Co-Principal Double Bass, BBC Symphony Orchestra

THE ROLE

Continuing (permanent) Contract

Location: Maida Vale Studios, London

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 Wednesday 20th August 2025.

THE ORCHESTRA

The BBC Symphony Orchestra is one of the UK’s leading orchestras. It has played a central role at the heart of British musical life for more than 90 years and has a high profile both in the UK and on the international stage. The BBC SO has an outstanding reputation for its performances of a wide range of music with particular emphasis on 20th century and contemporary music; each year giving the world premieres of a number of works commissioned by BBC Radio 3.

As the flagship orchestra of the BBC, the BBC SO makes at least a dozen appearances each year at the BBC Proms, including the First and Last Nights. All BBC SO concerts are broadcast on BBC Radio 3 and a number are televised, giving it the highest broadcast profile of any UK orchestra.

The BBC SO gives frequent performances under its present Chief Conductor Sakari Oramo, performing regularly with a wide range of other international conductors and soloists. The BBC SO is Associate Orchestra of the Barbican in London and performs an annual concert season there of up to 25 concerts, including a number of concerts and events focusing on a single composer. Recent seasons have also seen the BBC SO embark upon a series of critically acclaimed performances of opera in concert. The BBC SO performs at a number of music festivals both in the UK and abroad, and undertakes regular major overseas tours.

Studio recordings play an important role in the Orchestra’s life, both for BBC Radio 3 and for commercial recording companies, whilst a strong commitment to community and outreach work involves the Orchestra in a number of adventurous learning projects working with schools and members of the local community .

The Orchestra is looking forward to moving to a new purpose built studio facility at the site of the former Olympic Park in East London within the next few years.

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

• To sit as Co-Principal Double Bass, playing Principal Double Bass as required.
• To have excellent solo and orchestral playing abilities, maintaining the highest musical standards.
• To be an effective and committed team player and to play a full role in the life of the Orchestra.
• To be an effective and committed team leader when leading the Section.
• This job requires travelling throughout the UK and touring as well as evening and weekend work patterns.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

• Excellent professional orchestral and solo playing abilities.
• Knowledge of and commitment to the range of repertoire of the BBC Symphony Orchestra.
• Ability to both lead and work collaboratively to inspire and contribute to performances that meet the highest musical standards by providing artistic direction and by motivating members of the section.
• Effective people and performance management skills, including the ability to give constructive feedback, deal with sensitive issues and to make difficult decisions.
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to establish and develop harmonious working relationships with a diverse range of people
• Demonstrates commitment to maintain the reputation of the Orchestra.
• Participates actively as part of a diverse team and supportive of colleagues.
• Demonstrates respect for others by being fully prepared and ready to play at the start of every session.
• Ability to plan ahead in order to prepare parts, organise allocations and to make the best use of the resources available.
• Awareness of health and safety issues.

APPLICATIONS MUST BE VIA THE MUSICALCHAIRS WEBSITE - PLEASE CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING LINK FOR FULL DETAILS ON HOW TO APPLY AND AUDITIONS INSTRUCTIONS:

DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: WEDNESDAY 20TH AUGUST 2025

DISCLAIMER

This 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.