Vacancy for Leader of Preston Symphony Orchestra

Preston Symphony Orchestra

Formed in January 2024, Preston Symphony Orchestra (Registered Charity 1210391) has completed two very successful years and has an exciting next two seasons already planned, with leading UK professionals joining us for 3 concerts in 2026!

We perform “popular” concerts to a high standard, with music from musicals, films, and the classical repertoire, all performed by musicians from the locality.

The orchestra is run by a committee of our enthusiastic musicians, all of whom fulfil specific tasks, which, combined, have led to our initial success.

We are fortunate to have a corporate partner in Porsche Preston and have a patronage scheme in place to help the orchestra cover some of its operational costs.

In Autumn 2025, it was announced that Alfie Boe accepted an invitation to be the Orchestra’s Principal Patron.

In our first two years, we have presented seven concerts, ALL of which SOLD OUT! Our Christmas concert in 2024 sold out in just 10 hours!!!

The orchestra performs 3 or 4 concerts per year. At least one of these will feature music from films and musicals.

The Preston Symphony Orchestra has around 40 regular members; for performances, our usual orchestra numbers range from 50 to 60. 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, please visit our website - prestonsymphonyorchestra.co.uk

We are seeking a friendly, inspiring and accomplished Leader to join our dynamic and friendly orchestra. Whether you are an experienced leader or a rising talent ready for a new challenge, we’d love to hear from you. The successful candidate would ideally live within easy reach of Preston.
To apply, please submit your CV and covering letter to chairman.pso@aol.com

The leader currently receives an honorarium of £120 per concert.

We rehearse most weeks on Sundays (4:00 pm - 6:30 pm) in Fulwood, Preston, during term time.

Short-listed applicants will be invited to attend an interview/audition on Saturday, 31st January 2026.

As well as an interview, you will perform a piece of your own choice. Piano accompaniment will be provided.

You can also select a solo from your favourite orchestral excerpt to perform.

The interview would last approximately 30 minutes.

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 to:

Assist the Conductor in effecting the musical training of the Orchestra.

Ensure the Orchestra is tuned and ready for the start of each rehearsal.

Provide bowing in agreement with the principals of the string sections of the Orchestra well in advance of any concert performance.

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.

Attend rehearsals and perform in PSO concerts, including any solos written for the principal violin.

We are looking for someone who:

Is an outstanding violinist with excellent orchestral and leadership experience.

Is friendly and a good communicator within the string sections and across the wider orchestra.

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

Is passionate about helping amateur musicians reach their highest potential.