At a Glance
- Tasks: Source and manage printed music for the BBC National Orchestra and Chorus of Wales.
- Company: Join the BBC, a leading cultural institution in Wales.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, 25 days annual leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant orchestra and make a real impact on classical music accessibility.
- Qualifications: Proven music knowledge, attention to detail, and ability to work under pressure.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 31000 £ per year.
CONTRACT TYPE: Fixed-term Contract, Full-time until June 2027
DEPARTMENT: BBC NOW
LOCATION: Hoddinott Hall, Cardiff
PROPOSED SALARY RANGE: £28,000 - £31,000 per annum depending on relevant skills, knowledge and experience.
PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
This role works closely with the rest of the orchestra management team to drive a vision for the orchestra as a key cultural and artistic asset for the country of Wales alongside its existing commitment to providing outstanding content for BBC broadcast, primarily on BBC Radio 3.
WHY JOIN THE TEAM
The BBC National Orchestra and Chorus of Wales occupies a special role as both a BBC broadcast orchestra and the national symphony orchestra of Wales. The Orchestra is generously supported by the Arts Council of Wales and is proud to work with an outstanding group of conductors. As one of the six BBC Orchestras and Choirs, the Orchestra has a busy schedule of recordings, broadcasts and concerts for BBC Radio 3, BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru, BBC Films and BBC television. Education is also at the heart of our work, developing innovative projects to increase accessibility to classical music and engaging with communities across Wales.
YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND IMPACT
In this role, you will source, prepare, and manage printed music for the BBC National Orchestra and Chorus of Wales, ensuring timely, cost‑effective provision of accurate, high‑quality materials that comply with copyright law and maintaining accurate records of the arrival and return of all materials. Responsibilities include checking and marking parts with input from conductors and musicians, responding to requests, preparing and distributing music for rehearsals and performances, maintaining and cataloguing the library, and supporting auditions. You will also manage hire budgets, provide orchestrations, and collaborate closely with colleagues, players, and freelancers while attending events to distribute and collect music.
YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA
- Proven music knowledge and literacy
- Ability to provide detailed interpretation of scorings and orchestrations
- Very fine attention to detail and the ability to maintain accurate records
- Experience and competency in using music notation to manually amend parts where necessary
- Ability to work on your own initiative as well as part of a team
- Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines
DESIRED BUT NOT REQUIRED
- Experience and competency in using music notation software
- An understanding of copyright legislation as it pertains to music
- Experience of working in a Music Library
- Ability to undertake basic arranging and orchestrating tasks – for example expanding a short score
If you can bring some of these skills and experience, along with transferable strengths, we’d love to hear from you and encourage you to apply.
BENEFITS
Fair pay and flexible benefits including a competitive salary package, a flexible 35‑hour working week, 25 days annual leave with the option to buy an extra 5 days, a defined pension scheme and discounted dental, health care and gym. Excellent career and professional development. Support in your working life, including flexible working which you can discuss with us at any point during the application, selection or offer. A values‑based organisation where the way we do things is important as what we do.
EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
We have a working environment where we value and respect every individual's unique contribution, so all our employees feel that they can belong, thrive and achieve their full potential. We want to attract the broadest range of talented people to join us. The more diverse our workforce, the better able we are to respond to and reflect our audiences in all their diversity. We welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief.
DISABILITY CONFIDENT
We are a disability confident employer. If you need to discuss adjustments or access requirements for the interview process, or to carry out this role, please contact us via email and we’d be happy to discuss: reasonable.adjustments@bbc.co.uk
Orchestra Librarian : BBC NOW in Cardiff employer: BBC Group and Public Services
Joining the BBC National Orchestra and Chorus of Wales as an Orchestra Librarian offers a unique opportunity to be part of a prestigious cultural institution in Cardiff, where you will contribute to the artistic vision of Wales' national symphony orchestra. With a commitment to employee growth, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive work culture that values diversity and inclusion, the BBC provides an enriching environment for those passionate about music and community engagement. Enjoy competitive benefits, including a generous salary package, professional development opportunities, and a vibrant workplace that celebrates creativity and collaboration.
Contact Details:
BBC Group and Public Services Recruitment Team
