Director - St Andrews Renaissance Singers

Following a busy year of concerts and workshops to mark its 70th anniversary, led by Jill Craig who has directed the choir with great success since 2018, St Andrews Renaissance Singers (StARS) is looking for a new director to lead and shape the choir as it continues in its eighth decade.  StARS is an auditioned, town-gown choir of around 30 singers that sings European Renaissance music and some music from other periods and regions. Recent repertoire has included works by Palestrina, Janequin, Byrd, Tallis and Carver.  All choir members join the University Music Centre, which provides administrative support for the choir and holds our extensive music library.  Further support is provided by our two choral scholars.  

https://standrewsrenaissancesingers.wp.st-andrews.ac.uk/

The post:

The new director will lead weekly rehearsals in St Salvator’s Chapel (Tuesdays 5.30pm-7pm, September to April inclusive) and direct at least one concert and at least one evensong or other service each semester. These typically include the annual alumni advent service and the annual medical memorial service. The director will work in consultation with the StARS committee. 

Relevant experience:

Choral conducting experience and knowledge of the Renaissance repertoire and singing technique are essential.  In particular, we are looking for someone who has the ability to bring out the best in a diverse group of singers and who will enable that group to produce a well-blended sound.

Interview:

Auditions and interviews will take place in the late afternoon and evening on Thursday 25 June 2026. The expectation is that the new director will take up the position ready for the start of the autumn semester. In early September, the StARS director attends the Freshers’ Fair and Music Fair and conducts annual auditions for new singers and choral scholars. 

Further particulars:

Remuneration is currently £44 per hour, with some additional paid time for administration, some of which will fall outside the September to April period. An additional fee of £100 is paid for each concert. Travel time is not paid, but reasonable travel expenses (within a radius of up to 50 miles) may also be covered for anyone not already affiliated with the university.  

To apply, please send a cover letter and CV to Michael Downes at directorofmusic@st-andrews.ac.uk by 12 noon on Monday 1 June 2026.  Please use the same email address for any questions.