Principal Viola

Summary

The Irish Baroque Orchestra seeks to appoint a Principal Viola for an initial period of three years, subject to review and renewal. This is a strategic development in line with IBO's recently-announced Strategic Plan, Reimagining Our Culture, introduced by the Board of IBO in 2021.

 

The position of Principal Viola sits within 12 existing seats held by members, which form the core of the orchestra’s artistic identity. The orchestra’s members are freelance musicians, engaged on a regular basis by the IBO in an ambitious artistic programme delivered at home and abroad. 

 

As Principal Viola of the Irish Baroque Orchestra, you will work alongside the high-performing team of the IBO’s musicians and the Artistic Director. You will work closely with the AD and guest directors as required, supporting their vision through both verbal and musical communication, and taking responsibility for raising points requiring further discussion or rehearsal where appropriate. We are seeking a principal with significant experience on period instruments for this role, and applications from players of modern instruments will not be considered. 

 

About the IBO

The Olivier Award-winning Irish Baroque Orchestra is celebrated as Ireland's flagship period instrument orchestra and delivers world-class historically-informed performances across Ireland and abroad. Under the artistic direction of Peter Whelan, scholarship and musical excellence converge in a unique way through the IBO’s work, creating an original offering like no other organisation on the Irish classical music scene. Through this integration of research and practice the very idea of an orchestra is defined afresh, providing an unusual and enriching experience for today’s audiences.

 

As an ambassador for the stories of Ireland’s musical past, the IBO uses its unique perspective to develop the growing store of knowledge surrounding the very early days of Baroque and Classical music in Ireland. The IBO's research, recordings and performances offer audiences across Ireland a new opportunity to reevaluate and reclaim their cultural heritage, while also engaging the Irish diaspora through the increasing global reach of this work. Even Handel's Messiah - an annual touring highlight in the IBO calendar - is a rekindled link to Dublin's cultural life in 1742.

 

The Irish Baroque Orchestra is committed to artistic excellence for public benefit through an open and inclusive culture which places music first and finds strength in diversity. The artistic ambitions of the organisation are underpinned by common values of respect and transparency and a commitment to a shared vision for the orchestra.

 

Role Description

The Principal Viola will:

• Receive priority availability checks on all IBO projects going forwards. While there is no minimum percentage commitment set, we do expect that all members will want to prioritise their work with the IBO as a part of their commitment to the membership.

• Engage with Artistic Committee and EDI committee meetings as required (2-3 times per year, on Zoom).

• Evaluate player contributions during trial processes 

• Participate in educational and community work where offered/feasible, particularly in mentoring young musicians participating in the IBO’s Apprentice programme. 

 

Terms of Appointment

• Three-year agreement, subject to review and renewal.

• Engagement with the IBO will be on a freelance basis, with remuneration to be paid per project at the Principal rate on the IBO rate card, in line with industry norms. A copy of these rates can be made available on request.

• Key relationships: Artistic Director, CEO, Principal Leader, Associate Leader, Orchestra Manager and the wider IBO membership

 

Application Process

To apply for the Principal Viola role please send your CV and covering letter to hello@irishbaroqueorchestra.com by 5pm on December 1st with the subject line ‘Principal Viola Application’. 

 

Please include your contact details, names and contact details of two referees (we will not request references without discussing this with you) and how you heard about this position. If you are not an EU/UK citizen you will also need to state that you have permission to work in Ireland. 

 

We expect to be in a position to indicate the outcome of all expressions of interest to applicants by December 15th. 

 

For any queries regarding this role please contact the CEO, Aliye Cornish Moore, on aliye@irishbaroqueorchestra.com