Job Posting: Carillonneur

Metropolitan United Church (Toronto, ON, Canada) seeks part-time carillonneur for a start date no later than July 9, 2023.

Metropolitan United Church, a cathedral church in the downtown core of Toronto, is an affirming, progressive and inclusive congregation of approximately 600 members and adherents from the local area and afar. Music is an integral part of our liturgy. The church carillonneur is part of a team of musicians reporting to the Minister of Music.

Metropolitan's 54-bell Massey/Drury Memorial Carillon began as a two-octave instrument in 1922, with bells cast by Gillett & Johnston. The bourdon weighs 8,456 pounds (3,836 kg) and sounds a low A. Twelve bells cast by Petit & Fritsen were added in 1960, and an additional 19 Paccard bells in 1972. For the carillon's centenary in 2022, a major renovation project was completed by Meeks & Watson, including the installation of a new keyboard and adjustable bench, new transmission actions, new cast-iron ball clappers and headpieces for all bells, and return/counter springs.

The post of church carillonneur is a part-time position. The carillonneur plays a 30-minute recital before the Sunday morning Worship Service each week, throughout the year, with additional recitals during Easter, Advent and Christmas. The carillonneur also attends monthly music committee meetings, organizes the summer guest recital series and 11:30 a.m. recitals prior to some of the weekly Thursday Noon at Met recitals (September to November, May-June), supervises the annual maintenance of the carillon, purchases music for the sheet music library, and conducts carillon tours. Annual compensation offered is approximately $13,000 annually, including HST. Performances for weddings and memorial services are compensated separately at a rate of $250 per service. 

Candidates with the required qualifications (GCNA Carillonneur Exam, NACS Final Diploma, or equivalent credential) are requested to send a resume and a cover letter, addressed to Dr. Jonathan Oldengarm, Minister of Music, jonathano@metunited.ca, by Monday, May 31, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. EST. The cover letter should include a link to at least one audio/video recording (minimum of 3 minutes of playing to 5 minutes). Applicants will be contacted by Tuesday, June 6.