PRINCIPAL BASS CLARINET : BBC Philharmonic

Job Introduction

The BBC Philharmonic 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.

The orchestra performs around 100 concerts every year, the vast majority broadcast on BBC Radio 3.
Along with around 35 free concerts a year at its MediaCityUK studio in Salford and a flagship 20-
concert series at Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall, the orchestra performs across the North of England,
at the BBC Proms and internationally, and records regularly for the Chandos label. Since 2019, Omer
Meir Wellber has been Chief Conductor of the orchestra, which also has strong ongoing relationships
with John Storgårds, Chief Guest Conductor, and Ben Gernon, Principal Guest Conductor.

The BBC Philharmonic is a true champion of new music. Having recently premiered works by Emily
Howard, Outi Tarkiainen, Mark Simpson, Tom Coult, Philip Grange and Jeffrey Mumford. Through its
diverse programme, it has recently broadcast on all seven BBC national radio networks.

The orchestra is pioneering new ways to engage with music. In collaboration with the BBC’s
Research & Development team, its trailblazing Philharmonic Lab programme of digital innovation is
making music a more connected experience for listeners, while its diverse learning and education
programme reaches everyone from toddlers to adults. Through all its activities, the BBC
Philharmonic is bringing life-changing music experiences to audiences across Greater Manchester,
the North of England, the UK and around the world.

Chief Conductor - Omer Meir Wellber

Chief Guest - Conductor John Storgårds
Principal Guest Conductor - Ben Gernon
Composer in Association - Tom Coult
Leaders - Yuri Torchinsky / Zoe Beyers
Role Responsibility
• To sit as Principal Bass Clarinet, Sub, Assistant or Section Principal, doubling on any Bb, C, D
and Eb clarinets and Basset Horn as required.
• To maintain the high standard of professional playing and musical and artistic excellence
required by the Orchestra.
• To familiarise oneself with the relevant parts, including solos, in advance of the first
rehearsal and performances.
• To support professionally any Leaders and Conductors engaged by the Orchestra.
• To develop and support positive working relationships with all other members of the
Orchestra, the section and any freelance players engaged by the Orchestra.
• To participate in audition panels (to include writing audition reports) trial assessment
meetings, orchestral and artistic meetings as required with due regard for confidentiality.
• To engage in the general activities of the Orchestra, such as attendance at meetings,
promotional activity, outreach and learning work, and to act as an ambassador for the
BBC/Orchestra during these activities.
• To be a role model for BBC Values (see attached document) and to work in accordance with
the BBC/MU Agreement, the Information for Orchestral Players Handbook and all other BBC
policies and guidelines.
• To support all the BBC’s policies on managing people and diversity, including participation in
Personal Development Reviews and training.
• To work in accordance with the BBC’s Health and Safety guidelines and policy.

The Ideal Candidate

Applicants should aim to meet a majority of the following criteria:

• Outstanding professional orchestral and solo playing abilities.

• Knowledge, passion and appreciation of 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 section and orchestra.

• Ability to provide constructive musical feedback to colleagues, deal with sensitive issues and
establish high standards of musical performance.

• Interpersonal skills: ability to contribute as part of a diverse team and to support colleagues,
conductors and freelancers
Package Description

Contract type: Continuing (permanent) contract

Location: MediaCity UK, Salford Quays

APPLICATIONS INFORMATION:
The deadline for applications is 5th January 2022.

Please upload a CV without photographs

Please contact philharmonic@bbc.co.uk if you have any queries relating to your application.
Shortlisted candidates may be asked to send in an audio-visual file in advance of auditions.

About the Company

We don’t focus simply on what we do – we also care how we do it. Our values and the way we
behave are important to us. Please make sure you’ve read about our values and behaviours in the
document attached below.

Diversity matters at the BBC. We have a working environment where we value and respect every
individual's unique contribution, enabling all of our employees to thrive and achieve their full
potential.

We want to attract the broadest range of talented people to be part of the BBC – whether that’s to
contribute to our programming or our wide range of non-production roles. The more diverse our
workforce, the better able we are to respond to and reflect our audiences in all their diversity.

We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from individuals, regardless
of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background,
religion and/or belief. We will consider flexible working requests for all roles, unless operational
requirements prevent otherwise.

To find out more about Diversity and Inclusion at the BBC, please click here.