Job Description

Applications are invited for the post of Sub-Principal No4 First Violin of the Royal Ballet Sinfonia.

Please see the job description for more information: First Violin - Sub-Principal No4 - Application pack Aug 2026

Royal Ballet Sinfonia is the orchestra of Birmingham Royal Ballet, working in Birmingham regularly and touring around the UK for multiple weeks every year with the Company.

The Sinfonia is a London-based orchestra and is guaranteed 35 weeks of employment each year.

In addition to performing with Birmingham Royal Ballet in the UK and abroad, the Sinfonia undertakes regular recording sessions, concerts and performs for visiting ballet companies.

The successful candidate will be expected to sit up to No3 and No2 as required.

Person Specification:

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate the following skills and experience:

Essential:

Recent professional orchestral experience
Reputable classical music training at higher education level
Strong ensemble skills, ability to maintain artistic standards across multiple performances
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a team

Desirable:

Recent professional orchestral experience in a Sub-Principal or Principal position
Expertise in a variety of musical activities

Royal Ballet Sinfonia

Under Music Director, Paul Murphy, the Royal Ballet Sinfonia is Britain’s busiest ballet orchestra, playing for Birmingham Royal Ballet’s wide-ranging programme in the UK and abroad. In addition to playing for Birmingham Royal Ballet, the Sinfonia plays regularly for The Royal Ballet and has a tradition of playing for tours by the world’s leading ballet companies, including San Francisco, National Ballet of Japan and Australian Ballet.

The Sinfonia enjoys collaborating with a variety of other artists and festivals, and has an extensive library of recordings. Alongside their busy performing and recording schedule, the Sinfonia works closely with music colleges across the country and has developed training scheme programmes with Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, Royal College of Music and Royal Academy of Music.

Find out more about the Royal Ballet Sinfonia

To apply:

To apply for this position, please complete the online application form on MusicalChairs. (https://www.musicalchairs.info/jobs/55091)

Any queries can be sent to Assistant Orchestra Manager, Alex Diack (alexdiack@brb.org.uk) or the Sinfonia inbox (sinfonia@brb.org.uk) with the subject line as “First Violin No4 Application”.

Our shortlisting process is anonymous, so please ensure your application form does not reference your name or personal details.

Eligibility: Applicants must be eligible to work in the UK.

Diversity Statement: Birmingham Royal Ballet encourages applications from those from ethnically diverse backgrounds, as we strive to improve representation.

As part of the application process, candidates must also complete the Equal Opportunities Monitoring form: https://forms.office.com/e/FWeBDBArrY?origin=lprLink

Closing date for applications: Wednesday 16 September 2026

Auditions (London): Early November 2026

For audition requirements please download our audition pack, which will be available on our website from 02 September 2026.

Salary: Sub-Principal £35,871 (FTE)

Paid pro rata at 35 weeks work plus 4 weeks holiday, total £27,018