Leader for South East London Orchestra

South East London Orchestra (SELO) wishes to appoint a professional Leader, to start from Easter 2023.

About the orchestra
SELO is one of south London’s leading amateur orchestras with a reputation for exciting, high quality music-making and for a genuine connection with our community. Our concerts feature the great, well-known pieces people love, plus we are equally at home sharing lesser-known music of the past century and living composers. We are proud of our tradition of performing music by British composers, from William Boyce to Sally Beamish. Full details of our history can be found at southeastlondonorchestra.com. Since its inception in 2012, SELO has performed five Sunday afternoon concerts every season, each normally preceded by six rehearsals (Thursday evenings, and one weekend afternoon rehearsal). It is our intention to return to a similar level of activity when circumstances allow. Activities are almost always based in Beckenham.

About you
You will be a professional violinist with significant orchestral experience, ideally including experience in professional ensembles, and leading amateur groups.

The application process
We are keen to get to know people over time, so our application process will culminate with a shortlist of two candidates who will be invited to work with us over a trial period of rehearsals and concert in 2022/23.

To apply – please send by email to seorchestra@gmail.com by midday on Monday 5 September:

• Full CV, including list of significant performances (i.e. concertos, major orchestral solos)
• Covering letter making reference to the role and person spec
• Contact details for two professional referees

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a short interview with the Music Director and members of SELO’s committee in September. Following interviews, two candidates will be invited to lead the orchestra in trial rehearsal and concert periods during the 2022/23 season. Candidates will be expected to attend all rehearsals in their trial period. SELO’s standard fees will be paid for all rehearsals and concert. The final selection decision will be made once both trial periods have been completed.

Role description
Core responsibilities

1. Leading SELO in all rehearsals and concerts (arranging a suitable professional deputy as required)
2. Working in a collaborative and constructive manner with all members of the orchestra, including addressing all string sections in rehearsals
3. Directing string sectional rehearsals as requested
4. Bowing master string parts in advance of first rehearsals, in conjunction with other string principals
5. Performing as soloist, where desired and appropriate
6. Providing advice to string section principals/fixers regarding seating orders
7. Advising string fixers regarding professional deputy players

Musical support

1. To advise on the selection of appropriate repertoire as part of the annual programming process
2. Ensuring personal familiarity with all repertoire ahead of rehearsal periods
3. Providing feedback on musical outcomes to the Music Director
4. Assisting the Music Director and committee as requested on musical matters

Availability

1. SELO’s regular rehearsals are Thursday evenings (c.25/year) and Sunday afternoons (c.5/year). SELO’s concerts are usually on Sunday afternoons (c.5/year).

Person specification
Skills and experience

• Professional orchestral performance E
• Leading non-professional orchestras E
• Leading professional orchestras D
• Working with adult, amateur musicians in any context E
• Ability and confidence to give instructions to large groups, carefully balancing respect and authority E
• Directing sectionals E
• Playing orchestral solos E
• Performing as concerto soloist D
• Knowledge of standard orchestral repertoire E

Education/training

• Degree / professional diploma in music (or equivalent) E

Personal qualities

• Demonstrable enthusiasm for and enjoyment of orchestral performance E
• Respectful and encouraging manner to all, including members with varying musical ability E
• Patience and professionalism, even under pressure E
• Receptive approach to feedback E

(E = essential / D = desirable)

Terms & Policies

The SELO Leader is engaged by the group on a self-employed basis as an independent contractor. In 2022/23, SELO will provide fees separately for evening and weekend rehearsals (£60 and £90 respectively), and for concerts (£135, including the general rehearsal on the day). Fees are reviewed annually. Appointment will be for an initial 18-month contract (from Easter 2023 and the entire 2023/24 season). Subject to agreement by both parties it will continue and be renewed every two years. Full terms will be available at the time of interview. We are mindful of, and proactive about, promoting a culture of inclusivity at SELO; this is underpinned by our Equal Opportunities Policy (see website for details). We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. If you have any accessibility requirements then please let us know and we will make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process.

The application timeline
CV, covering letter and contact details for referees to be emailed to seorchestra@gmail.com by midday on 5 September 2022. Interviews will take place in September 2022, after which two candidates will be invited to take part in a trial period. These will be 27 Oct – 26 Nov 2022 and 23 Feb – 26 Mar 2023, after which a decision will be made.

If you have any questions about this vacancy or would like an informal conversation before applying, please email us at seorchestra@gmail.com. Find us online at: southeastlondonorchestra.com