‘HANDING OVER THE BATON’ – press release from Cayman National Choir & Orchestra

Jonathan Taylor, musical director of the Cayman National Orchestra will be leaving Cayman to return to the UK. During the five years under his baton the orchestra has expanded its membership, added a strong percussion section, brought in talented young players and excited concert audiences with the quality of the music. The symphony orchestra can now claim to be a leader in its field in the Caribbean. He will be handing over the baton in July and the search for his replacement has begun. The new musical director will be expected to continue this growth and consolidate the orchestra’s importance as a cornerstone of the developing music and cultural scene in the Cayman Islands.

Sue Horrocks, founder of the Cayman National Choir in 2002, who handed the baton to Jonathan Taylor in 2017 said, “Jon’s musical talents, enthusiasm, energy and ability to communicate with his fellow musicians, led me to ask him to take up the mantle. I am so happy he did. He has led the orchestra to new heights and entertained audiences who will remember his Mancunian ‘chats’ and love for the music of John Williams.”

Sarah Newman, the leader of the orchestra said, “Jon has helped the orchestra gain a professional sound through his rigorous rehearsal skills and contagious energy. He has always been encouraging, giving me and other orchestra members and local students, the opportunity to perform solos and compositions. Jon will be significantly missed as an ambassador of music within the community.”

Now the attention turns to the search for a new orchestra musical director. “We are not looking for someone to fill Jon’s boots,” said Sue Horrocks, “that would be an unfair request indeed. We are looking for someone to bring their own personality and energies to our organization to help take us to the next phase in our musical journey.”

Dawn Eaton, Chair of the Cayman National Choir and Orchestra said, “While Jon will be greatly missed, we are eager to welcome a new musical director who can continue to build on the orchestra’s success and ensure an exciting future for our members and our community.”

The Cayman National Orchestra Musical Director is a voluntary position commencing in September 2022 with a handover/trial starting by arrangement in April. Applicants should be able to demonstrate that they are organized leaders with experience in commanding small, and large ensembles. Responsibilities will include, managing a minimum of three annual concerts, awareness of suitable orchestra repertoires, selection and sourcing of attainable yet challenging music, conducting weekly rehearsals, working with the Cayman National Choir in joint performances and collaborating with other organisations. The musical director will report to the Executive Committee of the Cayman National Choir and Orchestra.

In the first instance a written application with CV should be sent to: [email protected]

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Cayman National Choir and Orchestra.com“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything” – Plato