Conductor vacancy

WANTED: CONDUCTOR FOR THE LEUVEN UNIVERSITY CHOIR (LUK) – starting from the 2025-2026 academic year

Are you an inspiring conductor with a passion for choral music? Do you want to lead a group of 70 enthusiastic young singers and work together each semester to deliver an impressive concert? Then this position is for you!

WHO ARE WE?

The Leuven University Choir (LUK) is the oldest student choir in Leuven. We perform a diverse and challenging repertoire at our own concerts, academic ceremonies, and special events. In addition, we organize an annual choir trip and rehearsal weekends. LUK represents musicality, friendship, and a strong choir community.

WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

We are looking for a new conductor to take over from Kevin Hendrickx starting from the 2025-2026 academic year.

You are someone who:

  • Holds a master’s degree in choral conducting, is in training for one, or has equivalent experience
  • Experienced in conducting (amateur) choirs and familiar with student ensembles
  • Creates innovative and inspiring programs
  • Strong pedagogical and vocal coaching skills
  • Flexible and enthusiastic about additional performances
  • Communicative, social, and collaborates well with the board
  • You support KU Leuven’s cultural policy, which actively promotes cultural participation. As a member of LUK, you and your fellow singers contribute to the choir’s role as a cultural ambassador for the university.
  • You have a basic knowledge of English, which is essential for collaborating with international students within LUK.

WHAT DO WE EXPECT?

Weekly rehearsals & concerts

  • Rehearsals: Every Thursday from 19:45 to 22:30 (September – May);
  • At the end of each semester, one or two major concerts plus an optional external concert;
  • Three rehearsal weekends per year (two per semester + preparation for the academic year opening);
  • One concert during the annual choir trip.

Additional musical activities with KU Leuven

LUK is affiliated with KU Leuven and provides musical accompaniment for academic ceremonies. You will prepare the program and coordinate with the organist, while the board handles logistics. This includes:

  • Official opening of the academic year
  • Patron Saint’s Day of KU Leuven
  • Memorial mass for deceased students (every two years)
  • Vesalius Ceremony (early May)

Other musical responsibilities

  • Auditions for new members (weeks 2 & 3 of the academic year, potentially also in the second semester);
  • Additional rehearsals if needed;
  • Optional performances or participation in extra events;
  • Annual choir trip (11 days in summer, usually in July).

WHAT DO WE OFFER?

  • A student choir full of enthusiasm and musical talent;
  • Artistic freedom within a diverse and challenging repertoire;
  • The opportunity to lead and inspire a close-knit choir community;
  • Compensation in accordance with KU Leuven’s conductor agreement framework.

HOW TO APPLY?

Are you the conductor we are looking for? Send your motivation letter, CV, and the following assignments to bestuur@leuvensuniversitairkoor.be:

  1. Two concert programs: One fully a cappella (without budget) and one with complete freedom (within a feasible budget). Both programs should include a repertoire list and a brief description.
  2. A short video (max. 1 minute) explaining your vision for a student choir.

SELECTION PROCESS

  • Application deadline: April 20, 2025
  • Interviews with the board: By appointment on May 5 or 6, 2025
  • Trial rehearsal with the choir: May 20, 2025 (evening)

We look forward to your application and are excited to hear your musical vision!