Job Vacancy. Orchestra Manager. Welsh National Opera Orchestra. Interviews: 2-12 September

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1 Job Vacancy Orchestra Manager Department: Welsh National Opera Orchestra Deadline for applications: 26 August (9.00am) Interviews: 2-12 September Salary by negotiation (c. 30,000 p.a. subject to experience) Permanent, full time All applicants must complete an application form. Forms can be downloaded at and submitted electronically to or in hard copy to the HR Department, WNO, Wales Millennium Centre, Bute Place, Cardiff CF10 5AL

2 Our purpose Opera is our passion. At the heart of that passion is our belief that opera has the power to transform lives. We will reach out to everyone using our creativity, our daring, and our dynamism to ignite a new generation of opera lovers and to guide new and existing audiences on a journey of discovery. Values Expert in what we do at every level and we want to share this expertise with the largest possible audience Collaborative our work is made by a talented team working together with a can-do attitude Smart by being agile, open-minded and in touch we can identify new opportunities and use our resources wisely to take opera to more audiences in more places Provocative as opera pioneers we are unafraid to challenge both ourselves and our audiences. We will create moving, provocative and powerful experiences that are life-transforming. We are inquisitive and unafraid to take risks Strategic principles We ll do great opera We ll be great value We ll reach more people We ll be an artistic leader We ll be financially responsible Welsh National Opera transforms lives through the power of opera. We are passionate about opera and want to share this passion with as many people as possible. We do this with award-winning performances of fully-staged operas which combine a sense of adventure with the highest possible quality. We keep our performances accessible through affordable ticket prices. Beyond the theatre we connect with people through our community and education work and digital projects. The energy which drives the Company today is rooted in its formation in the 1940s. In 1943, WNO was founded by a group of people from across South Wales including miners, teachers and doctors. They wanted to forge an opera company befitting Wales s rich reputation as the land of song. The first rehearsals took place above a car business in Cardiff and our first performance was given in April 1946 with the double bill of Cavalleria rusticana and I Pagliacci. From those early days onwards WNO has attracted some of the world s best opera singers, and indeed gave many young singers their first steps to international renown. Welsh National Opera has been led from the pit by a series of great Music Directors and has worked with many of the art form s most influential directors, traditions which continue to this day. Lothar Koenigs is Music Director of Welsh National Opera. He joined the Company in September Today the Company employs 230 people including artists, craftspeople, technicians and administrators based at its state of the art home, Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff. At its heart sit the Company s two full time ensembles, the 40 strong Chorus and 55 strong Orchestra. Every year the Company performs to over 120,000 people across 10 cities throughout Wales and England. David Pountney, one of the world s most influential opera directors, joined Welsh National Opera to lead the Company as Chief Executive and Artistic Director in Starting with Free Spirits in spring 2013 David s programming centres around themed seasons which bring different but thematically linked works together. Through these themed seasons we hope to take audiences on a journey of discovery and introduce a new generation of opera lovers to this great art form along the way.

3 WELSH NATIONAL OPERA ORCHESTRA Music Director: Leader: Assistant Leader: Lothar Koenigs David Adams Vacancy History The Orchestra of Welsh National Opera was founded in Since then it has established itself as one of the finest British orchestras, highly praised for its distinction in a wide-ranging operatic repertoire, as well as for its concert work and recordings. Lothar Koenigs joined WNO as Music Director in August 2009 having already formed an extremely strong relationship with the orchestra and Company. Lothar conducted Khovanshchina in 2007 and Salome in 2009, as well as two St David s Hall concerts in 2006 and In his first season he conducted Wozzeck, Tosca and Die Meistersinger, and since that time has led the company in performances of Lulu, Lohengrin. Manon Lescaut, Boulevard Solitude and most recently, Moses and Aron. Numerous concerts have included performances of Mahler s 1 st Symphony, Brahms 2 nd Symphony, Berlioz s Symphonie Fantastique and Stravinsky s Rite of Spring. Lothar has also conducted the company in Wagner s Tristan and Isolde including a performance at the Edinburgh Festival; as well as a performance of Die Meistersinger as part of the BBC Proms. In this next season, Lothar conducts The Magic Flute and Hansel and Gretel as well as concerts including Bartok s Miraculous Mandarin Suite and Beethoven s Symphony No 5. The previous Music Director, Carlo Rizzi joined the company in the Autumn of 1992 and remained with the Company until 2001, returning to the position from 2004 to The range of operas which he conducted included Elektra, Der Rosenkavalier, Peter Grimes, Tristan und Isolde, Katya Kabanova, Ariadne auf Naxos, Salome, as well as many works by Verdi and Puccini. With him the orchestra has recorded Gounod's Faust, Verdi's Rigoletto and Un ballo in maschera, Janacek s Katya Kabanova, as well as recital discs featuring Alfredo Kraus, Thomas Hampson, Jerry Hadley, Jennifer Larmore, Olga Borodina, and Marcello Alvarez. In this coming season, Carlo returns to the company to conduct performances of Rossini s William Tell and Moses in Egypt. Previous Music Directors have included: Richard Armstrong ( ) The late Sir Charles Mackerras ( ) Now Conductor Laureate. Tugan Sokhiev ( ). Together with the full company, foreign touring has taken the orchestra to Tokyo, New York, Milan, Wiesbaden, Lisbon, Berlin, Leipzig, Hong Kong and Paris on two occasions once with Pierre Boulez for performances of Debussy's Pelléas et Mélisande. In November of 2001, the orchestra visited Porto as part of the city s celebration as the 2001 European Capital of Culture. With the full company, the orchestra visited Oman in December 2013 for opera and concert performances and visits the Savonlinna Opera Festival in Finland in summer In 1995, the Orchestra of Welsh National Opera won the Royal Philharmonic Society Music Award, in the Large Ensemble category. The whole company has followed this up with 4 further major Awards from the Royal Philharmonic Society 1999 Outstanding Contribution to Opera in the 1997/98 season 2000 New Production The Carmelites - Poulenc (1999) 2001 New Production The Queen of Spades - Tchaikovsky (2000) 2013 Opera & Music Theatre Award for Lulu, Lohengrin and Paul Bunyan (Youth Opera) The company also won the TMA Achievement in Opera Award in 2013, also for Lulu and Lohengrin. Concerts The orchestra has had an increased profile on the concert platform in recent years. It has taken part in the BBC Promenade Concerts in 1994, 2002 and It has also featured in three of the Orchestral Series symphonic concerts at St David s Hall, Cardiff in each season since The orchestra presented the WNO Free Concert to many thousands of people in Cardiff Bay in several years from Numerous concerts at major English venues including Royal Festival Hall and Barbican Centre, London; Symphony Hall, Birmingham; Bridgewater Hall in Manchester; and the Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham have taken

4 place. The orchestra has visited the International Eisteddfod in Llangollen many times in recent years, including with Bryn Terfel, Angela Gheorghiu, Rolando Villazon and Jose Carreras. The orchestra has taken part in the Welsh Proms at St David s Hall over the past few years as well as at numerous music festivals such as the Fishguard International Music Festival and the North Wales International Music Festival in St Asaph. It has contributed with distinction at every BBC Cardiff Singer of the World Competition since that competition s inception. The orchestra has its own Residencies in the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and currently in Torbay in Devon and is currently working with Pontio Arts Centre at Bangor University to develop strong links of a similar nature. Major Recordings Osud Janacek Mackerras Jenufa Janacek Mackerras Rigoletto Verdi Rizzi Ballo in maschera Verdi Rizzi Gloriana Britten Mackerras Delius repertoire Mackerras Tristan and Isolde Wagner Goodhall Parsifal Wagner Goodhall Faust Gounod Rizzi Eugene Onegin Tchaikovsky Mackerras Operettas G and S Mackerras Borodina/Alvarez/Kraus recitals Rizzi Norma Bellini Bonynge Katya Kabanova Janacek Rizzi The Current Personnel Strength The orchestra currently has a formal contract strength of 55 players but is currently under that number with trials/searches ongoing: Leader Assistant Leader (Vacancy Trials Ongoing) 8 First Violins (Rank & File Vacancy Trials Ongoing) 7 Second Violins (Section Principal Vacancy Trials Ongoing) 5 Violas (Rank & File Vacancy Trials Ongoing) 5 Cellos 3 Double Basses 1 Flute (Sub Principal Flute Vacancy including doubling piccolo Auditions Ongoing) 2 Oboes (including doubling cor anglais) 2 Clarinets (including doubling bass) 2 Bassoons (including contra) 3 Horns (Assistant Principal playing 1 st and 3 rd as required trials ongoing) 2 Trumpets 3 Trombones 1 Timpani The Company employs many regular extra players who expand the main body including first considered extras on the following instruments: Percussion 3 regular players + extra support Harp 1 regular player + extra support Rather than deferring automatically to London freelance musicians for the general extras in Strings, Wind and Brass sections, the priority of the Orchestra Management is to be committed to building a body of loyal extras from the Cardiff and South Wales/West of England areas, as well as the cities to which the Company tours. The Company employs an Orchestra Operations Manager and an Orchestra and Chorus Attendant who look after the technical side of the Orchestra s requirements. The Orchestra has its own climate-controlled trailer that is driven between venues by one of the Company s lorry drivers. Infrastructure The Orchestra s home base, the WMC, contains a purpose-built hall for Orchestra rehearsal. This room is 20mx16m in area and has a very high ceiling. There are dedicated Orchestra locker rooms and showers close by. Lockers are large enough for smaller instrument

5 storage. There is a separate instrument store next to Orchestra Hall for the larger instruments to be locked away. There is also a remote storage facility within the Cardiff dockland area for more rarely used equipment. Management Team The Orchestra management team is as follows: Peter Harrap (Chorus and Orchestra Director) Joined the Company in 1992 as Orchestra Manager, adding the Company s concert remit to that position in Prior to coming to WNO, he was involved with orchestra management elsewhere alongside being a professional trombone player for 13 years; having originally studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, London. Peter oversees all the general management of the Chorus and Orchestra departments of the Company as well as the work of the Company s Music Staff and Music Library. He also manages the department s relationships outside partners and the concert work of the Company. He is a member of the Senior Management Team at WNO and has been a Board member of the Association of British Orchestras since Jenna Shiells (Secretary to Chorus and Orchestra Management) - On Maternity Leave Jenna attended the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama as a violinist. She joined WNO in January 2009 and took over the role in combination with her position as No 2 receptionist for the Company in September of that year. Daniel Aguirre Evans (Secretary to Chorus and Orchestra Management) - Maternity Cover Daniel studied Politics & International Relations at the University of Manchester, although he spent the majority of his time in the music department playing and running a busy music society. He graduated in July 2013 and joined the company in October as part of the inaugural voluntary placement scheme as a Marketing Intern and took over his current role of Secretary to Chorus & Orchestra Management (maternity cover) in December. Orchestra Manager (Vacancy) Peter Lilley (Assistant to Orchestra Management) First Violinist with the Orchestra since Assistant to Orchestra Management since Peter was Orchestra Manager in He is the chief back-up liaison with the management on the ground, as he is on tour and generally with the Orchestra throughout each season. Hywel Evans (Orchestra Operations Manager) Joined Company in All hands-on technical aspects of the Orchestra s operation. He is responsible for making sure current Health and Safety Policies with regard to noise are complied with. Hywel manages all the setting up of pits/platforms and rehearsal room work for the Orchestra and also, to an extent, the Chorus. All theatre, concert hall and rehearsal room get-ins and get-outs are covered by him with a rolling liaison with the WNO s Technical Manager. Richard Harrison (Orchestra and Chorus Attendant) Joined Company in All hands-on technical aspects of the Orchestra s operation. Setting up of pits/platforms and rehearsal room work for the Orchestra and also the Chorus. All theatre, concert hall and rehearsal room get-ins and get-outs.

6 Orchestra Manager Job Description Responsible to: Responsible for: Chorus & Orchestra Director Orchestra Operations Manager Orchestra and Chorus Attendant Assistant to Orchestra Management (Playing) Orchestra Members (54) (not Leader) Main purpose of job: To ensure the effective management and the smooth running of the Company s Contract Orchestra for all rehearsals and performances of opera, concert and ensemble activity. People Management: To manage the performance of staff for whom the post is responsible, including: Supervising their work to achieve maximum effectiveness and provide support and guidance where needed; Providing feedback on performance including undertaking an annual appraisal review and identifying training and development needs; Providing staff with all relevant information on the company and their job and encouraging the upward communication of ideas and issues. Key accountabilities: Day to day management of Contract Orchestra Producing and managing the Orchestra schedule in consultation with the Chorus and Orchestra Director and the Artistic Administration Department. Together with the Chorus and Orchestra Director, budgeting of the Orchestra s activities and implementation of management decisions in line with budgeting requirements. Liaising with the Finance Director in order that ongoing analysis is available of operational costs. Liaison with Music Director, Chorus and Orchestra Director, Leader and, where necessary, visiting conductor, concerning personnel decisions. Collective and individual communications with musicians regarding all Company work. Inter-departmental communication regarding Orchestra business. Managing Orchestra office and management staff for which responsible. Attending Orchestra Management/Planning/Concerts/WNO Youth and Community/Health and Safety/Union/ Music Administration Meetings/General Company Administration meetings as necessary. Convening meetings with individual musicians as necessary. Engagement of all extra players in line with personnel decisions and budgeting requirements, in consultation with Section Principal players, Chorus and Orchestra Director and Leader. Preparation of all associated documentation. Practical assistance provided by the Secretary to the Chorus and Orchestra Management. Attendance duty for all Orchestra engagements. Preparing weekly payroll documentation for Contract Orchestra and extra players, and fulfilling all necessary requirements of the Accounts office with regard to back-up information. Overseeing the recruitment and management of Orchestra auditions. Liaising with Orchestra Committee and the Musicians Union representative regarding day to day orchestral business. Arranging and chairing meetings as necessary. Higher level liaison with the MU Orchestral Organiser as deemed necessary.

7 Concert Management Work assisting with all concert management for the Orchestra Residencies, as well as with all commercial concert work. Interdepartmental and venue liaison as necessary. Liaison with recording/film/tv companies regarding media work. Management of Orchestra for any commercial contractual or extra-contractual audio recordings full attendance Management of Orchestra for Cardiff Singer of the World Competition full attendance. Overseeing the management of side by side young player programmes which are part of key relationships between WNO and both the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and the Birmingham Conservatoire of Music. Any other duties as may reasonably be required for the smooth running of orchestral business.

8 Orchestra Manager Person Specification Essential attributes include Very strong administrative and organisational skills. Able to communicate effectively at all levels. Highly organized and motivated, with the ability to motivate others. Totally can do and problem solving in attitude. Not afraid of decision-making when surrounded by conflicting priorities. Energized by working in a solutions-based environment. Good people person, discreet, approachable, trustworthy, loyal and capable of maintaining respect throughout the Company management and from the orchestra players. Flexible with personal working practices and personal scheduling requirements. Strong knowledge of operatic and/or classical orchestral repertoire. Understanding of the way an artistic organisation works. Understanding the priorities and the way in which different artistic people like to work conductors, musicians, instrumental soloists, singers. Knowledge and understanding of the technical environment around an orchestral and theatrical workplace. Computer literacy - Excel, Word etc Health and Safety and Noise at Work awareness. Desirable attributes include Specific and at least near-equivalent Orchestra and Concert Management background in a recognized artistic company. Ability to drive and in possession of a full current license.

9 Orchestra Manager Main Terms and Conditions Salary by negotiation (c. 30,000 p.a. subject to experience), payable monthly by credit transfer to bank. The offer of an appointment is subject to receipt of two references and a health report that are satisfactory to the company. The appointment is subject to a trial period of six months. Termination of engagement during the trial period is by one month s notice on either side. Termination thereafter is by three months notice on either side. Normal office hours are 9.30 to 5.30, Monday to Friday, with a 1-hour lunch break, but it is understood that work will need to be undertaken outside these hours and at weekends. Holiday entitlement is 5 weeks per annum. Sickness benefit during the trial period is at the statutory minimum. Entitlement after completion of the trial period is a maximum of 13 weeks at full salary and 13 weeks at half salary, inclusive of statutory sick pay in both cases. The Company offers a contributory pension scheme.

10 Health and Safety Individual Responsibilities Heads of Department and Assistants/Deputies (Level 4) Responsibilities: All individuals with responsibility for the management and supervision of work activities will ensure that: employees understand and implement the requirements of our Health and Safety Management System changes in our Health and Safety Management System are brought to the attention of all employees the requirements of our Health and Safety Management System are implemented and health and safety standards maintained at all times employees are encouraged to give a high level of commitment to health and safety employees, contractors and visitors are aware of and follow our safety procedures adequate training, information, instruction and supervision is provided to employees health and safety issues requiring action are communicated to senior management immediately appropriate disciplinary procedures are followed where employees are in breach of matters affecting health and safety effective arrangements for communication and lines of reporting are established and maintained effective actions are taken when hazards and shortcomings are reported.

11 Health and Safety Individual Responsibilities All Personnel (Level 6) Every employed person, including Managers. Responsibilities All personnel are responsible for:- The observance and implementation of rules and systems which are derived from the Health and Safety Policy and the arrangements for its implementation. Taking reasonable care for their personal health and safety and that of fellow employees and others who may be affected either directly or indirectly by their acts or omissions at work. Reporting promptly to the appropriate Manager potential or actual hazards and defects. Taking part in any health and safety training considered by the Company to be necessary in order to comply with the Company Health and Safety Policy and current legislation. Knowing the correct action to be taken in the event of an accident, fire or other emergency. Co-operating with Management and other personnel in meeting statutory requirements. Not interfering with or misusing anything provided to protect their health, safety or welfare which is required by legislation and using any machinery, equipment, substance or safety device in accordance with any training and instruction.

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