Vacancies

Co-Principal Cello (no.2)

The Philharmonia is seeking highly qualified candidates for the position of Co-Principal Cello (no.2). This position involves sitting no. 2 to our Principal Cellist, and leading the section when required.

The Philharmonia is a world-class symphony orchestra for the 21st century, led by Principal Conductor Santtu-Matias Rouvali and our titled conductors, Marin Alsop & Esa-Pekka Salonen. Based in London at Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall, leading a busy international touring schedule and resident in cities and at festivals across the UK as well as streaming online, the Philharmonia creates thrilling performances for a global audience.

The Panel may request candidates to submit a video in advance of an in-person audition. These candidates will be notified by 12 February and will have until 26 February to submit the video.

In-person auditions will be held at the Philharmonia Offices, 6 Chancel Street, London, on 8 and 10 April 2026.  Upon request, video auditions can be offered as substitute for applicants who for financial, geographical, or accessibility reasons cannot attend an audition in the UK during these dates.

Auditions will not be screened. Accompanist will be provided.

Principal Timpani

The Philharmonia is seeking highly qualified candidates for the position of Principal Timpani.

The Philharmonia is a world-class symphony orchestra for the 21st century, led by Principal Conductor Santtu-Matias Rouvali and our titled conductors; Marin Alsop & Esa-Pekka Salonen. Based in London at Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall, leading a busy international touring schedule and resident in cities and at festivals across the UK as well as streaming online, the Philharmonia creates thrilling performances for a global audience.

Auditions will be held at the Royal College of Music, Prince Consort Road, London SW7 2BS, on Wednesday 15 April and Thursday 16 April, 2026.

Requirements:

• Orchestra Excerpts
• Sight-reading

Application Period: Tuesday13 January 2026 – Wednesday 25 February 2026

Tours and Projects Manager

The Tours & Projects Manager is responsible for the planning, coordination and delivery of several key areas of the Orchestra’s core performance activity, including but not limited to: international stand-alone concerts, tours and residencies; UK tours, engagements and festival performances; commercial recordings and special projects.

Working in a fast-paced environment as part of a friendly, fun and creative team, the role of Tours & Projects Manager provides a unique opportunity to work with leading musicians and conductors. Excellent organisational and budgeting skills, attention to detail, innovative thinking and a flexible approach to working will help you manage, develop and execute a diverse range of projects to the highest standard.

With oversight from the Senior Concerts Manager and Concerts Director, the post-holder will work closely with the Concerts Coordinators, Concerts Assistant and the Orchestra Operations Team in the delivery of outstanding performances in territories as varied as the UK, USA, Asia and Europe.

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Stage Manager

The Philharmonia Orchestra is seeking to appoint an enthusiastic and experienced Stage Manager (SM). This role presents a rare opportunity to work for one of the world’s leading orchestras, and with its outstanding musicians, as well as celebrated conductors and soloists. Together with the Head of Production and other Stage Manager, the SM is responsible for the planning, coordination and delivery of the stage management, instrument transportation and technical requirements of the Orchestra.

The post holder will work closely with the Orchestra Committee (OC), all Philharmonia players and colleagues across the Orchestra Operations’ Team and work on projects that include concerts at the Royal Festival Hall, the Orchestra’s thriving residencies in Bedford, Leicester, Canterbury, Basingstoke, and at Three Choirs Festival and Garsington Opera, as well as other UK engagements, international touring, studio and recording sessions, chamber music projects and learning and engagement work, as required.

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Trusts and Foundations Coordinator

The Philharmonia Orchestra is seeking a talented and driven Trusts and Foundations Co-ordinator to help the Development team deliver growing, sustainable fundraised income. Working closely with an experienced senior grant-writer, the Trusts and Foundations Co-ordinator will steward existing funders and develop funding applications for: 

• Our programme of 150 concerts a year, including landmark multi-disciplinary concert series;  

• Our award-winning Learning & Engagement projects that engage over 15,000 people annually; 

• Our talent development programme through which we help improve representation in the talent pipeline; 

• Our sector-leading visionary digital and immersive technology programme including our multi-award winning and globally recognised Virtual Orchestra (VR) immersive experiences. 

This role will suit someone ready to move on from an entry-level position within a Development team, keen to work in a fast-paced environment, and enthusiastic about taking on their own set of fundraising targets and application deliverables. It is an opportunity for an enthusiastic fundraiser to work within an experienced, inspiring team, to work closely with and learn from one of the most experienced trusts and foundations fundraisers in our sector, and to play a transformative role in a thriving orchestra that on the occasion of its 80th anniversary is already looking ahead to Philharmonia at 100. 

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