Principal 1st Violin Sitting No.4, BBCCO

BBC Nordic; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The BBC Group and Public Services seeks a Principal 1st Violin to sit as Number 4 and frequently lead the section. This role demands outstanding solo and orchestral playing, deep repertoire knowledge, and the ability to inspire peers while maintaining the highest musical standards.

Travel across the UK, touring, and flexible evening/weekend work are integral. The position is based at Broadcasting House, London, with a permanent contract and full-time hours.

Qualifications

• Excellent professional orchestral and solo violin playing ability.
• Knowledge of the BBC Concert Orchestra repertoire.
• Ability to lead and inspire performances and provide artistic direction.
• People and performance management skills with constructive feedback.
• Able to build harmonious working relationships and plan ahead for parts.

Responsibilities

• Act as Principal 1st Violin, sitting number 4, and step up as Section Principal when required.
• Lead the section, ensure high musical standards and cohesion during performances.
• Travel throughout the UK for tours and manage evening/weekend work patterns.
• Collaborate with colleagues to deliver outstanding BBC Concert Orchestra productions.

Skills

Violin performance

Orchestral leadership

Repertoire knowledge

People management

Collaborative teamwork

Job description

Principal 1st Violin Sitting No.4, BBCCO

JOB DETAILS

CONTRACT TYPE: Continuing (permanent), Full-time
DEPARTMENT: BBC Concert Orchestra
LOCATION: Broadcasting House, London

SALARY: In accordance with Musician Union Agreements

PLEASE NOTE:

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

• To act as Principal 1st Violin, sitting number 4 and stepping up to Section Principal and leading the section when required.
• To have excellent solo and orchestral playing ability, maintaining the highest musical standards
• To play a full role in the life of the BBC Concert Orchestra
• This job requires travelling throughout the UK and touring as well as evening and weekend work patterns

YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:

• Excellent professional orchestral and solo violin playing ability
• Knowledge of the range of repertoire of the BBC Concert Orchestra
• The ability to both lead and work collaboratively to inspire and contribute to performances that meet the highest musical standards by providing artistic direction and by motivating members of the Section
• Effective people and performance management skills, including the ability to give constructive feedback, deal with sensitive issues and to make difficult decisions
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to establish and develop harmonious working relationships with a diverse range of people
• Ability to plan ahead in order to prepare parts and make the best use of the resources available
• Awareness of health and safety issues

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: FRIDAY 11TH DECEMBER 2026

Disclaimer

This job description is a written statement of the essential characteristics of the job, with its principal accountabilities, incorporating a note of the skills, knowledge and experience required for a satisfactory level of performance. This is not intended to be a complete, detailed account of all aspects of the duties involved.

Please note: If you were to be offered this role, the BBC will conduct Employment screening checks which include Reference checks; Eligibility to work checks; and if applicable to the role, Safeguarding and Adverse media/Social media checks. Any offer made is conditional on these checks being satisfactory.

Before your start date, you may need to disclose any unspent convictions or police charges, in line with our Recruitment policy. This allows us to discuss any support you may need and assess any risks. Failure to disclose may result in the withdrawal of your offer.

For any general queries, please contact: [e-mail]

Redeployment

The BBC is committed to redeploying employees seeking suitable alternative employment within the BBC and they will be given priority consideration ahead of other applicants. Priority consideration means for those employees seeking redeployment their application will be considered alongside anyone else at risk of redundancy, prior to any individuals being considered who are not at risk.

This is your BBC

At the BBC you can create and innovate in an inclusive environment while contributing to some of the world’s best loved content, and the BBC’s mission to inform, educate and entertain.

Find out more about the BBC

Life at BBC

• 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 pensionscheme 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.

Benefits may vary if you are joining on an FTC basis or on an orchestra conditions contract.

Learn more about life at the BBC and our values in our candidate pack.

Candidate pack

You belong

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.

Find out more about diversity, inclusion and belonging in our strategy below.

Diversity, inclusion & belonging strategy

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: [e-mail]

BBC Group and Public Services, Broadcasting House, Portland Place, London, United Kingdom, W1A 1AA. BBC Studios Distribution Limited, company no: 01420028, registered address: 1 Television Centre, 101 Wood Lane, London, United Kingdom W12 7FA.