Contract: Terms to be negotiated
Location: City Halls, Glasgow
This role is eligible for visa sponsorship.
We offer:
Excellent career progression – the BBC offers great opportunities for employees to seek new challenges and work in different areas of the organisation.
Unrivalled training and development opportunities – our in-house Academy hosts a wide range of internal and external courses and certification.
Benefits - We offer a competitive salary package, a flexible 35-hour working week for work-life balance and 26 days (1 of which is a corporation day) with the option to buy an extra 5 days, a defined pension scheme and discounted dental, health care, gym and much more.
PLEASE NOTE:
To see the full advertisement and for instructions on how to apply, please visit the musicalchairs website: https://www.musicalchairs.info/jobs/49893
Job Introduction
We have an exciting opportunity for a Leader to join the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra.
As Scotland’s national broadcasting orchestra, the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra has been performing for audiences across Scotland, the UK and internationally since 1935. From Oban to Aldeburgh and London to Seoul (as part of BBC Proms Korea), 2024 is no exception. The orchestra’s live performances are regularly broadcast on BBC Radio 3, Radio Scotland and Sounds, as well as BBC Television and iPlayer.
Opening eyes and ears with ambitious repertoire beyond any benchmark, the BBC SSO is Scotland’s leading champion of new music. Across nine decades, it has commissioned orchestral music by the most original voices of its time and hosts its annual Tectonics Festival of new and experimental music each spring alongside its Creative Partner Ilan Volkov.
With Associate Artist Lucy Drever the orchestra runs projects that inspire creativity and connection with families, schools and communities across Scotland. And through a close association with the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, the orchestra mentors the next generation of conductors, composers and instrumentalists. In 2024, the orchestra supported young musical talent in BBC Radio Scotland’s inaugural Young Classical Musician of the Year competition.
Ryan Wigglesworth began his tenure as Chief Conductor in September 2022. One of the foremost composer-conductors of his generation, he has directed a wide range of repertoire with the BBC SSO including the ballets of Stravinsky, major works of Elgar, and UK premieres by György Kurtág and Composer-in-Association Hans Abrahamsen. Regularly performing at the BBC Proms and Edinburgh International Festival, the orchestra is a recipient of a Royal Philharmonic Society Award and four Gramophone Awards.
Main Responsibilities
To lead and inspire the Orchestra and to fulfil the role of Section Principal for the 1st Violin section.
To direct the Orchestra or sections in rehearsals and performances, as required.
To build and support positive working relationships, to support professionally and work collaboratively with all members of the Orchestra, Orchestra management, freelance players and guest Conductors and Artists engaged by the Orchestra.
To take responsibility for the style, intonation, balance, ensemble, rhythm and preparation of the Orchestra in conjunction with the Conductor.
To maintain the high standard of professional playing and musical and artistic excellence required by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra.
To be responsible for maintaining professional orchestral discipline, sharing feedback, ensuring a positive working environment and escalating issues when required.
To be familiar with all repertoire and relevant parts, preparing any solos and bowings in advance as required.
To foster an environment in which artistic excellence flourishes and understand the demands of a broadcast and recording Orchestra.
To play a key role in the orchestra’s recruitment, with due regard for confidentiality and data protection; to participate in audition panels and trial assessment meetings (including writing brief audition and trial notes), and attend orchestral and artistic meetings as required.
To consult with and advise the Orchestra management on the compilation of the list of freelance musicians.
To play a key role in the orchestra’s diversity and inclusion strategy; contributing to the wider development and leadership of the Orchestra, promoting and championing collaboration, creativity and diversity.
To engage in the general activities of the Orchestra, such as attendance at meetings, promotional activity and training, and to act as an ambassador for the BBC/Orchestra.
To engage with and contribute to the Orchestra’s learning and outreach activity.
To be a role model for BBC Values and to work in accordance with the BBC/MU Agreement and all other BBC policies and guidelines.
As the Section Principal for the 1st Violin section, to support all BBC policies on managing people, including participation in the Feedback Conversation in accordance with the Managing Musical Performance Policy and BBC Capability Policy.
To work in accordance with BBC Health and Safety guidelines and policy.
Are you the right candidate?
As the most senior member of the Orchestra, the Leader will motivate and inspire the Orchestra, providing creative leadership and acting as a role model.
The Leader will be responsible for maintaining the highest musical standards of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, understanding the demands of a broadcast and recording Orchestra, and fostering an environment in which artistic excellence flourishes, with outstanding solo and orchestral playing ability. They will also fulfil the role of Section Principal for the 1st Violin section. They will work closely with the Orchestra management team in support of BBC policies regarding effective people management, development, diversity and inclusion across the full Orchestra.
You will need to be able to demonstrate the following skills:
Outstanding and inspirational professional orchestral and solo violin playing ability.
Understanding of the range of repertoire for the specific BBC Orchestra.
Ability to work collaboratively – to inspire and lead performances that meet the highest musical standards by providing artistic direction and by motivating members of the Orchestra.
Effective people and performance management skills, including the ability to give constructive feedback, manage sensitive issues and to make important decisions.
A convincing and persuasive communicator; able to establish and manage collaborative, interpersonal relationships and operate with a diverse range of people.
Influences, challenges and communicates to the Orchestra effectively; resolves issues, conflicts and disputes calmly and effectively.
Commitment to maintain and enhance the reputation of the Orchestra.
The ability to plan ahead in order to manage personal workload and preparation for Orchestral activity as Leader.
Awareness and understanding of health and safety issues.
We may consider video auditions in certain circumstances. Please contact Richard Nelson if you would like an informal conversation prior to application.
To see the full advertisement and application instructions - please visit the musicalchairs website https://www.musicalchairs.info/jobs/49893
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: Wednesday 16th April 2025