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- Tasks: Join the Royal Opera House as Section Principal Bassoon, performing in a prestigious orchestra.
- Company: The Royal Opera House is a renowned institution in Covent Garden, celebrated for its artistic excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working conditions and a permanent salaried position with opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a diverse team, contribute to impactful performances, and showcase your talent.
- Qualifications: Seeking skilled musicians with recent professional experience and a passion for collaboration.
- Other info: Auditions include both in-person and recorded options, promoting undiscovered talent through anonymised applications.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Orchestra of the Royal Opera House is seeking to appoint to the position of Section Principal Bassoon. We invite applications from outstanding players with considerable recent relevant professional experience. The successful candidate will be a musician of the highest calibre who is self-motivated, reliable and versatile with the ability to work under pressure as part of an established team.
The terms and conditions of employment for this position offer some flexibility in workload and schedule. This is a permanent salaried position. We actively encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds and value the positive impact that difference has on our teams.
In line with the 'Hiring and recruitment in UK Orchestras; Good practice recommendations, 10 point action plan' developed by Black Lives in Music, the Musicians' Union, and the Association of British Orchestras, we will be conducting screened first round auditions to encourage and promote undiscovered talent.
Auditions will be held in London as follows:
- First rounds: Tuesday 1st July, Wednesday 2nd July and Thursday 3rd July 2025
- Second rounds: Tuesday 9th September and Monday 15th September 2025
Our preference will be to hear first round candidates in person, but should you be unable to attend on the scheduled dates we will accept a recorded audition to be submitted by 9am, Thursday 26th June 2025 (full instructions will be sent to shortlisted candidates). Second round auditions will be in person only. All applications will be anonymised for shortlisting purposes.
The format of the auditions will be:
- First round (behind screens): Mozart Bassoon Concerto 1st movement only (no cadenza) and orchestral excerpts only as per enclosed PDF.
- Second round (unscreened with piano accompaniment): Mozart Bassoon Concerto 1st and 2nd movements (no cadenzas) and orchestral excerpts to be sent to candidates.
The closing date for applications is: Thursday 12th June 2025 at 9am. Please note we will aim to contact shortlisted candidates by the end of Friday 20th June.
Should candidates who are shortlisted for trial work or offered permanent employment not have current UK work authorisation, RBO will provide support in obtaining the necessary permission to work depending on individual circumstances. Please contact us at the relevant point in the recruitment process if this applies to you.
If you have any questions regarding this position please e-mail.
Section Principal Bassoon - Covent Garden employer: ROYAL BALLET AND OPERA
Contact Detail:
ROYAL BALLET AND OPERA Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Section Principal Bassoon - Covent Garden
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the repertoire that will be featured in the auditions, especially the Mozart Bassoon Concerto. Practising these pieces thoroughly will not only enhance your performance but also demonstrate your commitment and preparation.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former members of the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House. They can provide valuable insights into the audition process and what the panel is looking for, which can give you an edge over other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Consider recording your practice sessions to evaluate your performance objectively. This will help you identify areas for improvement and ensure you are audition-ready when the time comes.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest news and developments within the Royal Opera House and its orchestra. Understanding their current projects and artistic direction can help you tailor your performance and show how you can contribute to their vision.
We think you need these skills to ace Section Principal Bassoon - Covent Garden
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities and expectations of the Section Principal Bassoon position. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the job description.
Prepare Your Audition Material: Ensure you are well-prepared for the audition requirements. Practice the Mozart Bassoon Concerto and the specified orchestral excerpts thoroughly, as these will be crucial in demonstrating your abilities.
Craft a Strong CV: Create a detailed CV that showcases your musical background, professional experience, and any notable performances or collaborations. Tailor it to reflect your suitability for this specific role.
Submit Your Application on Time: Make sure to submit your application by the deadline of Thursday 12th June 2025 at 9am. Double-check that all required documents are included and that your application is complete before hitting send.
How to prepare for a job interview at ROYAL BALLET AND OPERA
✨Know Your Repertoire
Make sure you're well-versed in the pieces you'll be performing, especially the Mozart Bassoon Concerto. Familiarity with the orchestral excerpts is crucial, so practice them thoroughly to showcase your skills.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
As a Section Principal, you'll need to work closely with other musicians. During the interview, highlight your ability to collaborate and communicate effectively within a team setting.
✨Showcase Your Versatility
Be prepared to discuss your experiences in various musical settings. Whether it's different genres or ensemble types, demonstrating your adaptability will impress the panel.
✨Prepare for Pressure
Interviews and auditions can be nerve-wracking. Practice performing under pressure, perhaps by simulating the audition environment with friends or colleagues, to help you stay calm and focused during the actual event.
