Leader, BBC Symphony Orchestra

JOB DETAILS

Leader BBC Symphony Orchestra

CONTRACT TYPE: Continuing (permanent)
DEPARTMENT: BBC Symphony Orchestra
LOCATION: Maida Vale Studios London

PLEASE NOTE:

In order to apply for this position Candidates will need to register on Musicalchairsand apply via the Apply via musicalchairs button to complete a short information form. Candidates will then follow the below application and audition process: The deadline to complete the form on Musicalchairs is Monday 30th March 2026

BBC SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

The BBC Symphony Orchestra is one of the UKs leading orchestras. It has played a central role at the heart of British musical life for more than 90 years and has a high profile both in the UK and on the international stage. The BBC SO has an outstanding reputation for its performances of a wide range of music with particular emphasis on 20th century and contemporary music; each year giving the world premieres of a number of works commissioned by BBC Radio 3.

As the flagship orchestra of the BBC the BBC SO makes at least a dozen appearances each year at the BBC Proms including the First and Last Nights. All BBC SO concerts are broadcast on BBC Radio 3 and a number are televised giving it the highest broadcast profile of any UK orchestra.

The BBC SO gives frequent performances under its present Chief Conductor Sakari Oramo performing regularly with a wide range of other international conductors and soloists. The BBC SO is Associate Orchestra of the Barbican in London and performs an annual concert season there of up to 25 concerts including a number of concerts and events focusing on a single composer. Recent seasons have also seen the BBC SO embark upon a series of critically acclaimed performances of opera in concert. The BBC SO performs at a number of music festivals both in the UK and abroad and undertakes regular major overseas tours.

Studio recordings play an important role in the Orchestras life both for BBC Radio 3 and for commercial recording companies whilst a strong commitment to community and outreach work involves the Orchestra in a number of adventurous learning projects working with schools and members of the local community

The Orchestra is looking forward to moving to a new purpose built studio facility at the site of the former Olympic Park in East London within the next few years

OF THE ROLE

We are seeking an exceptional violinist to lead and inspire this world-renowned Orchestra. The ideal candidate will have extensive professional orchestral experience outstanding leadership abilities combined with the highest level of technical and musical excellence and a collaborative spirit. The Orchestra employs two Leaders and the work allocation is expected to be in the region of 50%.

• To lead motivate and inspire the 1st violin section and the orchestra as a whole.
• To direct the orchestra or sections in rehearsal and in performance as required.
• To build and support positive working relationships and support professionally & work collaboratively with all members of the orchestra management team freelance players artists and conductors engaged by the orchestra.
• To have excellent solo and orchestral playing abilities and responsible for maintaining the highest musical standards required by the BBC Symphony Orchestra.
• To share responsibility with the management team to model and support BBC policies & values including effective people management development diversity inclusion and belonging.

YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

• Excellent professional orchestral and solo violin playing abilities.
• Knowledge of and commitment to the range of repertoire of the BBC Symphony 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 deal with sensitive issues and to make important decisions.
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to establish and develop harmonious working relationships with a diverse range of people
• Ability to plan ahead in order to prepare parts organise allocations and to make the best use of the resources available with awareness of health and safety issues.

APPLICATIONS MUST BE VIA THE MUSICALCHAIRS WEBSITE - PLEASE CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING LINK FOR FULL DETAILS ON HOW TO APPLY AND AUDITIONS INSTRUCTIONS:

DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: MONDAY 30TH MARCH 2026