusion, innovation, and public participation. With its global influence, diverse population, and enduring commitment to creativity and civic life, the San Francisco Bay Area offers a compelling and inspiring environment for arts and community leadership.
Sources: sf.gov; svcentralchamber.com; census.gov
Position Summary
The Artistic Director will serve as the senior artistic leader of Ragazzi Boys Chorus (Ragazzi), providing vision, artistic leadership, and educational excellence across Ragazzi’s choral program. The Artistic Director will be responsible for maintaining and advancing Ragazzi’s reputation for exceptional artistry, rigorous musicianship education, and positive youth development.
The Artistic Director will be an inspiring teacher, accomplished conductor, and collaborative leader who combines artistic excellence with warmth, diplomacy, and a deep commitment to the musical and personal growth of boys and young men. The Artistic Director will oversee artistic staff, guide program development, support recruitment and retention efforts, and serve as a visible ambassador with families, donors, and the broader community.
Roles and Responsibilities
Artistic Leadership
• Provide overall artistic vision and leadership for the organization’s choral program.
• Conduct premier ensemble(s) and oversee artistic quality across all choir levels.
• Maintain and elevate standards of vocal production, musicianship, performance preparation, and repertoire selection.
• Develop age-appropriate pedagogical approaches for unchanged and changing male voices, particularly soprano and alto voices, during vocal transition.
• Organize and facilitate summer training programs held both during the day and in off site camp venues.
• Plan and lead tours, including yearly international tours involving 100 boys.
• Lead artistic planning, repertoire development, touring, collaborations, recordings, and performances.
• Ensure artistic programming reflects excellence, educational value, and organizational mission.
• Embrace other artistic leadership responsibilities as needed.Educational Leadership
• Serve as a teacher and mentor for singers and artistic staff.
• Recruit, supervise, support, and evaluate conductors, accompanists, and teaching artists.
• Foster a consistent pedagogical approach across the organization.
• Support student musicianship development, including sight-singing and music literacy.
• Integrate best practices in child development, social-emotional learning, and youth engagement into rehearsal culture.
• Create a collaborative, accountable, and mission-driven artistic culture.
• Demonstrate diplomacy, emotional intelligence, and effective people management skills.
• Embrace other educational leadership responsibilities as needed.Organizational Leadership
• Partner closely with Board leadership.
• Contribute to strategic planning and organizational growth initiatives.
• Participate as an ambassador for the organization with families, donors, schools, and community partners.
• Support recruitment, retention, and community engagement efforts.
• Build strong relationships with parents through professionalism, communication, and responsiveness.
• Embrace other organizational leadership responsibilities as needed.Traits and Characteristics
The Artistic Director of Ragazzi Boys Chorus will be a people-oriented and highly interactive leader who builds strong relationships and communicates effectively with singers, families, staff, and community partners, fostering a culture of trust, engagement, and shared purpose. Deeply attuned to the needs and experiences of choristers and audiences, they will shape programs that inspire musical excellence while remaining accessible and meaningful. Versatile and adaptable, they will navigate a dynamic artistic environment with ease, balancing performance demands, educational priorities, and organizational goals. Guided by a harmonious and collaborative approach, they will value diverse perspectives and contribute selflessly within a team-driven culture, prioritizing collective success over individual recognition. Of the highest character, they will demonstrate kindness, consideration, and sound judgment, making decisions that balance the needs of the organization with the care and well-being of each singer entrusted to Ragazzi. Structured and disciplined, they will rely on proven methods and consistent systems to ensure artistic quality and organizational effectiveness. Grounded in an altruistic orientation, they will be motivated by service and committed to creating transformative musical experiences.Other key competencies include:
• Diplomacy and Personal Accountability – The capability to effectively and tactfully handle difficult or sensitive issues while being answerable for personal actions.
• Leadership – The capacity to organize, support, and influence people to believe in a vision while creating a sense of purpose and direction.
• Time and Priority Management – The organizational acumen to prioritize and complete tasks to deliver desired outcomes within allotted time frames.
• Teamwork and Self-Starting – The aptitude to cooperate with others to meet objectives while demonstrating initiative and willingness to begin working.Qualifications
A bachelor’s degree in music is required, with an advanced degree preferred, along with at least eight to 10 years of progressively responsible leadership in a choral program. Demonstrated success in artistic direction, organizational leadership, and planning is essential, as is a strong record of program development and community engagement. The Artistic Director will bring proven experience managing and inspiring teams of artistic staff, as well as working effectively with a board of directors and diverse stakeholders. Exceptional musical expertise, including choral pedagogy, experience with the various methodologies employed in choral training and the ability to work with children’s social-emotional development, is necessary. The Artistic Director should also possess an understanding of the specific development needs of boys’ voices during adolescence, with particular focus on alto and soprano voices. The ideal candidate will possess excellent interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills, with a collaborative and mission-driven approach.
Compensation and Benefits
Ragazzi offers a competitive and equitable compensation package, with a base salary estimated between $130,000 and $150,000. Candidates with significant financial or fundraising experience may be considered for an Artistic and Executive Director role, with a salary of up to $180,000.
Benefits include a range of health coverage options, with Ragazzi Boys Chorus contributing 70% of premium costs for employees’ choice of medical plans, including Anthem Blue Cross Gold PPO E, Anthem Blue Cross Silver PPO C, Kaiser Gold HMO B, and Kaiser Gold HMO D. Comprehensive dental coverage is provided through the Humana Dental PPO, and vision coverage is offered through the Humana Vision Plus 200 plan, both fully employer-paid. Ragazzi also supports long-term financial planning through a Vanguard 403(b) retirement savings program, allowing employees to make elective pre-tax or Roth contributions beginning with their first eligible payroll. Ragazzi offers a robust paid time off policy, including 15 days of PTO annually and 10 paid holidays each year. In addition, Ragazzi provides paid time off between Christmas and New Year’s Day without requiring employees to use vacation time.
Applications and Inquiries
To submit a cover letter and resume with a summary of demonstrable accomplishments, please visit
https://artsconsulting.com/opensearches/ragazzi-boys-chorus-seeks-artistic-director/Ragazzi Boys Chorus is committed to fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment that reflects the diversity of the Bay Area communities it serves. Guided by its mission to develop confident young musicians and leaders through excellence in music education and performance, Ragazzi welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of age, race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, religion, socioeconomic background, or national origin.
- The Trump Administration Is Dismantling Support For Social Science Research
If the National Science Foundation does stop funding social scientists, experts told me, our 5,000-foot-view of American life will get foggier. The NSF, through the SBE division, is the primary funder of the “big three” social-science surveys, which have enabled the work of several generations of academics, economists, and policy wonks. – The Atlantic
- The World Is Becoming Automated Around Us. Are Humans Losing Autonomy?
Computers talk to computers, producing information to train computers to sound more like humans or to better engage them. Humans type into the box, scroll, and wait. – The Atlantic
- A Dancer Helping To Redefine What A Ballet Body Is
Ballet has a reputation for upholding rigid body standards. In recent years, though, the art form has been rethinking its relationship to diversity in areas like race and body type. – The New York Times
