The Church of St. Barnabas, A. & M. (Anglican), in downtown Ottawa, is an Anglo-Catholic parish seeking a part-time (18 hours per week) Organist and Choirmaster to replace the current incumbent of 37 years, who is retiring on January 1, 2025. Music is central to the life of the congregation, and the successful candidate will continue to build on the excellent choral tradition for which the parish is known. The ideal candidate will be an experienced organist with a strong background in directing choral singing, and the personal skills required to manage a choir of high-calibre singers.
Further information about St. Barnabas Church, including organ specifications and details of the choir and its repertoire, can be found at www.stbarnabasottawa.com .
Duties:
- playing the organ and conducting the choir at Solemn High Mass on Sundays, at Solemn Evensong (monthly except summer), and the liturgies of Holy Week (including Tenebrae)
- recruiting and training the award-winning choir and conducting weekly choir rehearsals
- selecting and preparing organ and choral music for services
- the Parish is considering some sort of liturgical/musical program for children as a possible future direction, possibly in collaboration with the Sunday School, and would welcome candidates with an interest in this area.
The Choir:
- an SATB ensemble, composed of approximately 15 skilled volunteer singers chosen by auditions. The choir placed first in the liturgical choir category of the ACCC/CBC Radio Canada Choral Competition in 2010) and has produced several CDs (such as “Exsultate Deo”, 2012). Recordings are posted on the Parish web site (www.stbarnabasottawa.com ).
- there is a Choral Scholarship programme supported by a Special Music Fund which assists 3-4 choral scholars annually with their music education.
Resources:
- excellent Casavant organ (2 manuals, 29 stops) in the rear gallery (from which the choir sings), suitable for a wide range of solo repertoire and accompaniments
- excellent Yamaha rehearsal piano
- an extensive choral library with 22 copies of all pieces
- a renovated Music Office near the organ
- a wonderful acoustic to the church, which greatly enhances musical sound
- strong congregational support for good music
Requirements:
- minimum a B.Mus., and/or an FRCCO diploma; remuneration will be commensurate with qualifications and experience according to RCCO Guidelines
- experience in directing a choir with a high level of performance
- familiarity with Anglo-Catholic liturgy is a definite asset, as is some knowledge of plainchant
Personal Qualifications:
- the candidate must work in a collaborative and supportive manner, with excellent interpersonal skills
- must be interested in continued professional growth
Application Process:
Applications, including a curriculum vitae and the names and contact information of at least two references, should be sent to organist.search@stbarnabasottawa.com . Applications may also be sent by post to: Organist Search Committee, St. Barnabas Anglican Church, 70 James Street, Ottawa, ON, K1R 5M3, but the search committee would prefer e-mail. Initial applications should not include recordings; short-listed candidates will be provided with the opportunity to furnish recordings if required. The preferred starting date is January 1, 2025, but this is negotiable. Applications will be received until the position is filled, but the selection committee will begin reviewing applications in mid-October.
Inquiries can be made to the e-mail address above.
