EUROPEAN UNION YOUTH ORCHESTRA

ACTING ORCHESTRA MANAGER 

JOB DESCRIPTION 

The EUYO is one of the world’s most prestigious and dynamic orchestras, having celebrated its 30^th anniversary in 2008,. The level demanded of the young players, combined with the renowned musical leadership of its conductors, has won the Orchestra an outstanding musical and educational reputation and regular comparisons with the world’s finest orchestras. 

The EUYO was created in 1978 to provide young musicians aged 14-24 with the opportunity to play in an orchestra which bridges cultural barriers and performs to international standards, and to develop their performance skills under some of the world’s most respected and renowned conductors and tutors. It provides a unique educational opportunity for young musicians: to meet and work with their peers (and in many cases future colleagues) at the highest level: to build professional and social networks in a cosmopolitan profession; and to learn from the expert experience of conductors such as Bernard Haitink, Sir Colin Davis and Vladimir Ashkenazy; soloists including Leonidas Kavakos, Janine Jansen and Sir James Galway; and the Orchestra’s specialist instrumental tutors who include principal players from the Berliner Philharmoniker, Sydney Symphony Orchestra and Royal Concertgebouw Orchestras.  

The EUYO conducts auditions in every single one of the 27 EU member states and selects the most talented musicians from a pool of over 4,000 each year. The Orchestra’s core projects then consist of two residential rehearsal periods and international tours each year. These take place in summer and the following spring and typically last approximately four weeks each. 

The EUYO prides itself on being accessible to all young musicians who demonstrate the talent and dedication required to become a professional player. To this end the Orchestra covers all costs associated with its projects including travel, accommodation, subsistence and tutoring. 

The EUYO has a small office with four full-time members of staff based in Central London. Its work is funded by annual grants from the EU Commission and governments of 27 member states, corporate sponsorship, and the support of trusts, foundations and individuals. The orchestra’s touring schedule means that its staff is often on the road for around two months of the year. 

The EUYO is seeking an outstanding candidate to provide maternity cover for the key role of Orchestra Manager. You will need to be well organised and motivated, be able to prioritise and meet deadlines and have a good sense of initiative. You will need a background in classical music, good client relations skills and be computer-literate; language skills are a distinct advantage. You should have a minimum of two years experience in Arts Administration.  

The principal job functions are as follows:

• Being the first point of contact for members of the EUYO, prospective members of the orchestra and the orchestra’s tutors throughout the year

 

• coordinating auditions throughout the 27 EU countries, collaborating with and monitoring the work of audition organisers outside the UK, making travel and accommodation arrangements for the EUYO audition panel

 

• arranging all details for the UK auditions including producing and distributing application forms,  fixing audition venues, dealing with applicants, scheduling auditions, booking accompanists and ushers, making travel and accommodation arrangements for the EUYO panel,  informing candidates of results, raising invoices and making payments as necessary

 

• to be the first point of contact for orchestra members for all matters on tour, whether musical, administrative, pastoral or disciplinary

 

• fixing the orchestra for each tour/project – involves checking and logging players’ availability and liaising with EUYO audition panel on who to ask from the orchestra’s reserve list

 

• booking the orchestra’s tutors for each project in consultation with the Director of Studies and General Manager

 

• booking the travel for all orchestra members, tutors and staff to and from tours

 

• informing musicians and tutors of tour details and travel arrangements, and arranging for the distribution of music prior to each tour

 

• arranging for the hire or purchase of instruments for each tour, including the drawing up of freight lists

 

• making arrangements for visas for whole group where necessary

 

• keeping details on orchestra members and staff for use on tour including: alphabetical lists, dates of birth, passport details, hotel rooming lists, lists by nationality, desking lists, vegetarian and other special diets

 

• ensuring that the standards of concert dress are maintained by orchestra members, including provision of bow ties and scarves

 

• organising the annual EUYO Committee Meeting in Brussels for the announcement of audition results - this includes fixing a date with the European Parliament, sending invitations, monitoring replies, booking hotel and meals, producing papers (results/agenda/future plans) for attendees, sending papers on to those unable to attend, minuting meeting

 

• dealing with correspondence from past members of the orchestra (including providing/requesting references or confirmation of membership); maintaining past members database

 

• assisting the General Manager in making logistical arrangements for tours, including provision of freight lists, passenger lists, and handling all logistics for smaller projects

 

• arranging the transportation of double basses, harps, percussion etc. before and after tour

 

• fixing smaller ensembles of EUYO musicians to play for private events from time to time

 

• coordinating the Aleksandar Pavlović Award, Chairman's Award  and Sir Robert Bellinger Award, scheduling the presentation of the awards at the end of the relevant tour

 

• arranging for the insurance of instruments for tour

 

• website - maintenance and development – including gathering photos after tours to put on the website

General

• As the EUYO has only four permanent staff, a small amount of general office admin will be required from the successful candidate. This will include the maintenance of office equipment, re-stocking of office stationery, sending of express mail packages, and acting as the main telephone 'switchboard'.

Conditions

• Basic weekday hours are 09:30 to 17:30 but it is understood that extra hours may need to be worked where necessary, especially in the run-up to and during tours. No extra remuneration is available for this. During touring periods, on duty or on call at all times, 7 days a week (all permanent staff tour with the Orchestra).
• 5.6 weeks per calendar year (28 days), or pro rata for part year, including national statutory holidays; plus days when the office is closed immediately following tours. The 28 days' leave includes the period during which the office is closed between Christmas and New Year. Holiday must be taken by the end of each calendar year and cannot be carried over to the succeeding year. No financial recompense is available for holiday not taken.
• The EUYO has no pension or healthcare provision for its employees; however, it will arrange (but not pay for) a stakeholder pension on your behalf if you wish it
• This position is not suitable as part time or as a job share
• The EUYO is committed to equal opportunities in its employment policy, however, the practicalities of the office location (second floor with stairs and no lift), may regrettably exclude less mobile candidates
• The EUYO is unfortunately unable to reimburse any expenses incurred in relation to attending interviews in London
• The place of work is at the address below or any such location as EUYO may reasonably require. Home working is not an available option.

 

Dress code Smart casual, relatively informal unless you have a business meeting.

Terms

Temporary contract, October July, possibly extended to October. A minimum of 8 weeks' notice will be given regarding any changes. Probationary period of 1 month.

Contact

Mr Kim Sargeant

General Manager

EUYO, 6A Pont St, London, SW1X 9EL

tel: +44 (0)20 7235 7671

e-mail: kim@euyo.org.uk 
 
 
 

June 2009