Leader

‘Thank you so much for a wonderful term. It has been a pleasure playing with such a lovely and talented orchestra’    BSO member

‘Congratulations on a great concert! It’s left me grinning from ear to ear. A wonderful way to spend a Saturday night’     Audience member

Brent Symphony Orchestra is an amateur orchestra based in North West London conducted by Levon Parikian and has been described as ‘one of the oldest and most respected orchestras in all of London’. The orchestra rehearses from September to July each year, giving four concerts in each season. We are looking to appoint an experienced and charismatic leader and are trialling leaders during the 2018-19 season. 

We celebrated our centenary in 2011 and aspire to perform the finest orchestral music, bringing together pieces you may well have heard of, together with something new. Recent concerts have featured symphonies by Elgar, Bruckner, Mahler, Nielsen and Vaughan Williams; concertos by Sibelius and Strauss and also work by Bernstein, Mozart, Ravel and Stravinsky.

We are seeking a violinist with orchestral or section leader experience to give inspiration and confidence to our well-established string section and lead the orchestra with charm and style, enhancing our tradition of friendliness and the enjoyment of making music together.

Timetable

Deadline for applications: Sunday 27 January 2019 

Trial rehearsal period: One term of rehearsals plus concert (spring or summer), dates below:

• Spring Term: Rehearsals (6, 13, 20, 27 February, 6, 13, 20, 27 March) and concert on 30 March
• Summer Term: Rehearsals (15, 22, 29 May, 5, 12, 19, 26 June, 3 July) and concert on 6 July

Rehearsals are Wednesday evenings from 7.15-9.15pm at St Martin’s Church NW10 and this is also the venue for our concerts.  

More information

The Job Description below gives full details of the role and the required qualities and our website www.brentso.org.uk gives more information about the orchestra. If you have any further questions please contact the Lisa Stonham, Orchestra Manager as below.

To apply for the position, please email your CV to the Orchestra Manager - lisa.stonham@brentso.org.uk giving details of your experience and suitability for this role, together with a short statement about your background and the qualities and commitment you would bring to the orchestra. All applications will be treated in confidence

Job Description

Orchestra Leader

Responsible to Brent Symphony Orchestra Committee

 1. Experience and education:

1.1 A music degree or masters with violin performance a strong component (equivalent experience or education will be considered) 

1.2 Experience of orchestral playing

1.3 Experience of orchestral leading

1.4 Substantial performance experience as soloist and/or orchestral musician

1.5 Experience of working with adult amateur musicians (desirable) 

2. Role and Responsibilities:

2.1 Inspirationally lead the orchestra for all concerts and rehearsals, including performing orchestral solos as and when the repertoire demands 

2.2 Organise bowing of music, and ensure the violin parts are marked by the second rehearsal of each concert, although ideally prior to the first rehearsal for each concert programme

2.3 Work in tandem with the Orchestra Musical Director in the preparation and performance of the music

2.4 Within the violin section be sensitive to the abilities of individual players and be able to help nurture confidence and enthusiasm within the whole string section

2.5 Make arrangements to provide a deputy if possible, acceptable to the Orchestras Musical Director, as a substitute when prevented by illness or any other unavoidable cause from leading rehearsals personally

2.6 Attend all planned concerts (including afternoon rehearsals on the concert day) performed by the orchestra each season

2.7 Attend all rehearsals (with the exception of circumstances cited in 2.5) as timetabled by the committee 

3. Personal Attributes

3.1 Be able to work with people of different musical abilities

3.2 Ability to encourage and foster excellent music making 

3.3 Have a friendly demeanour and be approachable and have a good sense of humour 

3.4 Have a passion for Orchestral Repertoire (desirable) 

3.5 Punctual attendance, arriving at least 15 minutes before each rehearsal and/or concert 

Remuneration

The orchestra will pay a fee to be agreed for Wednesday evening rehearsals and the four concert days 

The level of the remuneration will be reviewed and agreed on an annual basis. Any extra concerts and rehearsals will be paid pro rata.