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Opera Conductor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Washnatopera

... for the Washington National Opera Orchestra (WNO) and is responsible for the day-to-day ... Partner with conductors, librarians, production staff, and artistic leadership to ensure all ...

The Walsh Group

Dump Truck Driver

Miami, FL

$19.25 - $24.75/hr

El Conductor de Camion Volquete conducira un camion volquete con una capacidad de al menos tres ... Opera camiones pesados para mover y / o transportar materiales segun lo requiera el sitio de ...

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Opera Conductor information

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How much do opera conductor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for opera conductor in the United States is $24.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.63 and $28.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an opera conductor?

An opera conductor is a musical professional responsible for directing the performance of an opera. They lead the orchestra, singers, and sometimes the chorus to ensure all musical elements are synchronized and follow the composer’s intentions. The conductor interprets the opera’s score, sets tempos, cues performers, and makes artistic decisions to bring the production to life. Their leadership is essential for coordinating the complex collaboration between the pit and the stage.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an opera conductor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Opera Conductor, you need exceptional musical knowledge, advanced conducting technique, and a deep understanding of operatic repertoire, typically supported by formal music education and experience. Familiarity with score-reading software, rehearsal management tools, and occasionally language proficiency or certifications in music direction are important. Strong leadership, communication, and collaborative skills help in guiding performers and coordinating with artistic and technical teams. These abilities ensure cohesive performances, effective rehearsals, and the realization of the artistic vision across complex productions.

What are some common challenges an opera conductor faces during rehearsals and live performances?

Opera Conductors often navigate the complex task of coordinating large orchestras, soloists, and choruses, all while staying attuned to the dramatic pacing of the opera. Rehearsals can present challenges such as balancing musical precision with the unique staging requirements of each production and addressing the varied experience levels among musicians and singers. In live performances, conductors must remain adaptable to unexpected changes, such as last-minute cast substitutions or technical issues, ensuring the musical and theatrical elements remain synchronized. Building strong communication with directors, performers, and technical staff is key to overcoming these challenges and delivering a cohesive performance.

What are popular job titles related to Opera Conductor jobs?

For Opera Conductor jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Opera Conductor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,682 per year, or $24.4 per hour.

Manager of Orchestra Operations & Personnel

Washington, DC • On-site

Washington National Opera
See more jobs at Washington National Operaexternal

$70K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Oversee orchestra personnel management, including hiring, contracting, scheduling, and maintaining personnel records.

  • Administer and interpret the AFM Collective Bargaining Agreement and serve as the primary management liaison to the Orchestra Committee and AFM Local 161-710.

  • Develop and manage orchestra budgets, monitor labor expenses, and collaborate on financial planning and reporting.

Job description

The Manager of Orchestra Operations & Personnel serves as the primary management representative for the Washington National Opera Orchestra (WNO) and is responsible for the day-to-day administration of orchestra operations and personnel. As the department's lead orchestra administrator, the Manager oversees orchestra personnel management, administration of the American Federation of Musicians (AFM) Collective Bargaining Agreement, orchestra scheduling, musician contracting, payroll administration, budgeting, media services, and serves as management liaison to the Orchestra Committee and AFM Local 161-710.
As a member of the Artistic Planning & Operations department, the Manager collaborates closely with Artistic, Music, Production, Finance, Human Resources, Legal, Artist Services, Development, Marketing, and visiting artistic personnel to ensure the successful planning and execution of WNO productions and special events.
The position also supports broader departmental initiatives and may assume selected artistic operations responsibilities and special projects over time, with responsibilities evolving based on departmental priorities and the successful candidate's experience, interests, and demonstrated performance.
Orchestra Operations & Personnel
  • Administer and interpret the AFM Collective Bargaining Agreement.
  • Serve as primary management liaison to the Orchestra Committee and AFM Local 161-710.
  • Foster productive labor-management relationships and resolve contractual and personnel issues.
  • Manage musician hiring, contracting, tenure processes, leaves of absence, vacancies, substitute musicians, and roster maintenance.
  • Coordinate auditions in collaboration with the Music Director and artistic leadership.
  • Develop and administer orchestra schedules and musician assignments.
  • Resolve personnel matters and facilitate communication between musicians and management.
  • Maintain orchestra personnel records and contractual documentation.
  • Partner with Human Resources and Finance regarding payroll, contracts, and employment matters affecting musicians.
  • Support collective bargaining preparation and implementation.
  • Administer media services, recordings, broadcasts, and electronic media work in accordance with applicable AFM agreements.
  • Partner with conductors, librarians, production staff, and artistic leadership to ensure all orchestra needs are met.
  • Serve as orchestra management representative during rehearsals and performances.

Departmental Operations & Special Projects
  • Support Artistic Planning & Operations initiatives and departmental projects as assigned.
  • Coordinate cross-departmental operational initiatives and special projects.
  • Assist with artist contracting, production logistics, and operational planning, as assigned.
  • Collaborate with members of the Artistic Planning & Operations team to improve departmental systems, workflows, templates, and documentation.
  • Assume additional artistic operations responsibilities over time, consistent with departmental priorities and demonstrated experience.

Budgeting & Financial Administration
  • Develop and manage orchestra operating budgets.
  • Monitor orchestra labor expenses and forecast contractual obligations.
  • Collaborate with Finance on annual budget development and forecasting.
  • Review payroll, invoices, contractual obligations, and financial reporting.
  • Assist with departmental budget administration and financial planning as assigned.

Organizational Collaboration
  • Represent WNO in interactions with orchestra musicians, conductors, guest artists, artistic partners, and visiting companies.
  • Participate in season planning and production meetings.
  • Coordinate with Production, Finance, Human Resources, Legal, Development, Marketing, Community Engagement, and Education to support organizational objectives.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Music, Arts Administration, Performing Arts Management, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
  • Five to seven years of progressively responsible experience in orchestra management, orchestra operations, or performing arts administration.
  • Demonstrated experience administering AFM collective bargaining agreements.
  • Experience managing orchestra payroll, contracts, and budgets.
  • Experience working collaboratively across multiple departments in a performing arts organization.
  • Supervisory experience preferred.

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