JOB: Principal No.3 French Horn 14.07.25

Principal No.3 French Horn, BBC National Orchestra of Wales

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 Monday 14th July 2025. Previous applicants are free to re-apply for this position.

If you have any access requirements for the audition, or require the materials in an alternative format, please email Nick Olsen, Assistant Orchestra Manager - nick.olsen@bbc.co.uk

For this role / Ar gyfer y swydd yma:

Welsh language skills are not necessary / Nid yw sgiliau yn yr iaith Gymraeg yn angenrheidiol

Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English. / Mae modd cyflwyno ceisiadau yn Gymraeg, ac ni fydd cais a gyflwynir yn Gymraeg yn cael ei drin yn llai ffafriol na chais a gyflwynir yn Saesneg.

JOB INTRODUCTION

THE ORCHESTRA

The BBC National Orchestra and Chorus of Wales is one of the UK’s most versatile orchestras, with a varied range of work as both a broadcast orchestra and the national symphony orchestra of Wales. It performs live to tens of thousands of people across the UK and beyond each year including annual performances at the BBC Proms and other International Festivals. The Orchestra has a busy schedule of concerts, broadcasts and recordings for BBC Radio 3, BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru and BBC Television. Education and community work is central to the organisation, developing exciting, distinctive and memorable experiences for all ages. The Orchestra is supported by the Arts Council of Wales, and forms part of BBC Wales. BBC National Orchestra of Wales is based at BBC Hoddinott Hall, part of the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff Bay and is Orchestra-in-Residence at Wales’ National Concert Hall, St David's Hall, Cardiff. We are proud to work with an outstanding group of conductors including Principal Conductor, Ryan Bancroft and Conductor Laureate, Tadaaki Otaka.

THE POSITION

BBC NOW is seeking to appoint a Principal Horn No.3 within the horn section. The horn section comprises 5 players including the Section Principal, Tim Thorpe.

The successful candidate will play as required by orchestration and work in accordance with the BBC/MU Orchestras Agreement. Candidates should have experience of performing in symphony orchestras and evidence through their application excellence in performance to a professional standard. BBC NOW will also consider candidates who are in the early stages of their career and can clearly show potential to fulfil the role. The ideal candidate will be an exceptional player and able to demonstrate commitment to delivering a very high standard of work.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

The successful candidate will:

ESSENTIAL

Have excellent professional orchestral and solo playing abilities;

Have the knowledge of the range of repertoire of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales;

Be able to contribute to performances that will meet the highest artistic standards;

Be able to work effectively and flexibly within a diverse team environment; and

Demonstrate respect for others by being fully prepared and ready to play at the start of every session.

DESIRABLE

Expertise in a broad range of musical & performance activities including chamber music, education and studio soundtrack work; and

Experience of performing in equivalent roles in professional orchestras.

PERSONAL SKILLS

Excellent communication and organisational skills;

Self-motivated and able to work under pressure;

Ability to work co-operatively as part of a team; and

Willing to develop positive working relationships with other members of the orchestra and the management team.

This job advertisement and any audition materials can be provided in Welsh upon request.

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/50834

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: MONDAY 14th JULY 2025