WORK WITH US
We are looking for a violinist and a cellist to join the NZSQ in 2025. These roles present a unique opportunity for two musicians to help shape the future of classical music in Aotearoa, by working across performance, teaching and community engagement. Both roles are 0.75FTE, offering stability within one of Aotearoa New Zealand's leading chamber music organisations, while allowing flexibility to pursue other artistic endeavours.
Application deadline: Sunday 5 January 2025
ABOUT THE NZSQ TRUST
Founded in 1987, the New Zealand String Quartet – Te Rōpu Tūrū O Aotearoa - exists to provide transformational chamber music experiences for all New Zealanders. Over the past 37 years the Quartet has established an international reputation for its insightful interpretations, compelling communication, and dynamic performing style.
The NZSQ embraces the fresh and familiar to provide high-quality musical experiences for all New Zealanders. The Quartet’s rich repertoire includes a wide variety of New Zealand music, composers’ cycles from Beethoven to Bartók, Mozart to Berg, and theatrical presentations encompassing spoken word and dance, from Haydn’s Seven Last Words to Schoenberg’s Transfigured Night. The NZSQ proudly champions New Zealand and Māori music and artists as cultural ambassadors at home and abroad. Since its inception, the Quartet has commissioned over 150 New Zealand works.
The NZSQ takes a leadership and advocacy role in advancing music education. Devoted teachers and mentors, the Quartet members enjoy a close association with the New Zealand School of Music – Te Kōkī where the NZSQ has been Quartet-in-Residence since 1991. Each February, the NZSQ runs the annual Adam Summer School for Chamber Music in Nelson, which has an impressive alumni list of over 420 musicians. The NZSQ also runs the NZSM Chamber Music Intensive Weekend in Wellington for up-and-coming chamber musicians, and regularly mentors students from Sistema programmes across the country.
Our Vision:
To reimagine what a string quartet can be for all New Zealanders in the 21st century.
Our Mission:
To provide transformational chamber music experiences that reflect Aotearoa New Zealand's unique diversity and cultural fabric to the world.
Through a world-class national string quartet, we:
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Provide dynamic and high-quality musical experiences for all New Zealanders, that embrace the fresh and familiar;
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Take a leadership and advocacy role in advancing music education;
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Champion New Zealand arts and Ngā Toi Māori as cultural ambassadors at home and abroad.
Our Values:
Excellence:
We continuously strive for excellence in all that we do, and imbue this within all aspects of our on and off stage mahi.
Diversity:
We embrace and reflect the increasing diversity of Aotearoa New Zealand and the value this brings to our mahi.
Innovation:
Is part of our DNA. We actively seek new ways to engage with our partners, audiences and communities, embracing new ideas and initiatives.
Collaboration:
We foster a collaborative spirit within our organisation and develop wider partnerships with other artists, educators and communities.
Identity:
We are champions of Aotearoa New Zealand music and advocates for the universal power of classical music, bringing a distinctive New Zealand voice to our performances at home and abroad.
360˚ Learning:
We apply the principles of Ako (we are all teachers and learners) to all that we do, acknowledging this achieves better outcomes for all.
POSITION DESCRIPTIONS
Violinist
Position Title:
Violinist
Reports to:
NZSQ General Manager / Kaiwhakahaere Matua
Location:
Wellington, New Zealand (travel required)
Date:
November 2024
This is a part-time (0.75FTE) permanent position with a potential start date of July 2025.
About the role
This is a permanent, salaried position (0.75 FTE), well-supported with a full-time General Manager, a Development & Operations Officer, Marketing & Engagement Advisor, and an active Board of Trustees. The role is based in Wellington, New Zealand, however the NZSQ is a touring organisation, so national and international travel will be required.
The NZSQ Trust supports and promotes its musicians’ other artistic endeavours and applies a flexible and collaborative approach to scheduling.
Applicants must be able to demonstrate commitment to artistic excellence, in both professional and community settings. Experience in teaching is desirable due to the NZSQ’s continued association with the New Zealand School of Music – Te Kōkī. Priority will be given to applicants with New Zealand or Australian citizenship or residency status, or those with existing work eligibility for New Zealand.
Key Accountabilities
The violin position is accountable for delivering in the following areas:
Performance:
The Quartet regularly performs throughout New Zealand and abroad. The performance element of this role includes:
-
Undertaking a regional touring programme throughout Aotearoa
-
Collaborating regularly with other artists and genres
-
Taking an active role in providing spoken introductions as part of performances
Representation:
The Quartet undertakes a representative role for the NZSQ within Aotearoa New Zealand and when touring internationally. The successful candidate will:
-
Represent the NZSQ at home and overseas, acting as an ambassador for New Zealand culture abroad
-
Attend media, sponsorship, and social functions representing the NZSQ
-
Provide visual and written content for social media channels
Teaching & Education:
The NZSQ is Quartet-in-Residence at the New Zealand School of Music-Te Kōkī (NZSM) at Victoria University of Wellington. The successful candidate will therefore be closely associated with the NZSM, and will undertake:
-
Teaching of individual students, as required
-
Chamber music coaching
-
Student assessment, as required
-
University performances
Key skills and competencies
In delivering the above accountabilities, the competencies below will be demonstrated:
Execution:
Performance
Is a highly communicative player with extensive chamber music experience; interested and proficient in repertoire of all periods, including contemporary music and is open to diverse and innovative collaborations.
Planning & Organising
Plans and organises activities and projects to make best use of time and resources.
Relationships:
Coaching and Developing Others
Inspires, motivates and builds the skills of others. Coaches and gives feedback, guidance and support to enable individuals to reach their full potential. Creates an environment conducive to learning.
Communication
Expresses and conveys information effectively to other people. This includes presentations and listening. This covers formal and informal situations.
Stakeholder Engagement
Identifies, develops and maintains productive, collaborative and outcome-oriented relationships with NZ School of Music, sponsors and donors; promoters and other key stakeholders.
Teamwork
Works well as part of a small team, collaborates, checks in with others and facilitates productive relationships amongst others.
Personal Attributes:
Adaptability
Displays energy, optimism and resilience; ensures effective performance when faced with ambiguity, changing environments and demands.
Health and Safety Awareness
Promotes a culture where health and safety are seen as integral to success. Is aware of and takes into account conditions that affect own and others’ health and safety.
Innovation
Looks for opportunities to improve personal and the organisation’s performance; develops, and actively encourages others, to develop creative and practical ideas; contributes to an environment where creativity and innovation can flourish.
Integrity
Acts in a manner that conveys the principles important to the NZ String Quartet, including honesty, openness, and respect for others; demonstrates high standards of ethical behaviour.
Self-Awareness
Recognises one’s emotions and feelings and their effects; recognises the impact of own behaviour on others; acts professionally at all times.
Work Standards
Sets high personal and professional standards; consistently gives careful attention to all the detailed aspects of the role; shows a high concern for quality.
Professional & Technical Knowledge:
Exemplary performer.
Willingness to learn about Te Ao Māori and tikanga Māori how this applies to the work of the NZ String Quartet.
Understands and keeps up to date with the arts sector, the nuances of the sector and recognises opportunities within the sector for the Quartet.
Cellist
Position Title:
Cellist
Reports to:
NZSQ General Manager / Kaiwhakahaere Matua
Location:
Wellington, New Zealand (travel required)
Date:
November 2024
This is a part-time (0.75FTE) permanent position with a potential start date of July 2025.
About the role
This is a permanent, salaried position (0.75 FTE), well-supported with a full-time General Manager, a Development & Operations Officer, Marketing & Engagement Advisor, and an active Board of Trustees. The role is based in Wellington, New Zealand, however the NZSQ is a touring organisation, so national and international travel will be required.
The NZSQ Trust supports and promotes its musicians’ other artistic endeavours and applies a flexible and collaborative approach to scheduling.
Applicants must be able to demonstrate commitment to artistic excellence, in both professional and community settings. Experience in teaching is desirable due to the NZSQ’s continued association with the New Zealand School of Music – Te Kōkī. Priority will be given to applicants with New Zealand or Australian citizenship or residency status, or those with existing work eligibility for New Zealand.
Key Accountabilities
The cello position is accountable for delivering in the following areas:
Performance:
The Quartet regularly performs throughout New Zealand and abroad. The performance element of this role includes:
-
Undertaking a regional touring programme throughout Aotearoa
-
Collaborating regularly with other artists and genres
-
Taking an active role in providing spoken introductions as part of performances
Representation:
The Quartet undertakes a representative role for the NZSQ within Aotearoa New Zealand and when touring internationally. The successful candidate will:
-
Represent the NZSQ at home and overseas, acting as an ambassador for New Zealand culture abroad
-
Attend media, sponsorship, and social functions representing the NZSQ
-
Provide visual and written content for social media channels
Teaching & Education:
The NZSQ is Quartet-in-Residence at the New Zealand School of Music-Te Kōkī (NZSM) at Victoria University of Wellington. The successful candidate will therefore be closely associated with the NZSM, and will undertake:
-
Teaching of individual students, as required
-
Chamber music coaching
-
Student assessment, as required
-
University performances
Key skills and competencies
In delivering the above accountabilities, the competencies below will be demonstrated:
Execution:
Performance
Is a highly communicative player with extensive chamber music experience; interested and proficient in repertoire of all periods, including contemporary music and is open to diverse and innovative collaborations.
Planning & Organising
Plans and organises activities and projects to make best use of time and resources.
Relationships:
Coaching and Developing Others
Inspires, motivates and builds the skills of others. Coaches and gives feedback, guidance and support to enable individuals to reach their full potential. Creates an environment conducive to learning.
Communication
Expresses and conveys information effectively to other people. This includes presentations and listening. This covers formal and informal situations.
Stakeholder Engagement
Identifies, develops and maintains productive, collaborative and outcome-oriented relationships with NZ School of Music, sponsors and donors; promoters and other key stakeholders.
Teamwork
Works well as part of a small team, collaborates, checks in with others and facilitates productive relationships amongst others.
Personal Attributes:
Adaptability
Displays energy, optimism and resilience; ensures effective performance when faced with ambiguity, changing environments and demands.
Health and Safety Awareness
Promotes a culture where health and safety are seen as integral to success. Is aware of and takes into account conditions that affect own and others’ health and safety.
Innovation
Looks for opportunities to improve personal and the organisation’s performance; develops, and actively encourages others, to develop creative and practical ideas; contributes to an environment where creativity and innovation can flourish.
Integrity
Acts in a manner that conveys the principles important to the NZ String Quartet, including honesty, openness, and respect for others; demonstrates high standards of ethical behaviour.
Self-Awareness
Recognises one’s emotions and feelings and their effects; recognises the impact of own behaviour on others; acts professionally at all times.
Work Standards
Sets high personal and professional standards; consistently gives careful attention to all the detailed aspects of the role; shows a high concern for quality.
Professional & Technical Knowledge:
Exemplary performer
Willingness to learn about Te Ao Māori and tikanga Māori how this applies to the work of the NZ String Quartet
Understands and keeps up to date with the arts sector, the nuances of the sector and recognises opportunities within the sector for the Quartet.
APPLICATION INFORMATION
We are currently accepting expressions of interest for this role. If you are interested in applying, please email General Manager, Aislinn Ryan, manager@nzsq.org.nz
In your email please include:
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a CV
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a cover letter outlining your interest in the NZSQ, your approach to chamber music and how you envision contributing to our mission and values (to read our mission and values, click here)
-
a link to two or more recent performance recordings demonstrating at least two different styles (including an example of chamber music and/or ensemble work)
Applications will be assessed and shortlisted applicants will be invited to undergo an in-person trial period, alongside a formal interview.
Applicants must be able to demonstrate commitment to artistic excellence, in both professional and community settings. Experience in teaching is desirable due to the NZSQ’s continued association with the New Zealand School of Music – Te Kōkī. Priority will be given to applicants with New Zealand or Australian citizenship or residency status, or those with existing work eligibility for New Zealand.
Application deadline: Sunday 5 January 2025
(NB applications will be assessed as they are submitted and potential candidates may be contacted before the closing date to identify their availability in 2025 if a trial is to be offered.)
If you have any questions, please get in touch with Aislinn: manager@nzsq.org.nz