Section Principal Trumpet, BBCSSO

Job Description

CONTRACT TYPE: Permanent (continuing)
DEPARTMENT: Scottish Symphony Orchestra
LOCATION: City Halls, Glasgow

PLEASE NOTE:

In order to apply for this position, Candidates will need to register onMusicalchairs and apply via the ‘Apply via musicalchairs’ button to complete a short information form. Candidates will then follow the below application and audition process: The deadline to complete the form on Musicalchairs is FRIDAY 20TH MARCH 2026

This role qualifies for UK Visa Sponsorship

INTRODUCTION

We have an exciting opportunity for a Section Principal Trumpet to join the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra.

As Scotland’s national broadcasting orchestra, the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra has been performing for audiences across Scotland, the UK and internationally since 1935. From Oban to Aldeburgh and London to Seoul (as part of BBC Proms Korea), the 2024/25 Season has been no exception. The orchestra’s live performances are regularly broadcast on BBC Radio 3, Radio Scotland and Sounds, as well as BBC Television and iPlayer.

Opening eyes and ears with ambitious repertoire beyond any benchmark, the BBC SSO is Scotland’s leading champion of new music. Across nine decades, it has commissioned orchestral music by the most original voices of its time and hosts its annual Tectonics Festival of new and experimental music each spring alongside its Creative Partner Ilan Volkov.

With Associate Artist Lucy Drever the orchestra runs projects that inspire creativity and connection with families, schools and communities across Scotland. And through a close association with the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, the orchestra mentors the next generation of conductors, composers and instrumentalists. The orchestra supports young musical talent in BBC Radio Scotland’s Young Classical Musician competition.

Ryan Wigglesworth began his tenure as Chief Conductor in September 2022. One of the foremost composer-conductors of his generation, he has directed a wide range of repertoire with the BBC SSO including the ballets of Stravinsky, major works of Elgar, and UK premieres by György Kurtág and Composer-in-Association Hans Abrahamsen. Regularly performing at the BBC Proms and Edinburgh International Festival, the orchestra is a recipient of a Royal Philharmonic Society Award and four Gramophone Awards.

Delyana Lazarova has been appointed Principal Guest Conductor of the BBC SSO from September 2025, the beginning of the orchestra’s 90th anniversary concert season.

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND IMPACT:

• To sit as Section Principal Trumpet, providing artistic direction and ensuring high standards of style, intonation, balance, ensemble, and preparation.
• Maintain Musical Excellence – prepare all repertoire thoroughly in advance, including solos, and uphold the highest level of professional orchestral and solo playing.
• Support Conductors and Leaders – collaborate effectively with Leaders, the Chief Conductor, and guest conductors to deliver cohesive and high quality performances.
• Manage and Develop the Section – lead and manage section members, contribute to performance evaluations, give constructive feedback, and assist with freelance musician selection.
• Foster Positive Working Relationships – build strong, respectful relationships across the Orchestra and with freelance players, promoting an environment where artistic excellence can flourish.
• Participate in Auditions and Wider Orchestra Activity – take part in audition panels, trial assessments, artistic discussions, and broader Orchestra initiatives such as meetings, promotional activity, and outreach work.
• Uphold BBC Standards and Policies – act as a role model for BBC Values, comply with all BBC and MU policies-including diversity, performance management, and health & safety-and represent the BBC professionally.

YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:

• Extensive experience as Section Principal Trumpet playing solos and full orchestra repertoire to the highest standards.
• Effective and committed team leader, sharing responsibility with the management for players’ performance.
• Strong leadership and some experience in delivery of feedback.
• To maintain artistic excellence and encourage in others.
• To work collaboratively with colleagues, management and conductors.

APPLICATION DETAILS

APPLICATIONS MUST BE VIA THE MUSICALCHAIRS WEBSITE – PLEASE CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING LINK FOR FULL DETAILS ON HOW TO APPLY AND AUDITIONS INSTRUCTIONS:

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: FRIDAY 20TH MARCH 2026

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.

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.

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:

BBC Group and Public Services, Broadcasting House, Portland Place, London, United Kingdom, W1A 1AA.

BBC Studios Distribution Limited, company no: , registered address: 1 Television Centre, 101 Wood Lane, London, United Kingdom W12 7FA.