Organist and Choirmaster (New London, CT)

St. James Episcopal Church, New London, CT, seeks applications for the part-time position of Organist and Choirmaster, particularly from musicians with a strong background in choral conducting and an understanding of the Anglican tradition, to begin January 1, 2024. A Masters in Music is desirable but not essential, with some previous experience in church music. The Adult Choir, whose program year runs from mid-September to mid-June, consists of approximately 15 dedicated choristers with extensive experience in choral singing and good sight-reading skills. Interest in expanding the Adult Choir, through recruitment of choristers, is desirable.

The Organist/Choirmaster is expected to rehearse weekly with the group (Thursday evenings, 7:30-9:00) in preparation for the 10:00 a.m. Sunday service. He or she will also prepare the choir for special services such as Christmas Eve, Holy Week, and Easter. The Organist/Choirmaster will work in partnership with, and be ultimately responsible to, the Vestry and Rector.

The church maintains a strong music program, anchored by its fine organ, a 4-manual Ernest M. Skinner, Opus 220, which was built in 1914 and reconditioned in 2002. St. James has long hosted both The Anglican Singers as guest artists-in-residence, and numerous organ recitals sponsored by the local section of the AGO.

The current building housing St. James, a gem of the Gothic Revival style, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places; completed in 1850, it was designed by the renowned American architect Richard Upjohn. The building also features magnificent stained-glass windows, including six designed by the acclaimed artist and designer Louis Comfort Tiffany. Earlier in its history, St. James was the parish of The Right Reverend Samuel Seabury, first Episcopal bishop in America.

Additional information is available at http://www.stjamesnl.org/music. The application deadline is September 25.