HALLÉ CAREERS
PRINCIPAL FLUTE: FULL-TIME POST
JOB DESCRIPTION
Thank you for your interest in the above post. Here below, in summary form, is some
information which may be helpful.
The Post
As Principal Flute you would take day to day responsibility for leading the section,
play the leading role in the recruitment of new players and select those who are
engaged as extras.
The Orchestra’s contract guarantees a minimum of 430 sessions or calls in a year. A
session will be not more than 3 hours and often less (e.g. a concert which are
normally 2 hours). This is also the maximum that you will be required to undertake
without your agreement and additional pay. There are checks and balances in place
to prevent overwork such as a maximum number of sessions in a day (2), a week (12)
and a free day structure which equates to 2 days a week free plus statutory holidays
etc. Up to 10% of sessions may be taken off, without pay, by agreement with the
Concerts Director. The Orchestra break for 5 weeks paid holiday in the summer,
usually in one period.
Salary and Benefits
The salary range for Section Leaders in the Hallé is £41,136 - £46,431, and the
Principal Flute salary will be £45,000 per annum. Other benefits include an excellent,
contributory pension scheme and a health insurance scheme. The Hallé also insures
members of the Orchestra's instruments.
The recruitment process
All applicants, wherever possible, will be given an audition. We may be unable to
offer auditions to all players who apply and, if this is the case, players’ CVs, including
references, and past professional experience will be taken into account.
Following a successful audition, applicants will be invited to play in the Orchestra on
a trial basis for rehearsals and concerts. This may be for more than one period of
work. The successful candidate will, at some stage, have played under the direction
of Mark Elder. Some players may also be recruited for trial periods with the
Orchestra without audition; however, in such circumstances, they will still be
required to give an audition at some point in the selection process (probably during
or following one of the trial periods).
Hallé Principal Flute Job Description 2018 1
BACKGROUND
The Orchestra
The Hallé was founded by the pianist and conductor Charles Hallé, and gave its first
concert in Manchester’s Free Trade Hall in 1858. The Hallé has a permanent
contract strength of 80 players (though regularly plays at 90+), and gives around 75
concerts each year in its home, The Bridgewater Hall, some of which are repeated
programmes. The Hallé also performs approximately 50 other concerts outside
Manchester in venues throughout the UK and overseas. The Hallé has numerous
associated ensembles including the Hallé Choir, Youth Orchestra, Youth Choir, Youth
Training Choir and Children’s’ Choir.
Associated Artists
Music Director, Sir Mark Elder, only the ninth Principal Conductor in the Hallé’s long
history, is in his fifteenth season with the orchestra and conducts around 20% of the
Hallé’s programmes. The Hallé frequently tours abroad and there are future plans for
tours to Germany and China. Our Principal Guest Conductor Ryan Wigglesworth
works with us for approximately three weeks every season. Jonathon Heyward is our
Assistant Conductor and works closely with Sir Mark Elder and takes direct
responsibility for the Hallé Youth Orchestra. Lyn Fletcher is the Leader and Paul
Barritt is the Permanent Guest Leader.
CONTACT US
Don’t hesitate to contact the following Hallé members of staff to assist any of your
application queries:
• For information on the application process and auditions etc.:
o Isabelle Orford (Assistant Orchestra Manager)
o
[email protected] / 07736 609342
• For information on trial periods e.g. date, fees, etc.:
o Chris Lewis (Orchestra Manager)
o
[email protected] / 07702 685277
• For any information you require at the later stages of recruitment:
o Stuart Kempster (Concerts Director – Head of department)
o
[email protected] / 0161 237 7000
IO/April 2018
Hallé Principal Flute Job Description 2018 2
