Artistic Director (reactietermijn gesloten)
For its client the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, DUX is looking for an
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
A passionate, inspirational leader with the artistic vision, energy and conviction to guide the orchestra. The Artistic Director is part of a three-member managing board and, together with the orchestra and artistic staff, shapes the artistic policy of this world-renowned orchestra.
Organisatie | Organisation
Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra
The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra (RCO) is one of the best orchestras in the world: In 2008 international music critics asked by “Gramophone” ranked it as the “world’s greatest orchestra”, and in 2015 international music critics asked by “Bachtrack” ranked it as Nr. 2 of all the world’s orchestras. Since its foundation in 1888, the orchestra has only had seven Chief Conductors, among them legendary conductors such as Mariss Jansons and Bernhard Haitink. In 2022, the Finnish conductor Klaus Mäkelä was appointed as Artistic Partner from the 2022/23 season with a growing number of concert weeks in the following seasons and as the orchestra’s eighth Chief Conductor from 2027 onwards. The orchestra also works regularly with some of the world’s most renowned soloists and conductors such as Honorary Guest Conductor Iván Fischer, Chief Conductor Emeritus Riccardo Chailly, Daniel Harding or Sir John Elliot Gardiner.
The orchestra’s core repertoire consists of symphonic works from the classical, Romantic, early modern and contemporary periods. It is also committed to perform new and lesser-known works wherever possible. A special tradition which the orchestra upholds is the commissioning of compositions and collaborations with conductor–composers presenting their own works with the orchestra.
The RCO performs some 125 concerts each season, approx. 70-80 of which are at the Concertgebouw, as well as concerts elsewhere in the Netherlands, and over 30 in the world’s leading concert halls. Furthermore, the orchestra regularly performs at the Dutch National Opera during an annual co-production. It is made up of approx. 120 musicians, and additionally employs approx. 60 people. The orchestra comprises more than 25 nationalities and is evenly split between men and women.
Organizational structure
The Stichting Koninklijk Concertgebouworkest is the central legal entity within the “Concertgebouw orchestra’s universe”. Since 2021, the managing board consists of three members: a Managing Director, an Artistic Director and a Director of Operations. The managing board is provided with input relating to the orchestra’s artistic policy by the Chief Conductor and the Artistic Committee in which members of the orchestra are represented.
In addition to the Stichting Koninklijk Concertgebouworkest, the orchestra incorporates satellite organizations such as the Foundation Concertgebouworkest (which organizes all fundraising activities) and the Stichting Beheer Vastgoed Koninklijk Concertgebouworkest (which administrates RCO House, the headquarters of the Concertgebouw Orchestra).
Relationship with the Concertgebouw
As the largest promoter in the Concertgebouw with about 80 concerts per season, the Concertgebouw Orchestra maintains a close working relationship with the Concertgebouw yet operates as an independent entity.
Functie inhoud | Tasks and responsibilities
The position
The Artistic Director is responsible for the artistic direction of the orchestra and sets a clear strategic vision for the orchestra and its position both now and in the future.
In addition to the Artistic Director, the managing board consists of the Managing Director who acts as the board’s chairman, and the director of operations. Together they are responsible for achieving a successful artistic programme, maintaining and further strengthening the orchestra’s preeminent position and ensuring a healthy financial position and organisational culture.
The Artistic Director plays a major role in this, not only through an artistic and distinctive vision but also through an inspirational personality. Connecting musicians, conductors and soloists and the organisation will contribute significantly to the artistic quality of the orchestra. Strategic programming, developing high-quality productions and attracting leading musicians from both the Netherlands and abroad are an important part of this position. Education and (talent) development form a basis for future success and strengthen the orchestra’s social role and financial position.
Successful collaboration with the Artistic Committee, conductors and other musicians, and achieving a pleasant, open culture and a safe working environment are essential. Initiative, decisiveness and an ability to turn ideas into concrete plans are also required.
The Artistic Director seeks a direct link with social developments, through both the orchestra’s own productions and collaboration with partners. An eye for diversity and inclusivity, as well as a willingness to put these principles into practise characterise an Artistic Director.
The Artistic Director is responsible for
- The artistic vision, artistic policy and artistic quality of the orchestra, programming and musicians
Realizes this vision in such a way that the orchestra maintains its preeminent position. - Leading the artistic organisation
Directs the artistic department and acts as primary contact for the Artistic Committee that represents the orchestra’s musicians. Traditionally, the Artistic Committee plays an advisory role in the development of artistic concepts and programmes. It is the responsibility of the Artistic Director to engage in constructive dialogue with the Artistic Committee and to ensure that the interests and expectations of the musicians are adequately considered in the artistic planning process.
Creates an effective internal structure, promoting cooperation within the orchestra and between other departments within the organisation.
Contributes to the day-to-day management, giving substance to his/her role in a collegial and constructive manner. - Strategic planning
Translates the artistic vision into strategic, balanced programming and, in doing so, makes strategic decisions to future-proof the Concertgebouw Orchestra and its leading position, both nationally and internationally.
Realizes a wide range of concert programmes and formats appropriate to the orchestra, aimed at different target groups.
Develops unique concepts and a programming that expresses RCO’s social objectives. In this context, works closely with the Head of Education and D&I, the Artistic Committee and the future Chief Conductor.
Coordinates with the fundraising and marketing department to secure maximum third-party funding for artistic and educational projects.
Coordinates with Head of Planning and Production on issues relating to staffing and production planning. - Artistic collaboration
Gives substance to productive collaboration with artistic partners in the Netherlands and abroad.
Builds artistic relationships with a variety of parties in the music world, including orchestras, soloists, festivals and venues. - Has final responsibility for the artistic budget within the framework set by the management board.
- Coordinates with other board members on matters concerning personnel management, financing, sponsorship and budgeting.
- Education and talent development
Collaborates closely on the strategic development of the education and talent development programme with the Head of Education (including the Academy and Youth Orchestra Concertgebouworkest YOUNG). - Scouts leading conductors and soloists from different generations (objective: to deploy the best-suited conductors at the right time, with the most appropriate repertoire). For this purpose, the AD will regularly visit rehearsals in the Netherlands and abroad.
- Supervises the future Chief Conductor as an artistic partner, particularly with regard to a balanced seasonal programme, choice of repertoire (including long-term) and maintaining a good relationship with the orchestra.
- Artistic dialogue partner for conductors and soloists, e.g. with regard to the choice of repertoire, line-up questions and development of artistic projects.
- Supervising auditions
The AD regularly attends live auditions and acts as Chairman of the Audition Committee.
Wij zoeken | Job requirements
The Concertgebouw Orchestra is seeking a candidate who
- Has significant experience in the artistic programming and planning of a renowned orchestra and/or leading concert hall or music festival
- Has a distinctive and strategic vision for the practical implementation of a contemporary orchestra at international level, both now and in the future
- Is highly knowledgeable about artistic quality, repertoire, soloists and conductors, and top-level programming, with regard to both classical and contemporary repertoires
- Has experience and proven success in a leadership role
- Has a keen eye for the internal organisation, functioning and development of personnel within the organisation
- Is capable of connecting all members of the various sections of the orchestra, bringing about successful and long-lasting cooperation between them
- Has the drive to strengthen and realise the social and economic potential of the RCO
- Values education and talent development
- Actively contributes to a diverse, inclusive and safe-space organisation.
- Is a natural relationship builder, introducing and building a relevant network
- Internationally-minded whilst maintaining an eye for culture within the Netherlands
Chief characteristics of the Artistic Director:
- Inspiring leader with an open and approachable leadership style, and a talent for networking
- Empathic, sensitive and motivating
- Energetic, ambitious and driven
- Enterprising, decisive and results-oriented
- Persuasive, firm and able to influence the relevant people
- Collaborative
- Socially aware, and alert to new developments in society
- Preferably fluent in both Dutch and English, both written and oral; or a willingness to learn Dutch.
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