Updates

soundfestival is an innovative festival of new music. From contemporary classical to electro-acoustic, improvised, experimental and jazz music, the festival brings together a wide range of musical styles in a variety of concerts, workshops, installations and talks across Aberdeen City and Shire. soundfestival encourages audiences to discover new sounds and expect the unexpected. This year the festival runs from 22nd October - 2nd November.

VOLUNTEERING AT soundfestival

As a soundfestival volunteer you can expect to get a firsthand insight on what it takes to run a festival. The experience is varied and exciting. You will meet new people, work in interesting venues and hear some fascinating music. We encourage people from all backgrounds to join us. The only requirements are to be enthusiastic, reliable and committed to making soundfestival even better.

As the festival takes place over many days, there is flexibility when it comes to shifts. All volunteers, when they’re off duty, can go and see any of the festival events for free, if the event isn’t sold out.

Volunteers receive an induction session and relevant training. Support and guidance will be available throughout the volunteering period. We will do everything to ensure your volunteering experience is positive, enriching and enjoyable. As soundfestival volunteers your contribution to soundfestival is highly valued.

Find out more & apply here: https://sound-scotland.co.uk/news/call-for-volunteers-soundfestival-2025 

You can read more about the full festival programme here: https://sound-scotland.co.uk/news/welcome-to-soundfestival-2025 

Aberdeenshire Saxophone Orchestra has a vacancy for an inspirational Musical Director from early 2026. Closing date for applications 17th October 2025.

Applications are invited from anyone willing to travel to Aberdeen/Inverurie for our ‘all day’ rehearsals which are held on one Sunday per month. 

It is expected that applicants will be saxophone players with experience in conducting and working with amateur musicians, although experienced wind players and conductors will also be considered. 

Find out more: https://www.aberdeenshiresaxorchestra.co.uk/post/seeking-new-music-director

Location: Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire
Application Deadline: Friday 19th September
Start Date: January 2026 

The Stonehaven Chorus is seeking an enthusiastic and inspiring Musical Director / Conductor to lead our vibrant and friendly community choir into its next exciting chapter. 

We are a well-established, mixed-voice choral society of 50-60 members, based in the beautiful coastal town of Stonehaven. Our repertoire spans a wide range of classical and contemporary choral works, and we typically present two major concerts each year, as well as smaller performances and community events. 

The Role 

We are looking for a passionate and skilled musician who can: 

• Lead weekly rehearsals (currently Monday evenings) during term time
• Prepare and conduct concerts with professionalism and creativity
• Work collaboratively with our accompanist and committee
• Inspire singers of all abilities to develop musically and enjoy the choral experience
• Contribute to the musical planning and repertoire selection We Offer
• A committed and welcoming choir with a strong sense of community
• A supportive and proactive committee
• A competitive fee per rehearsal and concert (negotiable based on experience) About You 

You will ideally have: 

• Experience directing choirs or vocal ensembles
• A solid understanding of choral technique and voice development
• Excellent communication and organisational skills
• A warm and engaging personality that brings out the best in singers
• A vision for developing and sustaining the musical life of the chorus 

How to Apply 

To apply, please send: 

• A cover letter outlining your experience and musical approach
• A CV detailing relevant qualifications and conducting experience
• (Optional) Links to recent performances or rehearsals if available 

Email your application to: secretary@stonehavenchorus.co.uk 

Deadline: Friday 19th September 

Interviews and auditions will be held in October 

For more information about the Stonehaven Chorus, please visit: www.stonehavenchorus.co.uk

Vocal Moves is a community choir that meets on Tuesdays, 1-3pm, in the hall at Fountainhall at the Stocket (formerly Midstocket Church). The choir is open to anyone over 50 with no audition and no requirement to be able to read music. We currently have a membership of 64 people and a waiting list of others who'd like to join. We have two main concerts a year - one at the end of June and the other at Christmas - and the occasional invite to perform elsewhere in between. We have a mixed repertoire, ranging from traditional Scottish songs and songs from musicals through to Abba, Westlife and Andrew Lloyd Weber. We sing a mixture of songs in two or three part harmony and those in unison.

The choir is run by a musical director, assisted by an accompanist, both of whom receive remuneration for their time. (Currently £25/hour.) Our accompanist is the extremely talented Eileen Pike but we are seeking a new musical director as our current director, Euan Wilson, is moving on to concentrate on his musical studies elsewhere.

If anyone is interested in this post, we'd love to hear from them. We can be contacted through this email address: vocalmovesaberdeen@gmail.com

---------------
Sent by: Aenea Reid
(on behalf of Vocal Moves Committee)

Haddo House Choral & Operatic Society (HHCOS), a long established choir in the North East of Scotland, is requiring the services of a new Musical Director. We are a non-auditioned choir of approximately 60 members of mixed ability that typically produces two concerts a year, with either piano/organ accompaniment or full orchestra, along with a number of carol concerts, all to very high performance standards. We have also produced many operas in the past. We rehearse once a week during term time in our purpose built rehearsal space at Haddo House Peatyards in Aberdeenshire. 

We are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Musical Director with a passion for choral work and opera, who has the drive to continue to take our musical programmes forward with an ever-respectful eye to the strong traditions HHCOS has built up over the years. The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to uphold high musical standards and curate engaging, imaginative concert programmes and events that attract new audiences and help grow our membership.

They should be skilled in guiding singers in vocal technique and musical interpretation, able to challenge and inspire experienced singers while also supporting and encouraging less experienced members. Applications should be submitted electronically to our Secretary, Sue Willing, at secretary@hhcos.org.uk. The closing date for applications is Sunday 28th September. Selected applicants will be offered an interview to be held at Haddo during the following 2 weeks.

For more information visit our website www.hhcos.org.uk