Job Description
This job is with BBC, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community. Please do not contact the recruiter directly.
JOB DETAILS
Continuing (permanent) Contract (60%)
Location: Philharmonic Studios, MediaCityUK, Salford
We offer:
* Excellent career progression - the BBC offers great opportunities for employees to seek new challenges and work in different areas of the organisation.
* Unrivalled training and development opportunities - our in-house Academy hosts a wide range of internal and external courses and certification.
* Benefits - We offer a competitive salary package, a flexible 35-hour working week for work-life balance and 26 days (1 of which is a corporation day) with the option to buy an extra 5 days, a defined pension scheme and discounted dental, health care, gym and much more.
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 Thursday 31st July 2025.
If you have any access requirements for the audition, or require the materials in an alternative format, please email Maria Villa maria.villa@bbc.co.uk
ABOUT THE ORCHESTRA
The BBC Philharmonic Orchestra is reimagining the orchestral experience for a new generation - challenging perceptions, championing innovation and taking a rich variety of music to the widest range of audiences.
Alongside a flagship series of concerts at Manchester's Bridgewater Hall, the orchestra broadcasts concerts on BBC Radio 3 and BBC Sounds from venues across the North of England, annually at the BBC Proms and from its international tours. The orchestra also records regularly for the Chandos label and has a catalogue of over 300 discs and digital downloads.
Championing new music, the orchestra has recently given world and UK premieres of works by Anna Appleby, Gerald Barry, Erland Cooper, Tom Coult, Sebastian Fagerlund, Emily Howard, Robert Laidlow, James Lee III, Grace-Evangeline Mason, David Matthews, Outi Tarkiainen and Anna Thorvaldsdottir, with the scope of the orchestra's output extending far beyond standard repertoire.
The BBC Philharmonic Orchestra's Chief Conductor is John Storgårds, with whom the orchestra has enjoyed a long association. French conductor Ludovic Morlot is its Associate Artist, while Anna Clyne, one of the most in-demand composers of the day, is its Composer in Association.
It performed at the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest, both at a free concert with previous Ukrainian winner Jamala and in the final itself with Italian artist Mahmood, for a rendition of John Lennon's 'Imagine' during the Liverpool Songbook medley.
The orchestra continues to deliver a programme of engagement with children and young people. At the end of 2023 it released Musical Storyland, a major new 10-part series featuring the BBC Philharmonic musicians, which brings famous stories from around the world to life using the power of music. This was the first time an orchestra has been commissioned to make a series of films for UK network television.
Through all its activities, the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra is bringing life-changing musical experiences to audiences across Greater Manchester, the North of England, the UK and around the world.
For more information visit www.bbc.co.uk/philharmonic
PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
Key Responsibilities
* To sit as a tutti member of the bass section, stepping up to no.3 (sub-principal) as required
* To demonstrate excellent orchestral and solo playing abilities, maintaining the highest musical standards.
* To support and develop positive working relationships with conductors, freelancers and all members of the orchestra.
* To play a key role in the life of the BBC Philharmonic - to be a passionate team player with a commitment to maintain and enhance the reputation of the orchestra.
Knowledge & Experience
* Outstanding professional orchestral and solo playing abilities.
* Knowledge, passion and appreciation for the range of repertoire performed by the BBC Philharmonic.
* Ability to lead, motivate and work collaboratively - to provide artistic direction and to inspire members of the wider orchestra.
* Interpersonal skills: ability to participate as part of a diverse team and to support colleagues, conductors and freelancers
Applications must be made via Musicalchairs:
AUDITIONS DETAILS:
Auditions will be held in the BBC Philharmonic's Studio at MediaCityUK on September 3rd and September 8th 2025
If you need any further information or have any questions, please contact maria.villa@bbc.co.uk
The format of the auditions will be: 1st round (behind screens)
* Orchestral excerpts - pack available upon application to Musicalchairs
Second round (unscreened and with piano accompaniment)
* Orchestral excerpts - pack available upon application to Musicalchairs
* Prepared sight reading
* Exposition of a concerto / piece of your own choice
An audio-visual upload of first round excerpts may be requested to help with our shortlisting process. Candidates who cannot attend the auditions in person will be able to submit a recorded audition.
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/51142
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: THURSDAY 31ST JULY 2025
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