Principal Tuba, BBC NOW

JOB BAND: P
CONTRACT TYPE: Permanent, Full-time
DEPARTMENT: BBC National Orchestra of Wales
LOCATION: Hoddinott Hall, Cardiff

PLEASE NOTE:

In order to apply for this position, Candidates will need to register on Musicalchairs and apply via the 'Apply via musicalchairs' button to complete a short information form. Candidates will then follow the below application and audition process: The deadline to complete the form on Musicalchairs is Monday 5th January 2026. Previous applicants are free to re-apply for this position.

If you have any access requirements for the audition, or require the materials in an alternative format, please email Nick Olsen, Assistant Orchestra Manager -

For this role / Ar gyfer y swydd yma:

Welsh language skills are not necessary / Nid yw sgiliau yn yr iaith Gymraeg yn angenrheidiol

Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English. / Mae modd cyflwyno ceisiadau yn Gymraeg, ac ni fydd cais a gyflwynir yn Gymraeg yn cael ei drin yn llai ffafriol na chais a gyflwynir yn Saesneg.

BBC NATIONAL ORCHESTRA OF WALES

The BBC National Orchestra and Chorus of Wales is one of the UK's most versatile orchestras, with a varied range of work as both a broadcast orchestra and the national symphony orchestra of Wales. It performs live to tens of thousands of people across the UK and beyond each year including annual performances at the BBC Proms and other International Festivals. The Orchestra has a busy schedule of concerts, broadcasts and recordings for BBC Radio 3, BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru and BBC Television. Education and community work is central to the organisation, developing exciting, distinctive and memorable experiences for all ages. The Orchestra is supported by the Arts Council of Wales, and forms part of BBC Wales. BBC National Orchestra of Wales is based at BBC Hoddinott Hall, part of the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff Bay and is Orchestra-in-Residence at Wales' National Concert Hall, St David's Hall, Cardiff. We are proud to work with an outstanding group of conductors including Principal Conductor, Ryan Bancroft and Conductor Laureate, Tadaaki Otaka.

BBC NOW is seeking to appoint a Principal Tuba within the low brass section. The low brass section comprises 4 players including the Section Principal, Donal Bannister.

The successful candidate will play as required by orchestration and work in accordance with the BBC/MU Orchestras Agreement. Candidates should have experience of performing in symphony orchestras and evidence through their application excellence in performance to a professional standard. BBC NOW will also consider candidates who are in the early stages of their career and can clearly show potential to fulfil the role. The ideal candidate will be an exceptional player and able to demonstrate commitment to delivering a very high standard of work.

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

The BBC is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We believe that diversity enhances and enriches the arts sector and drives innovation. We positively encourage applications from candidates from all backgrounds and, particularly, from groups who are currently under-represented in the sector.

YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

ESSENTIAL

• Have excellent professional orchestral and solo playing abilities;
• Have the knowledge of the range of repertoire of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales;
• Be able to contribute to performances that will meet the highest artistic standards;
• Be able to work effectively and flexibly within a diverse team environment; and
• Demonstrate respect for others by being fully prepared and ready to play at the start of every session.

DESIRABLE

• Expertise in a broad range of musical & performance activities including chamber music, education and studio soundtrack work; and
• Experience of performing in equivalent roles in professional orchestras.

PERSONAL SKILLS

• Excellent communication and organisational skills;
• Self-motivated and able to work under pressure;
• Ability to work co-operatively as part of a team; and
• Willing to develop positive working relationships with other members of the orchestra and the management team.

APPLICATIONS MUST BE VIA THE MUSICALCHAIRS WEBSITE - PLEASE CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING LINK FOR FULL DETAILS ON HOW TO APPLY AND AUDITIONS INSTRUCTIONS:

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: MONDAY 5TH JANUARY 2026

CP25

Disclaimer

This job description is a written statement of the essential characteristics of the job, with its principal accountabilities, incorporating a note of the skills, knowledge and experience required for a satisfactory level of performance. This is not intended to be a complete, detailed account of all aspects of the duties involved.

Please note: If you were to be offered this role, the BBC will conduct Employment screening checks which include Reference checks; Eligibility to work checks; and if applicable to the role, Safeguarding and Adverse media/Social media checks. Any offer made is conditional on these checks being satisfactory.

The BBC is committed to redeploying employees seeking suitable alternative employment within the BBC and they will be given priority consideration ahead of other applicants. Priority consideration means for those employees seeking redeployment their application will be considered alongside anyone else at risk of redundancy, prior to any individuals being considered who are not at risk.

Information at a Glance

This is your BBC

At the BBC you can create and innovate in an inclusive environment while contributing to some of the world's best loved content, and the BBC's mission to inform, educate and entertain.

Life at BBC

Find out more about the BBC

Here you will benefit from:

• Fair pay and flexible benefits including a competitive salary package, a flexible 35-hour working week, 25 days annual leave with the option to buy an extra 5 days, a defined pension scheme and discounted dental, health care and gym.
• Excellent career and professional development.
• Support in your working life, including flexible working which you can discuss with us at any point during the application, selection or offer.
• A values-based organisation where the way we do things is important as what we do.

Benefits may vary if you are joining on an FTC basis or on an orchestra conditions contract.

Learn more about life at the BBC and our values in our candidate pack.

You belong

We have a working environment where we value and respect every individual's unique contribution, so all our employees feel that they can belong, thrive and achieve their full potential.

We want to attract the broadest range of talented people to join us. The more diverse our workforce, the better able we are to respond to and reflect our audiences in all their diversity.

We welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief.

Find out more about diversity, inclusion and belonging in our strategy below.

Disability confident

We are a disability confident employer. If you need to discuss adjustments or access requirements for the interview process, or to carry out this role, please contact us via email and we'd be happy to discuss:

BBC Group and Public Services, Broadcasting House, Portland Place, London, United Kingdom, W1A 1AA. BBC Studios Distribution Limited, company no: , registered address: 1 Television Centre, 101 Wood Lane, London, United Kingdom W12 7FA.