Orchestra Manager

WASO Holdings Limited; Western Australia; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and wellbeing initiatives

Flexible working arrangements

Salary packaging options

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

West Australian Symphony Orchestra (WASO) is seeking an Orchestra Manager to support planning, coordination and delivery of artistic activity, ensuring high-performance standards for musicians, concerts and projects in a collaborative environment.

The role reports to the Director, Orchestra Management and focuses on orchestrating personnel, planning, and stakeholder communication to sustain world-class performances in Western Australia.

Qualifications

• Orchestral personnel management and musician engagement.
• Concert, rehearsal and project planning support.
• Resource coordination and workforce scheduling.

Responsibilities

• Orchestral personnel management and musician engagement.
• Concert, rehearsal and project planning support.
• Resource coordination and workforce scheduling.
• Issue resolution and stakeholder communication.
• Artist welfare and workplace support.
• Operational administration and record management.
• Collaboration across artistic, production and corporate teams.
• Contributing to the continuous improvement of orchestra management practices.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Communication

Event planning

People management

Job description

Lead orchestral operations and artist engagement for Western Australia's State Orchestra.

Join the West Australian Symphony Orchestra as our Orchestra Manager and play a pivotal role in supporting the planning, coordination and delivery of the artistic activity that sits at the heart of the organisation. Working as part of WASO's Orchestra Management team, you will help ensure our musicians, concerts and artistic projects are delivered to the highest professional standards.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Director, Orchestra Management, the Orchestra Manager is responsible for managing orchestral personnel and resource requirements across WASO's projects, performances and activities. This role combines leadership, planning, communication and problem-solving to support the effective operation of the Orchestra in a dynamic and highly collaborative environment.

• Orchestral personnel management and musician engagement
• Concert, rehearsal and project planning support
• Resource coordination and workforce scheduling
• Issue resolution and stakeholder communication
• Artist welfare and workplace support
• Operational administration and record management
• Collaboration across artistic, production and corporate teams
• Contributing to the continuous improvement of orchestra management practices

About You

You are an organised, proactive and relationship-focused professional who enjoys working with performing artists and thrives in a fast-paced environment. You are an effective communicator, capable of balancing competing priorities while maintaining a high degree of professionalism and discretion.

• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills
• Experience working with performing artists, creative personnel or similar stakeholder groups
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver outcomes within tight timeframes
• Strong organisational, negotiation and conflict-resolution skills
• Ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality
• High attention to detail and strong administrative capability
• A collaborative approach combined with the ability to work autonomously
• A practical, hands-on mindset and commitment to achieving outcomes
• Willingness to work weekends and outside standard business hours when required
• Experience within the performing arts, live events or cultural sectors will be highly regarded.

Why Join WASO?

• The opportunity to contribute directly to the delivery of world-class musical performances
• The opportunity to work alongside internationally recognised musicians and arts professionals
• Complimentary or discounted access to many WASO performances
• Flexible working arrangements
• Salary packaging options
• Employee Assistance Program access
• Health and wellbeing initiatives including flu vaccinations and hearing assessments
• Perth CBD location

Most importantly, you will play an important role in supporting an institution that enriches the cultural life of Western Australia and connects with millions of people through music each year.

About WASO

For almost a century, WASO has brought world-class musical experiences to West Australians. As the State Orchestra and the largest employer of performing artists in Western Australia, we connect with more than two million people each year through performances, education programs and community engagement initiatives. We are passionate about creating exceptional experiences through music while fostering a workplace culture built on excellence, passion and teamwork.

Why This Role Matters

The Orchestra Manager plays a critical role in ensuring that WASO's artistic activities are delivered efficiently and effectively. Through strong relationships, careful planning and responsive management, you will help create the conditions that allow our musicians and artistic teams to perform at their best.

WASO is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We actively encourage applications from First Nations peoples, people living with disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and people of all ages, identities and experiences.

Your State Orchestra has provided the soundtrack to life in WA since 1928.

From concert halls to classrooms, hospitals to aged care, we bring joy, inspire learning, and nurture participation in our community, because everybody deserves the opportunity to experience live music.

We celebrate our rich classical music heritage with great musicians from all over the world and commission new repertoire to expand it.

The Orchestra collaborates widely with local arts companies and artists, performing opera to ballet, movies to musical, and jazz to rock for all West Australians to enjoy.

Your State Orchestra has provided the soundtrack to life in WA since 1928.

From concert halls to classrooms, hospitals to aged care, we bring joy, inspire learning, and nurture participation in our community, because everybody deserves the opportunity to experience live music.

We celebrate our rich classical music heritage with great musicians from all over the world and commission new repertoire to expand it.

The Orchestra collaborates widely with local arts companies and artists, performing opera to ballet, movies to musical, and jazz to rock for all West Australians to enjoy.