Sub Organist

sub organist

Guildford Cathedral invites applications for the post of Sub Organist. This position, available from Easter 2023 will be full time, encompassing organ playing, choral directing and administrative roles. Worship and mission are the Cathedral’s key priorities. The Chapter is therefore highly supportive of the Cathedral Choir, and of other music within the Cathedral, which they see as integral to their aims. They are committed to the maintenance of a high standard of music. The Chapter also recognises that projects such as concerts, tours, broadcasts and recordings are important for the professional development of the Cathedral Choir, and are opportunities to make a wider public aware of the Cathedral’s work and witness. The post of Sub Organist allows a professional cathedral musician to develop their skills in a supportive environment. They can expect to make a significant contribution to the ongoing development of music at Guildford Cathedral. The Chapter is looking for a musician capable of accepting responsibilities and embracing opportunities, who will contribute significantly to the life, worship, ministry and outreach of the Cathedral.

Job Title: Sub Organist

Accountable to: The Canon Liturgist, through the Organist and Master of the Choristers, who is the Line Manager.

Hours and salary: Please see the full details for a breakdown of hours to be worked and remuneration.

Full details of the vacancy can be seen via the Sub Organist job description.

Download an Application Form

If you have any further questions about this post or would like an informal conversation with Katherine Dienes-Williams, the Organist and Master of Choristers, please contact Mrs Carolyn Howard-Jones, Liturgy and Music Department Administrator, on 01483 547868 or via e-mail at: liturgymusic@guildford-cathedral.org, or the Canon Liturgist, Rev Canon Rachel Young rachel.young@guildford-cathedral.org 

Closing Date for receipt of applications is 5.00pm on Wednesday 18 January.

All applications will be acknowledged. Shortlisted candidates will be notified as soon as possible after that date.

Auditions and interviews dates will be held on Monday 23 and Tuesday 24 January.

APPLICATION PROCESS FOR This VACANCy

Applications should be sent either via e-mail to the Canon Liturgist or by post to: The Rev Canon Rachel Young, Guildford Cathedral Office, Stag Hill, Guildford GU2 7UP. 

Please complete the Application Form and the Confidential Declaration Form, and send together with your curriculum vitae and a covering letter setting out how you meet the requirements of the role. Of your three referees at least one should be working in the field of church music, and one should be a priest with whom you are working or have recently worked. In each case please state your connection with the referee. We may wish to contact your referees as part of the short-listing process.

Applicants are also asked to send details of three recent organ recital programmes they have played.

In addition to a formal interview, short-listed candidates will be asked to accompany and conduct the Cathedral choir, perform two solo organ pieces on the Cathedral organ, demonstrate their sight-reading, transposition and improvisatory skills at the organ, and rehearse with the boy and girl choristers. There will be opportunities to meet members of the Cathedral staff and community, and to visit RGS Prep, the Choir school.

The closing date for applications is Wednesday 18 January 2023. Short-listed candidates will be notified by Friday 20 January 2023