Royal Northern Sinfonia Principal Viola (No. 2)

Deadline for applications: 17.00 on Monday 27th January 2025
Department & Team: Royal Northern Sinfonia & Classical Team
Location: The Glasshouse International Centre for Music
Working Hours: Members of Royal Northern Sinfonia work in line with the North Music Trust / Musicians’ Union agreement
 https://musiciansunion.org.uk/working-performing/orchestral-work/orchestral-agreements-and-rates-or-pay/orchestral-agreements/royal-northern-sinfonia

Position in organisation and starting salary: 

Principal Viola (No.2) £40,017 (SCP 8)

Reports to: Senior Orchestra & Personnel Manager

Works in conjunction with: Royal Northern Sinfonia musicians and the Classical Team

About the Orchestra 

 Dinis Sousa Principal Conductor 

Maria Włoszczowska Artistic Partner

Nil Venditti Principal Guest Conductor

Thomas Zehetmair Conductor Laureate

Based at The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, Royal Northern Sinfonia is proud to be the orchestra of the North East of England and Cumbria and has been a key part of the cultural landscape of the North East for over 60 years.

Led by our Principal Conductor Dinis Sousa, Artistic Partner Maria Włoszczowska and newly appointed Principal Guest Conductor Nil Venditti we give world-class performances with leading international artists across the North of England, nationally and internationally, building on the legacy of former artistic leaders including Ivan Fischer, Richard Hickox, Heinrich Schiff, Lars Vogt and Conductor Laureate Thomas Zehetmair.

Although our core repertoire is based around Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven and Schubert we perform music spanning an extremely wide range of musical styles and genres, giving our audiences and our musicians a varied musical diet.  But whatever we play, it’s always defined by a spirit of joy and infectious enthusiasm.

We’re passionate about our role in taking music to people across this large and diverse region which covers urban centres and well as sparsely populated rural areas.  This has made RNS an extremely flexible group, playing string quartets in country churches, minimalist music in breweries and film music in large town halls.

Our unique inclusive ensemble, RNS Moves which is made up of disabled musicians and members of the orchestra, breaks down the perceptions of what’s possible. Using orchestral and digital instruments they explore different ways of making music through improvisation and perform arrangements of standard repertoire as well as new commissions.

We’re committed to expanding our work with schools and families and alongside concert programming within the building we’re continuing to expand our creative work.

The orchestra’s involvement in participatory, co-created projects and digital work continues to expand and musicians regularly take part in creative learning and schools projects and have a special relationship with both The Glasshouse ICM Centre for Advanced Training and the two ‘In Harmony’ Schools in Tyneside.

Purpose of the Roles and Person Specification

We are looking to appoint four dynamic and enthusiastic musicians of the highest international calibre to the positions listed below.

Principal Viola (No.2)

Sitting No. 2 in the Viola section, this key role supports the Section Leader and plays a crucial role in communication within the section. There will be a requirement to sit up and lead.

The successful candidates will:

• Be able to form a cohesive team with string colleagues in repertoire ranging from the Baroque period to the music of today
• Be a keen chamber music player and excited about the prospect of performing in many different formations under the banner of RNS, taking the lead where necessary
• Be determined to play their part in audience development, brimming with project ideas, and be a passionate communicator about classical music to different audiences in different settings
• Be as comfortable in learning and participation environments as they are on the concert stage, and value both equally
• Want to play a full part in the orchestral and musical life of the region and see themselves as advocates for the orchestra and The Glasshouse ICM

Responsibilities and Duties
The role will include, but is not limited to:

• Rehearsals and performances in a range of venues and formats
• Media work, digital projects and commercial recordings
• Chamber music and ensemble performances in a range of formations
• Solo repertoire / formal recitals
• Directing performances of works where appropriate
• Working as part of a team to create new performance formats

Creative Learning is a vital part of The Glasshouse ICM and of the orchestra’s work. Duties within this area can include, but are not limited to:

• Informal chamber music performances and recitals in community or learning settings
• Introducing performances
• Participating in planning and evaluation meetings
• Coaching of individuals and ensembles, both adults and young people
• Masterclasses
• Engagement with The Glasshouse ICM Centre for Advanced Training, which includes two ‘In Harmony’ Schools and Young Sinfonia