The Ripieno Choir is a well-regarded, auditioned chamber choir of around 30 experienced and responsive amateur musicians, rehearsing on Sunday evenings near Esher.

We have a particular, though not exclusive, fondness for exploring newly discovered or little-known works from the Baroque and Renaissance periods although at times include repertoire from more recent periods as appropriate. Throughout its 80 year history the choir has consistently worked to improve its expertise, range and musical ambition; in consequence we have grown a loyal and enthusiastic audience whose support enables us to interleave our a cappella concerts with performances accompanied by professional soloists and period orchestras.  Every few years we enjoy mini-tours in the UK or abroad to enjoy singing in the fabulous venues and acoustics for which our core repertoire was crafted.

We are seeking a new musical director from May 2027 to build on this base and further develop the choir’s vocal technique, musicianship, and repertoire. You will be an enthusiastic singer with experience conducting a small choir to a high standard, sound knowledge of, and pleasure in, the Renaissance and Baroque repertoire, and a willingness to explore outside of it.  You will have experience selecting and conducting professional orchestras and soloists, and be able to provide occasional keyboard support during rehearsals where necessary to supplement the choir’s reasonable sight-singing competence.  You will be committed to the choir’s sustainability and financial success, proposing attractive programmes for our three or four performances a year and contributing to our production cycle of publicity materials, social media and programme notes. Most importantly, you will understand how to engage with an amateur choir to promote their enjoyment of rehearsals and pleasure in performance.

Rehearsals are held off Hampton Court Way on Sunday evenings (19h45-21h45) during term time, with approximately 10 rehearsals per term.  For more information on the choir, including the job specification and how to apply, please contact Lisa on 07806 528894 or email applications@ripienochoir.org.uk