The Richmond Symphony Orchestra: Who We Are
The Richmond Symphony Orchestra (RSO) is in its 70th season and under the leadership of its
fourth Music Director, Maestro Andres Lopera. Executive Director, Monica Koechlein, has been
with the Symphony for 13 years. In the past three seasons, the RSO has set new standards of musical excellence and is attracting its largest audiences in history.
The RSO is a professional orchestra drawing musicians from the tri-state area as well as accomplished students from the University of Cincinnati-College Conservatory of Music and
Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. The RSO annually issues 70 contracts to its musicians.
Subscription Concert Programming
Season programming includes a seven-concert subscription series with five Classical concerts and two family concerts. Performances are held one time with Classical concerts traditionally on Saturday evenings at 7:30 pm and Family concerts on Sunday afternoons at 3:00 pm.
Educational Programming
Youth programming is a priority to the RSO. Currently, the RSO holds one education concert annually for third and fourth graders in which instrument introduction is a priority. Musicians are also contracted to visit schools and offer master classes a handful of times throughout the school year.
Outreach Programming
Our Summer Series supports five events throughout the summer with ensemble performances. Five additional community appearances throughout the year are requested and approved, again with ensemble performances. The RSO’s Signature Event has become one of the most highly anticipated fundraisers of the year in Richmond with a full orchestra performance. That event is held in April.
Manager of Operations and Personnel
The Manager of Operations and Personnel is an independent contractor. The Manager oversees all logistical, administrative, and personnel functions of the orchestra. This role ensures the smooth execution of rehearsals, concerts, and special events while managing musician engagement, contracts, and day-to-day operational needs.
1. Orchestra Operations
– Plan and execute all rehearsal and performance logistics
– Coordinate venue scheduling, setup, and technical requirements
– Serve as primary liaison with concert venues ad production staff
– Develop and distribute detailed production schedules
– Manage stage setup; equipment needs ad runoff show coordination
– Oversee concert day operations and serve as on-site manage
2. Personnel Management
– Coordinate hiring and contracting of musicians in collaboration with the Music Director.
– Maintain and update musician roster and contact database
– Manage Production Staff
– Issue service contracts and track attendance
– Manage substitutes and extras as needed
– Serve as primary point of contact for all orchestra personnel
– Address and resolve personnel issues professionally and confidentially
3. Payroll & Financial Coordination
– Track Musician services and prepare payroll
– Coordinate with finance staff or payroll provider
– Ensure compliance with agreed rates
– Assist in budget tracking for artistic and production expenses
4. Artistic Coordination
– Collaborate with Music Director on season planning and repertoire needs
– Coordinate guest artists, conducting and soloist’s logistics
– Arrange lodging and hospitality for guest artist
5. Production & Technical Oversite
– Supervise stage crew, librarian, and technical personnel
– Ensure proper instrumentation, equipment and staging requirements
– Manage instrument rentals, transport and storage
– Oversee compliance with safety and venue regulations
6. Administrative Duties
– Maintain accurate records of services, contracts and operations.
– Assist with internal communication across departments
– Develop and refine operational procedures and best practices
7. Audience and Community Interface (as needed)
– Support front of house of house coordination when needed
– Assist with special events, outreach concerts or educational programs
– Represent the Organization professionally in public settings
Qualifications
– Experience in orchestra management, arts administration or related field
– Strong organizational and multitasking skills
– Excellent communications and interpersonal skills
– Familiarity with orchestral operations and musicians needs.
– Ability to work weekends as required
– Efficiency in scheduling, spreadsheets and database systems
Preferred Qualifications
– Background in music performance or conductions
– Experience with union orchestras (e.g., AFM)
– Knowledge of orchestral repertoire and instrumentation
– Experience managing payroll or contractor payments
Key Competencies
– Attention to detail
– Problem solving under pressure
– Leadership diplomacy
– Time Management
– Discretion and professionalism
Candidate Profile
Although not required, the ideal candidate for this position will have a post secondary degree in music performance and experience in arts administration or a similar field. The candidate will ensure the terms of the musician contracts are upheld and sensitive information is handled with discretion and professionalism. The candidate will likely be met with times when competing demands must be prioritized and sound decisions must be made under pressure. The candidate must arrive at each rehearsal and performance one hour ahead of time to ensure the stage is ready and will remain after rehearsals and performances for any musician questions. The candidate will be available for the set up of some of the community events. Attendance at these events will be agreed upon with the executive director. Above all, the candidate will prioritize the people-first culture set by the organization.
Compensation
Compensation, including travel and lodging, is competitive with orchestras of our size in the
$25,000 range, commensurate with experience, qualifications, and engagement with the
community and organization. Mileage and lodging will be provided.
Application Information
Application must include: a personal letter of interest from the candidate and a resume.
No phone inquiries, please.
The Richmond Symphony Orchestra is an equal opportunity employer.
Direct any questions (do no send applications) by email to RSO@RichmondSymphony.org
Please submit applications by August 7, 2026 at 4:00pm
Upon submission, you will be sent an email confirming your application was received.
RSO will only contact you beyond the confirmation email if an interview is requested,
likely no later than August 31, 2026.
Symphony Musician Openings
Thank you for your interest in being a part of Richmond Symphony Orchestra. For 70 years, RSO has been providing musical excellence in East Central Indiana! We pride ourselves not only as an artistic staple in Wayne County, but also a beloved regional orchestra. We hope to have you join us on stage for our 2026-2027 concert season and trust that you will find RSO is a special place to be! At the moment, our only musician opening is for substitute musician positions.
Symphony Substitute Musician
Richmond Symphony Orchestra accepts submissions for its substitute musicians list year-round.
To apply, please follow the link for details and requirements.