Following the decision of present conductor Hugh Carpenter to retire in 2024, the Portsmouth Philharmonic Orchestra is looking to appoint a new conductor to start in spring 2024.
The orchestra was founded by a small group of amateur musicians in 2009. Our aims are to promote
musical activities in the Portsmouth area and to regularly perform concerts to raise money for
charitable causes. We currently have approximately 40 amateur members who rehearse weekly, and
we have guest players we call upon to join us for concerts.
The distinctive character of the orchestra is its friendliness and openness to all who are enthusiastic
about playing music. We meet for rehearsals on Sunday evenings from 7-9pm in term time and
perform three concerts a year in the local area, the net profits from which go to charities.
Now in our 16th season, more than £20,000 has been raised for a variety of local good causes. The conductor is primarily responsible for directing the rehearsals and concerts. In addition, the conductor is responsible for selecting the orchestra’s repertoire in consultation with the committee.
We also have a concert on 10 December 2023 at 3pm in the Church of the Resurrection in Drayton
PO6 2AP, which you may wish to attend.
If you would like to apply for the position, please request an information pack from
enquiries@portsmouthphilharmonic.org
The deadline for applications is 31 December 2023.
We will aim to process applications quickly and will invite those shortlisted to conduct the orchestra
during part of a rehearsal on either 28 January or 4 February 2024. We hope that the new conductor
will take up the position from April 2024, or as soon as possible after that.