The National Symphony Orchestra (NSO), a major keystone of Ireland’s cultural and musical heritage, is in an exciting phase of growth, development and change with significant Government investment, having transferred from RTÉ to the National Concert Hall (NCH) in 2022. The NCH is putting the NSO at the heart of its’ programme, fostering its development and reputation as Irelands’ nationally and internationally respected Symphony Orchestra.

The NSO performs a season of over seventy events per annum at the National Concert Hall in Dublin as well as undertaking a touring programme, family concerts and a range of commercial opportunities. In addition, NSO produces broadcasts, film and audio recordings as well as educational concerts and events. A number of exciting permanent roles are being advertised as part of the development plan for the NSO.

 

Purpose of role

To sit as a Tutti member of the Cello section, providing the highest standard orchestral playing, and musical and artistic excellence required by the Orchestra. To succeed in this role you must be a team player, committed to playing a full role in the life of the Orchestra. This is a dynamic work environment and the successful candidate must be able to work calmly and efficiently in these situations, and possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

 

Role Location

Based at the National Concert Hall, Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2. Due to the nature of this role considerable travel will be required on an ongoing basis to accommodate the orchestra and its programming commitments together with other business requirements both nationally and touring overseas.

Reports to: General Manager NSO & Choirs

 

 

 

 

 

Key Responsibilities

  • · To maintain the highest standard of professional playing and musical and artistic excellence required by the Orchestra
  • · To support the Leader and Co Leader helping to foster a supportive, professional environment in all areas
  • · To build and support positive working relationships with all other members of the orchestra, the Conductor, the section, any freelance players and soloists engaged by the orchestra
  • · To play a key role in the life of the orchestra and to be a passionate team player with a commitment to maintain and enhance the reputation of the orchestra
  • · To be able to foster an environment in which artistic excellence flourishes
  • · To work in accordance with NCH Health and Safety guidelines and policy

 

Person Specification

  • · Outstanding professional orchestral and solo playing abilities
  • · 3rd level qualification in performance or equivalent experience
  • · Knowledge, passion and appreciation of the range of repertoire performed by the NSO
  • · Excellent knowledge of repertoire and styles
  • · Meticulous accuracy and attention to detail
  • · Creative flair with strong technical skills
  • · Strong interest in classical and orchestral music
  • · Ability to work under pressure is essential
  • · Must be able to work calmly and efficiently in these situations.

 

Competencies

The following competencies (behaviours and characteristics) have been identified as key to success in the job. Successful candidates are expected to demonstrate these competencies.

 

Leadership & Managing Performance – ability to create a vision and inspire others to realise it irrespective of circumstance. Sets challenging team and individual objectives, sharing clear expectations about required performance levels. Acknowledges success and monitors the performance of their section. Treats team members with honesty, respect and compassion.

Influencing & Persuading – ability to present sound and well reasoned arguments to convince others. Can draw from a range of strategies to persuade people in a way that results in agreement or behaviour change.

 

Planning & Organising – is able to think ahead in order to establish an effective and appropriate course of action for self and others. Prioritises and plans activities, taking into account all the relevant issues and factors such as deadlines, staffing and resources requirements.

Resilience – can maintain personal effectiveness by managing emotions in the face of pressure, set backs or when dealing with provocative situations. Demonstrates an approach to work that is characterised by commitment, motivation and energy.

Change Management – can understand and anticipate the need for change. Builds frameworks to plan and manage the continuous process of change.

Managing relationships - able to build and maintain effective working relationships with a range of people. Works co-operatively with others to be part of a team, as opposed to working separately or competitively.

Self Development – ability to identify and apply opportunities for learning and development.

 

Key Relationships:

Internal: NCH Senior Leadership Team, NSO management and musicians team inc. General Manager, Orchestra Manager, Planning & Event Coordinator, Artists, Chief Conductor, Principal Guest Conductor and Associate Artists, Marketing and Operations Admin; Other NCH employees as required

 

External: Venues inc. music and cultural sector, public bodies, media, government

 

Working Week

The standard working week applying to this role is 33hrs per week/ 66hrs net per fortnight. The NSO has a 7-day liability including weekends and public holidays and therefore flexibility is essential. There will a requirement for the post holder to work in other locations outside of the National Concert Hall, Dublin 2.

Annual Leave: 24 days scheduled by management.

Pension Details: Single Public Sector Pension Scheme

Probation: The probationary period is nine months which may be extended to 12 months at management discretion

Remuneration: The Tutti salary scale applies; min €39,013 – max €49,472

 

 

 

How to Apply: Submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role (attached as one document) via the online application process.

Closing Date: March 23 2023

Auditions: 9 May 2023

Auditions will be held: Dublin, Ireland

 

NSO Tutti Cello Audition Book 2023 by National Concert Hall - Issuu

 

1)Set Work:

Haydn Concerto in D major: 1st mvt Exposition and Cadenza only

OR

Haydn Concerto in C major: 1st mvt Exposition and Cadenza only

AND

2)Any Romantic Cello Concerto 1st mvt Exposition from the standard repertoire

3)Orchestral Excerpts

4)Sight reading may also be required

 

(NB Please bring your chosen concerto piano accompaniment parts with you to the Audition)

 

It is important to note that the NCH are proud to be an inclusive, equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of Gender, Civil Status, Family Status, Sexual Orientation, Religion, Age, Disability, Race, Membership of the Traveller Community or any other characteristic protected by the Equality Act.

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