Conductor of the Portobello Orchestra

The Portobello Orchestra is looking for a new conductor to start early in 2024. The orchestra is made up from a lively, friendly, innovative group of amateur musicians, guided by a professional conductor and leader. It meets on Monday evenings in term time for rehearsals, and gives three or four public concerts a year. The distinctive ethos of the orchestra is its friendliness and openness to all who are enthusiastic about playing music, including those with limited experience of orchestral playing.

The conductor currently receives a fee of £80 for each rehearsal, and £200 for each public concert. Additionally for away weekends the conductor receives a fee of £200, plus accommodation and subsistence. These fees are reviewed regularly and are in line with the rates published by Making Music.

The conductor is primarily responsible for directing the rehearsals and concerts. Often rehearsals are divided into two sectional groups, and in these cases the conductor rehearses the wind and brass players while the leader rehearses the strings. Additionally the conductor is responsible for selecting the orchestra’s repertoire in consultation with the leader and committee.

If you would like to apply for the position please send a resume of your relevant experience to: admin@theportobelloorchestra.co.uk. It would be helpful if you could include links to any video or audio performances or rehearsals that are available online. The deadline for applications is 11th December 2023.

We will try to process applications quickly and will invite those shortlisted to conduct the orchestra during part of a rehearsal on either the 15th, 22nd or 29th January 2024. We hope that the new conductor will take up the position in February 2024, or as soon as possible after that.