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We have an exciting opportunity for a Section Principal Viola to join the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. As Scotland's national broadcasting orchestra, the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra has been performing for audiences across Scotland, the UK and internationally since 1935. From Oban to Aldeburgh and London to Seoul (as part of BBC Proms Korea), the 2024/25 Season has been no exception. The orchestra's live performances are regularly broadcast on BBC Radio 3, Radio Scotland and Sounds, as well as BBC Television and iPlayer. Opening eyes and ears with ambitious repertoire beyond any benchmark, the BBC SSO is Scotland's leading champion of new music. Across nine decades, it has commissioned orchestral music by the most original voices of its time and hosts its annual Tectonics Festival of new and experimental music each spring alongside its Creative Partner Ilan Volkov. With Associate Artist Lucy Drever the orchestra runs projects that inspire creativity and connection with families, schools and communities across Scotland. And through a close association with the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, the orchestra mentors the next generation of conductors, composers and instrumentalists. The orchestra supports young musical talent in BBC Radio Scotland's Young Classical Musician competition. Ryan Wigglesworth began his tenure as Chief Conductor in September 2022. One of the foremost composer-conductors of his generation, he has directed a wide range of repertoire with the BBC SSO including the ballets of Stravinsky, major works of Elgar, and UK premieres by György Kurtág and Composer-in-Association Hans Abrahamsen. Regularly performing at the BBC Proms and Edinburgh International Festival, the orchestra is a recipient of a Royal Philharmonic Society Award and four Gramophone Awards. Delyana Lazarova has been appointed Principal Guest Conductor of the BBC SSO from September 2025, the beginning of the orchestra's 90th anniversary concert season.
Job Responsibility
Sit as Section Principal, leading the Viola section, maintaining a high standard of professional playing and musical and artistic excellence required by the Orchestra
Familiarise oneself with the relevant parts, including any solos, in advance of the first rehearsal and performances
Support professionally any Leaders and Conductors engaged by the Orchestra
Take responsibility for the style, intonation, balance, ensemble, rhythm and preparation of the section in conjunction with Leaders and the Chief Conductor
Lead and manage the section effectively, and to share responsibility with the management for the players' performance
Assist and consult on the compilation of the list of freelance musicians in their section
Foster an environment in which artistic excellence flourishes
develop and support positive working relationships with all other members of the Orchestra, the section and any freelance players engaged by the Orchestra
Requirements
Extensive experience as Section Principal Viola playing solos and full orchestra repertoire to the highest standards
Effective and Committed Team leader, sharing responsibility with the management for players' performance
Strong leadership and some experience in delivery of feedback
To maintain artistic excellence and encourage in others
To work collaboratively with colleagues, management and conductors
What we offer
Fair pay and flexible benefits including a competitive salary package
a flexible 35-hour working week
25 days annual leave with the option to buy an extra 5 days
a defined pension scheme
discounted dental, health care and gym
Excellent career and professional development
Support in your working life, including flexible working