Kapellmeister

A Kapellmeister is nowadays the director or conductor of an orchestra or choir. When used today, it suggests involvement in orchestra or choir policy (for example, selecting repertoire, concert schedules, choosing guest conductors and so on) as well as conducting.

The term is of German origin, the concatenation of the root Kapelle (choir) and Meister (master). Kapelle is derived from the latin word for "chapel", which was typically the center of musical activity during the Middle Ages. Originally, the word was used to refer to somebody in charge of music in a chapel.