Section Principal Percussion

Scottish Opera; Glasgow; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Scottish Opera in Glasgow invites applications for the position of Section Principal Percussion. This is a full-time orchestral post with a guaranteed minimum of 29 weeks of work per year and a commitment to equality and inclusion.

Auditions will be held in Glasgow as noted: 1st Round Wednesday 13 May 2026; 2nd and 3rd Rounds Wednesday 3 June and Monday 8 June and Tuesday 9 June 2026. Applicants must demonstrate UK right to work.

Job description

Scottish Opera takes world-class opera to all corners of Scotland and beyond, ensuring that as many people as possible can enjoy this wonderful art form. The company is Glasgow based and the Orchestra performs main stage and medium-scale operas, participates in education and outreach work and performs concerts and recordings.

We invite applications for the position of Section Principal Percussion. Players have a contractual guarantee of a minimum of 29 weeks of work per year, and in November each year receive 5 months’ notice of their contracted weeks of work for the year that commences from April.

Auditions for this position will take place in Glasgow on the following dates:

1st Round (Panel to listen to AV Recordings and consider Anonymised online Portfolios - Screened)
Wednesday 13 May 2026

2nd and 3rd Rounds (in person)
Wednesday 3 June (2nd round in the PM and 3rd round in the EVE)
Monday 8 June 2026 (2nd round in the AM and 3rd round in the PM)
Tuesday 9 June 2026 (2nd round in the AM and 3rd round in the PM)

All candidates must be able to demonstrate a pre-existing right to work in the UK and documentary proof of this will be requested prior to auditions.

We have a strong commitment to promoting equality, and we particularly encourage applications from people who are under-represented in the performing arts.

Our diversity and equality commitment

At Scottish Opera, our mission is to speak powerfully through all our work in order to entertain, inspire, surprise, challenge and delight audiences throughout Scotland, the rest of the UK and internationally. We know that having a diverse workforce is essential if we are going to deliver our mission.

We are committed to promoting equality and ensuring that no one is denied opportunities or discriminated against through prejudice or exclusion due to age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. We particularly encourage applications from people that are under-represented in the Performing Arts and at Scottish Opera including those from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds and disabled people. We have supportive working practices and work towards providing wherever possible a working environment that is inclusive and accessible for those with caring responsibilities.

This diversity of thought paired with a culture of inclusion is vital for us to continue to create work that is for everyone. This makes Scottish Opera a great place to work, where people are valued for who they are.

We are committed to treating all applicants fairly and equally.

Scottish Opera strives to be an equal opportunities employer and is subsidised by the Scottish Government. Registered Number SC 0 37531. Scottish Charity Number SC 0 19787.