Are you the choir conductor who will lead the Venus Chamber Choir from September 2027? Who will guide a close-knit group of talented amateur singers to new heights? Who combines humour with musical ambition?
If so, read on to find out more about Venus, who we are looking for and how you can apply.
ABOUT VENUS
The Utrecht-based chamber choir Venus is an amateur choir with a permanent membership of over 30 singers, which strives to achieve a high standard of musical performance.
Members appreciate the combination of a challenging, often modern and contemporary repertoire with scope for experimentation. The atmosphere within the choir is warm, supportive and friendly. Venus is both a close-knit social group and a serious vocal ensemble.
Venus rehearses every Wednesday evening in Utrecht and usually stages two projects a year, with at least two concerts per project. With surprising and captivating programmes, put together by the programme committee and the conductor, Venus has built up a large and loyal audience.
Krista Audere will be our conductor until June 2027. Previously, Venus was directed by Bruno de Greeve, Daniel Reuss, Peter Dijkstra, Gijs Leenaars and Rob Vermeulen, amongst others.
An overview of the repertoire that Venus has performed since its foundation can be found here.
OUR NEW CONDUCTOR
The Venus Chamber Choir is looking for a new conductor to succeed Krista Audere with effect from September 2027.
Our ideal candidate:
- is able to maintain the choir’s high standard and help it develop further;
- is able to convey their own artistic vision clearly and inspiringly during rehearsals and performances;
- works at a fast yet flexible pace, with a sense of humour and in a relaxed atmosphere;
- has a rich network of (young) professional musicians and conductors;
- is well-versed in choral music from all stylistic periods, with a particular focus on 20th-century and contemporary repertoire;
- is keen to work with Venus on commissioned compositions and productions at unique venues;
- pays close attention to vocal quality, has a good understanding of and proficiency in vocal technique, and is able to convey this effectively;
- communicates clearly and in a way that fosters connection, both during rehearsals and elsewhere;
- is sufficiently available to Venus and is willing to commit to a long-term partnership.
Venus adheres to the standards of the fairPACCT arrangement of Platform ACCT.
Applications, accompanied by a detailed CV, may be sent to sollicitatievenus@gmail.com by 4 September 2026 at the latest.
The interviews will take place between 28 September and 14 October.
Auditions will take place on Wednesday evenings 28 October, 11 and 18 November 2026.