This role presents a rare opportunity to work for one of the world’s leading orchestras, and with its outstanding musicians, as well as celebrated conductors and soloists. Together with the Head of Production and other Stage Manager, the SM is responsible for the planning, coordination and delivery of the stage management, instrument transportation and technical requirements of the Orchestra.
The post holder will work closely with the Orchestra Committee (OC), all Philharmonia players and colleagues across the Orchestra Operations’ Team and work on projects that include concerts at the Royal Festival Hall, the Orchestra’s thriving residencies in Bedford, Leicester, Canterbury, Basingstoke, and at Three Choirs Festival and Garsington Opera, as well as other UK engagements, international touring, studio and recording sessions, chamber music projects and learning and engagement work, as required
Key Responsibilities
* To work as a member of the Concerts Department to assist with the planning of all Orchestra activity,liaising with other departments, as required
* To assist in organising the transportation of the Orchestra’s instruments for all engagements including rehearsals, concerts, film sessions, audio recordings and tours, both in the UK and overseas, including preparing detailed truck schedules and loading lists for each project.
* To communicate truck movements and instrument logistics to players as required
* To safely load and unload the Orchestra truck and any other vehicle, as required, for all Orchestra activity
* To prepare stage plans in advance of each project using Concept Draw Diagram software, or similar, to update these plans with any changes and to take photographs of each setup for future reference
* To ensure the stage is set correctly, promptly and safely for any orchestra activity, and to liaise with conductors, soloists, agents, staff and members of the Orchestra as necessary, to establish any changes that need to be made and provide a safe, calm and supportive environment that allows musicians to perform at their best
* To ensure all stage moves (during performances and otherwise) are professionally and efficiently executed
* To liaise with the Royal Festival Hall and all other venues, in the UK and overseas, regarding the Orchestra’s staging needs, and to work with venue staff to ensure that any lighting/staging issues are promptly dealt with
* To keep an updated record of the Orchestra inventory and ensure that the Orchestral storerooms are kept well-organised, clean and tidy
* To work with the Head of Production, Stage Manager, Principal Percussionist and Timpanist and other players and staff as needed, to hire any instruments or equipment that may be required within budgets set by the Concerts’ Department, and to process any relevant invoices for purchases, instrument hire or repair
* To engage and supervise casual stage crew as needed throughout the orchestra’s activity, ensuring that such staff maintain the professional standards required by the Philharmonia
* To offer support to the Librarian[s], putting out and collecting pads of music, as required
* To be responsible for performing regular maintenance on all equipment such as flight cases, music stands, acoustic screens and percussion equipment as and when required, and engaging specialist services where appropriate
* To ensure all Health and Safety policies and safe working policies are adhered to
* To be aware of issues surrounding musicians’ hearing health and take proactive steps to safeguard the health of the orchestra’s musicians at each and every engagement
* To represent the Orchestra as a member of the Concerts’ team, and maintain positive relationships with external venue staff, transport staff, instrument hire companies, agents, conductors and soloists.
* To undertake such other duties as may reasonably be required by the Company
Skills and Qualifications
Essential:
* Knowledge of the methods and practices employed in handling, packing, loading, unloading and stowing musical instruments and an awareness of their value
* Good organisational skills with attention to detail and a high level of accuracy
* Good multi-tasking skills, able to prioritise whilst also working across a range of demands on a daily basis
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills
* Ability to look ahead to anticipate issues, to problem-solve under pressure and to quickly identify solutions
* Ability to work well both independently and as a team player
* Ability to work to deadlines, work flexibly and react to change quickly
* Excellent personal presentation
* Willingness to work unsocial hours both in the UK and abroad
* Full clean driving licence
Desirable:
* Experience of orchestral stage management at a professional level
* Experience of stage planning software
* Access to a car
* Ability to use databases/concert planning tools
* Ability to read music
* Working knowledge of Health and Safety in entertainment venues