Section Principal Viola, BBC SSO
Glasgow, UK
JOB DETAILS
CONTRACT TYPE: Permanent (continuing)
DEPARTMENT: BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
LOCATION: City Halls, Glasgow
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 20TH JULY 2026.
BBC SCOTTISH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
We have an exciting opportunity for a Section Principal Viola 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), the 2024/25 Season has been 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. The orchestra supports young musical talent in BBC Radio Scotland’s Young Classical Musician 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.
Delyana Lazarova has been appointed Principal Guest Conductor of the BBC SSO from September 2025, the beginning of the orchestra’s 90th anniversary concert season.
PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND IMPACT
- Sit as Section Principal, leading the Viola section, maintaining a high standard of professional playing and musical and artistic excellence required by the Orchestra.
- Familiarise oneself with the relevant parts, including any solos, in advance of the first rehearsal and performances.
- Support professionally any Leaders and Conductors engaged by the Orchestra.
- Take responsibility for the style, intonation, balance, ensemble, rhythm and preparation of the section in conjunction with Leaders and the Chief Conductor.
- Lead and manage the section effectively, and to share responsibility with the management for the players’ performance.
- Assist and consult on the compilation of the list of freelance musicians in their section.
- Foster an environment in which artistic excellence flourishes; develop and support positive working relationships with all other members of the Orchestra, the section and any freelance players engaged by the Orchestra.
YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:
- Extensive experience as Section Principal Viola playing solos and full orchestra repertoire to the highest standards
- Effective and Committed Team leader, sharing responsibility with the management for players’ performance.
- Strong leadership and some experience in delivery of feedback.
- To maintain artistic excellence and encourage in others
- To work collaboratively with colleagues, management and conductors
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/XXXXX
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: MONDAY 20TH JULY 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.
Before your start date, you may need to disclose any unspent convictions or police charges, in line with our Recruitment policy. This allows us to discuss any support you may need and assess any risks. Failure to disclose may result in the withdrawal of your offer.
For any general queries, please contact: bbchr@bbc.co.uk
We are unable to accept applications via CV and only applications made online will be considered. Please click on the APPLY NOW button to proceed with your application.
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
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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.
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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
