Section Leader 2nd Violin & Sub Principal 2nd Violin Ulster Orchestra in Belfast

We are currently recruiting for two important positions within our 2nd Violin Section - Section Leader and Sub Principal No.3. This is an exciting opportunity to join our dynamic and vibrant orchestra! As Northern Ireland’s only professional symphony orchestras, we have continuously attracted some of the best musicians the industry has to offer, affording us the ability to create an inspiring year-round programme of symphonic events, chamber music, broadcast concerts for BBC Radio 3 and BBC Radio Ulster, as well as a fun and varied Pops programme.

We are looking for candidates who can demonstrate musical excellence at a professional orchestral level and a commitment to always delivering a high standard of work. Section Leader candidates will also demonstrate strong solo ability and inspirational leadership in both musical and non-musical aspects, with strong communication skills and the ability to actively develop and support relationships within the section and the wider orchestral society.

A position with the Ulster Orchestra offers you a wide and varied career, where you will be part of an engaged and dedicated team of talented musicians – as we say in our core values, we are aspirational, ambitious, creative and progressive!

In addition to orchestral work, you will have the opportunity to be involved in a range of non-platform activities, including diverse Learning and Community Engagement activities and chamber music playing, as well as creating and leading your own non-orchestral activity.

Further information on the job requirements, application and selection process, along with benefits of working for the Ulster Orchestra, can be found in the recruitment pack which you can download from www.ulsterorchestra.org.uk/careers/current-vacancies/. Candidates may request to be considered for both positions - only one application is required.

The closing date for initial applications is 25th June 2026 and no applications after this date will be accepted. Applications must be made via the Musical Chairs website.

If you require any reasonable adjustment(s) at any stage of the recruitment process, please feel encouraged to contact our People & Culture Leader, lisa@ulsterorchestra.com.

The Ulster Orchestra strives to be fully representative of all demographical aspects of society and to offer a truly inclusive working environment. We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, irrespective of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. Within this context we particularly encourage applications from people with disabilities, LGBTQI+, Black, Asian and other global majority backgrounds, and those from backgrounds of social and economic deprivation. The appointment will be made on merit with openness and transparency of process.

About the Organisation: Founded in 1966, the Ulster Orchestra has been at the forefront of musical life in Northern Ireland for 60 years, and the Orchestra’s full-time musicians form the region’s only professional symphony orchestra. With a mission to enrich the lives of people living in Northern Ireland, those visiting, and those who encounter it through international touring and regular radio and TV broadcasts with both BBC Northern Ireland and BBC Radio 3, the Orchestra strives for excellence in all it undertakes, be it regular concert performances, learning and community engagement programmes, or creative collaborations across the arts.