Assistant Orchestra Manager: Freelance & Concert Logistics

ABO; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra seeks an Assistant Orchestra Manager to work with the Orchestra Manager in coordinating contracted and freelance musicians across concerts, rehearsals and recording sessions from large symphonic programs to school concerts across the South and UK.

You will engage freelance musicians, handle scheduling and payments, deputise for the Orchestra Manager, and ensure safe, well-run performances with venue and HR teams.

Qualifications

• Experience with a professional orchestra or performing arts organisation.
• Strong knowledge of orchestral repertoire.
• Excellent communication, patience and empathy.
• Ability to stay calm under pressure and manage priorities.
• Confident written and spoken communication with diverse people.
• Excellent computer/digital skills.
• Full UK driving licence and ability to drive company cars.

Responsibilities

• Engage freelance musicians in consultation with the Orchestra Manager and principals.
• Be the first point of contact for contract and freelance musicians and be on call for short notice fixing.
• Ensure continuous orchestra management cover and allow time off from fixing.
• Attend and ensure smooth running of orchestra calls.
• Calculate payments for freelance players weekly and provide payment information to Finance.
• Fixing and concert duties for smaller ensemble concerts with Participation Department.
• Deputise for the Orchestra Manager and book freelancers to cover sickness.
• Manage start and running of concerts independently (concert duties shared).
• Coordinate digital concerts with producer, presenter, FOH, digital team and stage managers.
• Assist conductors and soloists during rehearsals and concerts; communicate rehearsal plans.
• Work with stage managers and venue staff to relay issues promptly.
• Assist with stage moves during rehearsals/concerts and transport small equipment.
• Assist with fixing lists and freelance personnel administration; budgeting of freelance costs.
• Carry out right to work checks; attend Planning meetings; use OPAS to monitor attendance.
• Comply with BSO policies and MU agreements.

Skills

Orchestra management

Rehearsal coordination

Communication skills

Calm under pressure

Time management

Driver license

Budgeting support

Tools

OPAS

Job description

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra seeks an Assistant Orchestra Manager to work with the Orchestra Manager in coordinating contracted and freelance musicians across concerts, rehearsals and recording sessions from large symphonic programs to school concerts across the South and UK.

You will engage freelance musicians, handle scheduling and payments, deputise for the Orchestra Manager, and ensure safe, well-run performances with venue and HR teams.