Vacancies

Programming Director

The Programming Director is responsible for setting and delivering the artistic programme of the organisation.

An outstanding creative thinker and planner, you will have an excellent network of artist and agent relationships, which you draw on to create world-class concert programmes, series and festivals, which appeal to a diverse range of audiences.

Your first-rate understanding of orchestral repertoire and a range of contexts and markets will enable you to devise compelling programmes and concert formats in response to and driven by themes which connect classical music with the world of today and meet box office targets. You will know the importance of equality and diversity on stage in building a future for classical music, and be an active champion of creative projects which demonstrate this.

You will be sensitive to the needs of artists and composers, and experienced in working with conductors in creating programmes, whilst also maintaining in-the-round awareness of the complex jigsaw of sometimes competing priorities and restrictions into which any project has to be delivered.

Discovering new artists and musical voices will be something you are passionate about, as will be the shaping of contexts, formats and musical and cultural narratives to give artists the best chance of connecting with audiences. Your interests will extend to other musical genres, including orchestral music for film, television and games.

You will be curious about learning and education work, and non-main-stage activity, including digital and immersive projects, and will be thinking collaboratively and pro-actively about their relationship to performances on the concert stage.

You will play a key leadership role in the ongoing transformation of the organisation, ensuring the highest artistic standards based on the unique Philharmonia sound, whilst championing and developing an artistic strategy built around innovation.

As a member of the Exec Team, you will report to the Chief Executive. You will work in close partnership with the Concerts Director and team, and also have close working relationships with other members of the Exec Team, President, Vice President and the Philharmonia Orchestra Artistic Committee.

You will be a collaborative and inclusive leader who acts with integrity and who can manage complex systems and personalities in line with Philharmonia’s vision, mission, and strategic aims.

Download the job description here

Orchestra Librarian

The Philharmonia is looking to appoint an experienced Orchestra Librarian to join its busy Concerts team. You will be responsible for all aspects of the Orchestra’s in-house music library and will lead on the hiring of music from publishers where required. You will ensure that parts and orchestrations are correct and present at each performance. As a key member of the Philharmonia’s Concerts team, you will line-manage the Assistant Orchestra Librarian and Auditions’ Administrator and report to the Director of Concerts & Projects.

The Librarian is a member of both the Orchestra’s Concerts Department and Out of Office Team, and works closely with the Orchestra Personnel Manager, Assistant Orchestra Personnel Manager and Stage/Transport Managers.

Working hours are dictated by the Orchestra’s performance schedule, and include evening and weekend work, as well as additional hours in the library, as required.

The Orchestra Librarian is responsible for the provision of sheet music and scores for all rehearsals, concerts, recording sessions, and other activities carried out by the Orchestra.

Key responsibilities will include:

• To ensure that music is provided from the Orchestra’s music library, or hired from publishers, or provided by other means as appropriate, and is in the correct edition and of legible quality
• Padding and un-padding of music in-between periods of work
• To attend rehearsals, concerts, recording sessions and other events according to the requirements of the Orchestra’s performance schedule
• Liaise with the Stage/Transport Managers to ensure the orchestral music is transported to the appropriate venues, and correctly set out on platform
• To ensure that the music has the correct bowings and markings, and to liaise with conductors, soloists, and Orchestra Principals to achieve this end
• Maintain the content of the Orchestra’s music library
• To obtain price quotations for music hire costs a requested by members of the Concerts Department, and by other colleagues, for budgeting purposes

Qualifications and experience you will need to possess are:

• Prior experience in a relevant (music librarian) role
• Excellent knowledge of the classical repertoire
• Ability to discuss musical detail with conductors and other artists
• Meticulous attention to detail and excellent record keeping skills
• Good IT skills: the postholder will be required to work in Word, Excel and in our custom-built diary system and repertoire database MOBI
• Willingness to work irregular and unsocial hours, including evenings and weekends, as dictated by the Orchestra’s performance schedule
• Willingness to travel within the UK and internationally, as dictated by the Orchestra’s performance schedule

To apply, please email your CV and covering letter to: philharmoniahr@thehrhub.co.uk

For any further information please contact Suzanne Doyle on Suzanne.Doyle@philharmonia.co.uk

Download the job description here

Stage Manager

The Philharmonia is seeking an experienced Stage Manager to help us deliver our concert programme and to provide logistics and practical support to the Philharmonia’s players.

The Stage Manager is responsible for the planning, coordination and management of the stage management, instrument transportation and technical requirements of the Orchestra.

Working hours are dictated by the Orchestra’s performance schedule, and include evening and weekend work, as well as additional hours in the office, as required.

Key responsibilities will include (please see job description for full list):

• Planning:
  • Prepare stage plans in advance, using Microsoft Visio software, or similar, when required
  • Liaise with venues both in the UK and abroad, regarding the Orchestra’s stage and transport requirements
  • Organise 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
• Communications
  • Ensure that instrument transport arrangements are communicated clearly, and as far as possible in advance, to players
  • Manage successful relationships with musicians to provide a safe and calm environment
• Administration
  • Keep an updated record of the Orchestra’s inventory and ensure that the orchestral storeroom in the Royal Festival Hall, and any similar facility, is kept well-organised, clean and tidy
• On projects
  • 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
  • Supervise any casual stage staff engaged by the Orchestra, ensuring that such staff maintain the professional standards required by the Philharmonia
• Health and safety
  • 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 (training will be provided if necessary)
• Other duties
  • 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
  • Keep up to date with current developments and practices in the industry, attending ABO Stage Manager meetings and to ensure orchestra stage management practices are in line with current expectations and professional practice

Qualifications and experience you will need to possess are:

• Experience of working with a large orchestra and knowledge of orchestra layouts
• Knowledge of and experience of handling delicate and awkward music instruments and equipment
• Lifting and handling experience; good level of physical fitness
• Meticulous attention to detail
• Ability to interact with players, conductors and soloists to ascertain staging and instrument requirements

To apply, please email your CV and covering letter to: philharmoniahr@thehrhub.co.uk

For any further information please contact Suzanne Doyle on Suzanne.Doyle@philharmonia.co.uk

Download the job description here