Artistic Director/Chief Conductor

DSO is seeking an exceptional Artistic Director/Chief Conductor to lead our vibrant orchestra and contribute to the cultural life of the NT.

About Us 

Darwin Symphony Orchestra (DSO) is a leading cultural organisation in the Northern Territory and its only symphony orchestra.  

Based in Darwin, DSO is recognised as a centre for distinctive artistic work with a purpose to perform inspiring orchestral music.

A vibrant and innovative orchestra, DSO has a dedicated group of more than one hundred volunteer musicians and a core of paid professional musicians, who share a passion for bringing inspirational orchestral music to diverse audiences across the Territory. Our location has seen the orchestra deliver artistic and educational programs that are responsive to the Northern Territory’s unique culture and geography for over 30 years. 

DSO has established a reputation for collaborating with a wide range of artists and arts organisations, broadening our reach and enriching our work. These collaborations centre NT First Nations artists and stories, music, dance, poetry, singing and visual media, giving audiences and participants a distinctive experience that celebrates our cultural context. 

DSO stands at a pivotal moment in its journey, embarking on a new strategic direction for 2025-2028. With a significant increase in Federal funding from 2025, DSO is seizing this opportunity to deepen artistic quality, enhance our profile, and create opportunities for all Territorians to engage with music.

About the Role

The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of orchestral repertoire, a creative approach to programming, outstanding communication skills, and a passion for connecting with our diverse community including multicultural and Indigenous communities in the Northern Territory. This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on the cultural vitality of the region and to lead an orchestra that uniquely reflects the Northern Territory.  

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to drive the artistic vision of DSO, programming our annual concert season, and conducting rehearsals and performances. This role requires a proven track record as a conductor and artistic leader, with the ability to motivate and lead both professional and volunteer musicians. You will also be integral in developing youth and community music programs, fostering partnerships with artists and arts organisations, and engaging with our diverse stakeholders.

SELECTION CRITERIA AND ATTRIBUTES

• Extensive experience conducting symphony orchestras.
• Excellent repertoire knowledge, with the ability to program flexibly for a wide range of orchestral, chamber and other musical events.
• Outstanding musicianship, with experience across multiple genres.
• Exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively communicate and manage relationships with a variety of stakeholders.
• Experience and passion for music education including youth and adult music development programs.
• Creative thinking, and a desire to work collaboratively with a diverse range of artists, art forms and cultural groups.
• Strong advocate for musician development, mentoring and wellbeing.
• Possess a broad network of industry contacts and suitable artists.
• Well-developed planning and programming capabilities, supported by relevant technical and administrative skills.

Requirement:Current Working with Children Check (NT Ochre Card) is a requirement of the role.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop the artistic quality of the orchestra through effective and engaging rehearsal technique, expertise, leadership and skill development.
• Devise and deliver DSO’s annual artistic program of innovative work that engages and inspires musicians and audiences. This is developed in consultation with the General Manager, and balances artistic, community engagement and audience development priorities within budget.
• Work collaboratively and effectively with the General Manager and a small management team.
• Support and encourage artistic growth and development, fostering talent in musicians, conductors, composers, and other creative roles.
• Drive DSO’s contribution to orchestral music through commissioning new work and developing DSO’s Composer in Residence program.
• Maintain and develop strong networks within performing arts sector at local and national levels.
• Provide leadership and guidance for DSO’s Education Program, including the education performance program, Young Artists Program, other training, and regional outreach activity.
• Act as a passionate ambassador for the orchestra, engaging with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders including patrons, donors, musicians, and community partners.
• Develop artistic collaborations with First Nations and multicultural communities that celebrate the NT’s unique culture.
• Provide artistic direction for operational issues including player availability, sourcing music, and staging and production elements.
• Contribute to development and implementation of multi-year strategic plan that supports the orchestra’s artistic, financial and community engagement goals.
• Advocate and promote the orchestra through media opportunities, stakeholder engagement, and government advocacy.
• Develop initiatives to grow engagement with orchestral music in the Northern Territory.

KEY DETAILS

Salary: $115k – $127k per annum, plus superannuation. 0.75FTE, fixed term 2 years from January 2026

Location: Darwin, NT This role requires significant time commitment in Darwin, and the successful candidate will ideally be Darwin-based for most of the year. However there is scope for a hybrid role between Darwin and working remotely, and we encourage you to get in touch to discuss how this role could work.  

HOW TO APPLY 

1. Carefully read the Application Information on our website: dso.org.au/about/employment-opportunities/

2. Please provide the following:

• Cover letter addressing selection criteria
• Resume, including the contact details of two referees
• Portfolio including experience in conducting, programming, artistic leadership, and any other relevant creative experience

Please address applications to Claire Kilgariff, DSO Chair at dso@cdu.edu.au. Any queries can also be directed to this address, or by calling 08 8946 6974.

All interested applicants are encouraged to proceed, even if they may feel they do not possess all the attributes or cannot address all of the selection criteria based on their experience to date.

Applicants must have the right to work in Australia.

Darwin Symphony Orchestra is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We strongly encourage applications from First Nations People, people of culturally diverse backgrounds, people from the LGBTIQA+ community, people with disabilities, and people from all sectors of the community.