NORTHERN BALLET MUSIC DIRECTOR Background information A powerhouse for inventive dance Northern Ballet is a powerhouse for inventive dance. We create innovative full-length ballets and tour these to as wide an audience as possible, alongside pieces from existing repertoire. We are an internationally facing world-class dance company where excellence and diversity is recognised and celebrated in all areas of our organisation. We are committed to diversifying audiences and we will extend the reach of our work with the addition of significant digital distribution during 2018/22. We are working to establish the Leeds Dance Partnership to ensure that great dance is created and presented in a wide range of spaces in Yorkshire, the North and beyond. We are working with other ballet companies to develop new choreographers and dancers for the future. We are working to ensure an increase in engagement and participation from a diverse community. We continue to work with a wide range of partners to ensure that we are more financially resilient and agile with an increased range of income streams. The Creative Case for Diversity remains at the forefront of all our work. A unique company Northern Ballet was established in 1969 and has grown to become one of the best-loved dance companies in the world. We take inspiration from an eclectic mix of classical dance, theatre, popular culture, literature and opera to develop new and original world-class productions as well as creating new interpretations of popular classical ballets. We have a track record for creating high-calibre productions of narrative dance working with an expert team of collaborators and appeal to as wide an audience as possible. We make bold and innovative repertoire choices. Recent work includes 1984, Jane Eyre, The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, Casanova and The Little Mermaid. In 2017 we had three world premieres and appeared on the main stage at
the Royal Opera House as part of the MacMillan anniversary celebrations. The Earl of Wessex is our Patron. We are committed to diversifying audiences, constantly breaking down barriers to seek out new audiences and ensuring we are accessible and engaging to all. To extend that reach we will create a range of digital work over the period 2018/22 to attract new audiences who will be able to try new experiences with no or less financial investment. We tour extensively throughout the UK and overseas ensuring the highest quality experience for all that we come into contact with. In 2019/20, Northern Ballet will celebrate its 50 th Anniversary. As well as providing unrivalled classical dance training for the dancers of the future, we also offer opportunities for people from all walks of life to experience the joy and excitement of dancing through our Academy and Learning programmes. We are proud that our achievements in raising the profile of dance in the UK have been recognised through many prestigious nominations and awards including: The Patrons Award at the annual National Dance Awards 3 times consecutive winner of the Audience Award, the only award voted for by the public Best Classical Choreography at the 2016 National Dance Awards for Jonathan Watkins for 1984 We won the South Bank Sky Arts Award for Dance for 1984 in 2016 Nominated for the Stef Stefanou Award for Outstanding Company and Nominated for Best Classical Choreography for Kenneth Tindall s Casanova at the 2017 National Dance Awards We won the Outstanding Achievement in a New Dance Production at the BroadwayWorld UK Awards for Casanova in 2017 We were nominated for the Chartered Institute of Marketing, Marketing Excellence Award in the Innovation not-for-profit/public sector category The CBeebies television adaptation of Goldilocks & the Three Bears was nominated for the Royal Television Society North West Award Nominated for Best Corporate Partnership at the Emcees Arts and Cultural Awards for Excellence in Fundraising 2017 Location In 1996, Northern Ballet relocated from Halifax to Leeds and in October 2010, the Company moved into a new 12M purpose-built facility in Leeds city centre which is home to the largest studio in Europe, and houses more studios than the Royal Ballet. Funded by Leeds County Council, Arts Council England through the National Lottery, and monies raised through philanthropic donations and fundraising efforts, the building is regarded as a huge asset both in terms of external perception, and its facilities. Funding Northern Ballet is one of four major ballet organisations funded as part of Arts Council England (ACE) National Portfolio but receives the lowest level of public subsidy of the major ballet companies. Despite this, we tour to more places and create more new ballets than any other with two annual visits to London to Sadler s Wells and the Linbury Theatre at the Royal Opera House. Priding ourselves on being the only major ballet company that can make a financial contribution to our income through touring due to our size and scale, we give more than 250 performances each year in more than 40 cities and towns across the UK. We have a strong portfolio of supporters from trusts, foundations (both Yorkshire and National), Corporates and individuals and always look to increase income from ticket sales and the commercial use of our building. First Direct are currently our National Tour sponsor. Music at Northern Ballet The Current team is made up of the Music Director; Assistant Music Director; Orchestra and Concerts Manager; 2 Company/Orchestra pianists with an orchestra of 27 Players. Although our orchestral players are freelance, the majority of them are members and our productions are orchestrated/arranged as
53221/*2*1*21/2210/TPHKbd. There is some flexibility between the use of a second flute, second trumpet and harp (as non-members) and we currently guarantee our members 150 sessions per year. Vision for 2018/22 Northern Ballet is proud to deliver more performances than any other British ballet company to the most diverse audiences throughout the UK and beyond, and is recognised as the best value for money of the major companies. We support all the Arts Council s objectives but are particularly committed to ensuring that more people have the opportunity to experience and participate in great art. The breadth of the tour is unrivalled by any other funded organisation and the geographic range of our tour remains hugely important to us for developing relationships with our audiences and funders. Our vision for 2018/22 is to: Produce a programme of new creations and collaborations, with revivals of Northern Ballet Heritage work alongside the presentation of International Heritage work and increased diversity across our creative collaborators Continue to offer Children s Ballets, as an affordable access route to our work using titles that are classic family favourites but making them relevant to modern society and ensuring they reach the least engaged areas To have live music for almost all of our performances including our childrens ballets which use an ensemble of 4 players Develop young choreographers from within the Company and externally and to build voices for the Company in the future Develop digital projects that expand both the Company output in this area of work but also use it as a platform to break down barriers to engagement and develop dance in the digital arena, making use of cutting-edge technology to produce bold new work Create non-pit opportunities for our orchestra Increase the quality, creativity, ethnic diversity and perceived status of the Company.
The Role Job Title: Location: Music Director The post holder may be employed or freelance and this will be discussed with the successful candidate to create the best option from both perspectives. Rehearsals will generally take place in Leeds and the post holder will be required to tour widely throughout the UK and sometimes overseas with the company. The main periods of touring are from March to June and September to Christmas. Reports to: Direct Reports: Purpose of the role: Artistic Director and Chief Executive To be discussed but currently: Assistant Music Director Orchestra and Concerts Manager (with the CEO) 1. Conduct an agreed number of performances each year 2. The preparation and co-ordination of all new productions which will require the Music Director to be available for at least two weeks prior to the opening and two weeks during the first performances of any new production or revival and to rehearse the orchestra unless delegated to another member of Music staff or guest conductor 3. Responsibility for the artistic standards of the orchestra, with responsibility for assessment and selection of orchestral players as required, ensuring its reputation within the music profession whilst ensuring a positive public image 4. Assessment and recruitment of music staff including guest conductors 5. Consultation with the Artistic Director over the selection of Composers/Arrangers. Key Criteria for Success After 12 months in post, the successful candidate will have: Developed a good working relationship with the orchestra and music staff Created and maintained an excellent music ensemble Prepared all new productions and revivals to a high standard.
Person Specification Skills, Experience & Knowledge A minimum of three years experience as Music Director of an orchestra or large-scale lyric company (or similar) with clear, demonstrable outcomes and achievements from that experience Practical experience of conducting for dance Detailed knowledge of both the classical music canon and specifically dance repertoire Experience of commissioning composers and arrangers Ability to arrange and orchestrate (desirable not essential) Play the piano for rehearsals (desirable not essential) Educated to degree level or equivalent Disposition/Attitude The gravitas and presence to be able to inspire and motivate others both internally and externally Ambitious, bold and creative Flexible and adaptable Articulate and persuasive A good team player and collaborative worker Outgoing and self-motivated The ability to work with charm, sensitivity and maturity A genuine and keen interest in dance.
Terms Salary: Hours: Competitive. The minimum hours are 35 per week (if employed). However, the post holder will be expected to work such reasonable hours as the needs of the post demands, including regular evening and weekend work. Studio hours for non-tour weeks are Monday to Saturday, 11.30 am 6.30 pm with an hour for lunch, but the nature of this post requires flexible working on a regular basis. Annual Leave: Probationary Period: Notice Period: Pension: 5 weeks paid holiday. 6 months. 3 months following probationary period. The Company operates a group personal pension scheme, with contributions from both the employer and the employee. Current contributions are Employer 5.75%, Employee 4.25%. Permanent full and part time staff are eligible to join at the end of the probationary period. Application Process This role is such that it will require practical audition with the orchestra as well as a number of interviews Informal discussions can be held with Artistic Director, David Nixon; Chief Executive, Mark Skipper; Current Music Director, John Pryce-Jones and these can be arranged by contacting HRAdmin@northernballet.com CV s for consideration should be sent to HRAdmin@northernballet.com by 9am on 24 May 2018 Interviews for candidates shortlisted will take place on 4 or 5 June 2018 Following interview, a number of candidates will be selected for trial with the orchestra and these trials will take place during our run of Nutcracker between 13 November & 16 December 2018 and during our spring tour in March/April/May 2019 The successful candidate would be expected to take up the position in the late summer of 2019. Photos Emma Kauldhar.