JOB DETAILS
CONTRACT TYPE: Permanent, 1 x 50% position
DEPARTMENT: BBC Singers
LOCATION: Maida Vale Studios, London
PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
The Bbc Singers
As a vital resource in the BBC’s music output, the BBC Singers hold a unique position in British musical life. Performing everything from Monteverdi to Mvula, Tallis to Takemitsu, their versatility is second to none.
Winners of the coveted Ensemble Award at the 2024 Royal Philharmonic Society Awards, the professional choir’s unrivalled expertise in performing the latest contemporary scores and music from all genres of choral repertoire has brought about creative relationships with some of the most important composers and conductors of the 20th and 21st centuries. In addition, their flexibility and agility has seen then collaborate with artists across many genres in recent years, including with Laura Mvula, Katie Melua, Clare Teal, Abel Selaocoe, Shiva Feshareki, South Asian dance company Akademi, world music fusion band Kabantu and with choreographer Duane Taylor and artists from East London Dance.
Based at the BBC’s Maida Vale Studios, the BBC Singers perform all over the UK and abroad, working regularly with the BBC’s own orchestras, as well as a number of period-instrument and contemporary music ensembles. Equally at home on the concert platform as in the recording studio, this world-class ensemble is committed to sharing its enthusiasm and creative expertise through its nationwide education programme. This includes regular collaborations with schoolchildren, youth choirs and the amateur choral community, as well as with the professional composers, singers and conductors of tomorrow.
For more information visit BBC Singers - Events - BBC
Applications are invited for the post of Soprano with the BBC Singers, offered as a 50% position. The role involves flexibility working with another 50% soprano colleague to ensure the full delivery of the BBC Singers schedule.
Essential Criteria
YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
* Must have strong experience in professional choral singing and excellent sight-reading skills.
* Familiar with the BBC Singers’ repertoire and capable of performing to the highest artistic standards.
* Able to work flexibly and effectively within a diverse team, showing respect and readiness at every session.
* Understand and actively support the group’s educational and learning initiatives.
* Willing to foster constructive relationships with choir members, management, colleagues, and audiences.
Desired But Not Required
* Expertise in a broad range of musical and performance activities including chamber music, education and studio soundtrack work
Auditions Information
Auditions will take place at at BBC Maida Vale Studios, London W9, on the following dates only:
1st round audition - Thursday 29th January 2026
2nd round audition - Friday 30th January 2026
3rd round interview - by arrangement
First-round Audition Requirements
* Set Piece: Zerfließe, mein Herze from Bach’s St John Passion A=440
* Own choice: Contrasting aria or song written post 1970 (3 mins max.) A=440
* Sight-reading tests
Second-round Audition Requirements
* Set Piece: Roxanna Panufnik ‘The Uncertainty of the poet’ (copy to be provided to those shortlisted)
* Own choice: Contrasting aria or song in a foreign language (4 mins max.). Must not be by J.S. Bach. A=440
* Sight-reading tests
* Ensemble singing (repertoire provided in advance)
CP25
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.