Leader - Bedfordshire Symphony Orchestra

Bedfordshire Orchestral Society

Leader – Bedfordshire Symphony Orchestra

Location: Bedford

Closing Date: 15th December 2025

Bedfordshire Orchestral Society is a registered charity. It exists to support musical education and to provide high quality classical music, which is performed by musicians from the locality.

Bedfordshire and Bedford in particular, has a rich musical tradition, encompassing classical, folk, and contemporary genres and the Bedfordshire Orchestral Society is a substantial pillar of that musical life. The Society is a distinguished charitable organisation devoted to the performance and promotion of classical music across Bedfordshire and the surrounding counties. Founded in 1967 it is home to two of the region’s most respected and largest amateur orchestras: the Bedfordshire Symphony Orchestra and the Bedford Sinfonia.

Together, the two orchestras present six full symphony concerts each season, creating a vibrant and accessible programme that celebrates the depth and variety of the classical tradition. In addition, The Society provides the orchestra for Bedford Choral Society’s three concerts each year, and it provides two smaller out-reach concerts in villages in Bedfordshire.

Bedfordshire Symphony Orchestra has around 60 regular members, our players are keen and committed musicians of all ages and backgrounds who come together with our professional conductor and leader to play music to the highest possible standard for a non-professional orchestra. We are passionate about delivering high-quality performances and pushing artistic boundaries and we are proud of our strong community spirit, where collaboration, encouragement, and mutual growth are at the heart of what we do. To find out more about Bedfordshire Symphony Orchestra, please visit our website bedfordsymphony.com

The Bedfordshire Symphony Orchestra is seeking an inspiring and accomplished Leader (Concertmaster) to join our dynamic and friendly orchestra.

As Leader, you will play a central role in shaping the artistic direction of the orchestra. Working closely with our Musical Director, you’ll lead the orchestra with authority and sensitivity, inspire confidence across the ensemble, and contribute to a shared culture of continual progress and development.

The principal duties of the Leader are:

a) to assist the Conductor in effecting the musical training of the Orchestra

b) to ensure the Orchestra is tuned and ready for the start of each rehearsal

c) to provide bowing in agreement with the principals of the string sections of the Orchestra well in advance of any concert performance

f) to support the continuing improvement of the string section, to include assistance in recruiting new players, when necessary, in partnership with the committee and the Conductor.

g) to attend rehearsals and to perform in BSO concerts, including any solos written for the principal violin

We’re looking for someone who:

- Is an outstanding violinist with excellent orchestral and leadership experience

- Thrives in a collaborative, community-focused environment

- Brings energy, warmth, and vision to rehearsals and performances

- Is passionate about helping amateur musicians reach their highest potential

We rehearse weekly on Wednesday evenings (7.30-9.30pm) in Bedford during term time and perform a varied and ambitious programme each season (generally 3 concerts), including symphonic staples and lesser-known gems. Our performances are well-attended and appreciated by loyal local audiences.

Whether you are an experienced concertmaster or a rising talent ready for a new challenge, we’d love to hear from you. Due to the community focused nature of the society, the successful candidate would ideally live within the locality.

To apply please submit your cv and covering letter to chair@bedfordsymphony.com

We are particularly interested in hearing how you would develop the orchestra, in terms of excellence, inclusion, community standing and financial sustainability. Please also submit/share a recent video recording (date stamped), of your work – a solo performance – either unaccompanied or accompanied. Interested applicants are welcome to visit the orchestra whilst rehearsing, prior to submitting their application and video. Closing date 15th December 2025.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an informal interview in early 2026, following which an invitation to lead the orchestra for 2 rehearsals during the Spring of 2026 will be offered to final stage candidates.