Leader, BBC Symphony Orchestra
BBC Media Action
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 Musicalchairs and 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 UK’s 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 international 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 Orchestra’s 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
PURPOSE 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:
https://www.musicalchairs.info/jobs/53185
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: MONDAY 30TH MARCH 2026
Disclaimer
This job description is a written statement of the essential characteristics of the job, with its principal accountabilities, incorporating a note of the skills, knowledge and experience required for a satisfactory level of performance. This is not intended to be a complete, detailed account of all aspects of the duties involved.
Please note: If you were to be offered this role, the BBC will conduct Employment screening checks which include Reference checks; Eligibility to work checks; and if applicable to the role, Safeguarding and Adverse media/Social media checks. Any offer made is conditional on these checks being satisfactory.
For any general queries, please contact: bbchr@bbc.co.uk
Redeployment
The BBC is committed to redeploying employees seeking suitable alternative employment within the BBC and they will be given priority consideration ahead of other applicants. Priority consideration means for those employees seeking redeployment their application will be considered alongside anyone else at risk of redundancy, prior to any individuals being considered who are not at risk.
This is your BBC
At the BBC you can create and innovate in an inclusive environment while contributing to some of the world’s best loved content, and the BBC’s mission to inform, educate and entertain.
Life at BBC
Here you will benefit from:
• Fair pay and flexible benefits including a competitive salary package, a flexible 35-hour working week, 25 days annual leave with the option to buy an extra 5 days, a defined pension scheme and discounted dental, health care and gym.
• Excellent career and professional development.
• Support in your working life, including flexible working which you can discuss with us at any point during the application, selection or offer.
• A values-based organisation where the way we do things is important as what we do.
Benefits may vary if you are joining on an FTC basis or on an orchestra conditions contract.
Learn more about life at the BBC and our values in our candidate pack.
You belong
We have a working environment where we value and respect every individual's unique contribution, so all our employees feel that they can belong, thrive and achieve their full potential.
We want to attract the broadest range of talented people to join us. The more diverse our workforce, the better able we are to respond to and reflect our audiences in all their diversity.
We welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief.
Find out more about diversity, inclusion and belonging in our strategy below.
Disability confident
We are a disability confident employer. If you need to discuss adjustments or access requirements for the interview process, or to carry out this role, please contact us via email and we’d be happy to discuss: reasonable.adjustments@bbc.co.uk
