The Role
Perform as 5th (bumper) horn supporting the principal in rehearsals, concerts and tours across London and the UK; play varied repertoire including new commissions and chamber works; participate in outreach activities; attend in-person audition and paid trial; minimum guarantee of 80 sessions per year.
Summary Generated by Built In
About the role
The role is for that of 5th (bumper) horn with the ENB Philharmonic both in London and on tour across the UK, supporting the principal horn. You may also be required to play other parts within the section depending on the needs of the repertoire. There may also be a requirement to sit up, following consultation with the section leader. The successful candidate will perform to the highest standard in rehearsals and performances, following the needs of the Artistic Programme and working to priorities set by the Music Director, section leader or orchestra manager.
Our touring schedule includes London, regional venues in the UK and may include opportunities to tour abroad. You may also be invited to take part in activity organised by the wider company such as the engagement and development departments.
This role is part time and the company guarantee a minimum of 80 sessions throughout the year, although the orchestra usually perform more than this. The full terms of reference for this position can be found in the ENB/MU agreement on the MU website.
About English National Ballet Philharmonic
The role is for that of 5th (bumper) horn with the ENB Philharmonic both in London and on tour across the UK, supporting the principal horn. You may also be required to play other parts within the section depending on the needs of the repertoire. There may also be a requirement to sit up, following consultation with the section leader. The successful candidate will perform to the highest standard in rehearsals and performances, following the needs of the Artistic Programme and working to priorities set by the Music Director, section leader or orchestra manager.
Our touring schedule includes London, regional venues in the UK and may include opportunities to tour abroad. You may also be invited to take part in activity organised by the wider company such as the engagement and development departments.
This role is part time and the company guarantee a minimum of 80 sessions throughout the year, although the orchestra usually perform more than this. The full terms of reference for this position can be found in the ENB/MU agreement on the MU website.
About English National Ballet Philharmonic
English National Ballet Philharmonic is made up of many of the country’s top musicians and has a long history of excellence across many different genres and styles. Under the direction of its MD, Maria Seletskaja, the orchestra has received plaudits from critics and audiences and formas a key component of the company’s live performances. The orchestra also plays a significant role in the work of the wider company, partnering with the Engagement Department to visit schools and deliver workshops and the Development Department, performing at high profile events and bringing the music of ballet to new audiences.
Key Selection Criteria
The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate these qualities and experience:
- Proven track record of experience in a professional ballet, opera or symphony orchestra.
- Demonstrable ability to perform a wide range of repertoire, including new commissions.
- Ability to adapt to the requirements of the schedule of a touring orchestra.
- Experience of performing in smaller chamber ensembles.
Application Process
As part of the recruitment process shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an in-person audition. Auditions will be held on Wednesday 26th August 2026 and Friday 28th August 2026. Please note that you will only be required to attend one of these dates. If you have been selected to audition, you will receive an email in mid-August to book your audition slot; these slots will be offered on a first come, first served basis.
Please note that if you cannot make these audition dates, we'd still encourage you to submit an application. Should any additional dates for audition be added, we will reach out to those selected to audition who were unable to attend in August.
Attached you will find an excerpts book to prepare for the audition. There will also be an accompanied piece; this will be Mozart - Horn Concerto No. 4, 1st Movement. Candidates will only be required to play from Letter B (bar 32) until Letter E (bar 87).
Successful candidates will be invited to attend a paid trial which will begin in Autumn 2026.
The appointment will be under the terms and conditions as they are defined in ENB’s House Agreement with The Musicians’ Union. Other applicants who were not successful for this position, may be considered for future work as Deputies or Extras.
Please note that if you cannot make these audition dates, we'd still encourage you to submit an application. Should any additional dates for audition be added, we will reach out to those selected to audition who were unable to attend in August.
Attached you will find an excerpts book to prepare for the audition. There will also be an accompanied piece; this will be Mozart - Horn Concerto No. 4, 1st Movement. Candidates will only be required to play from Letter B (bar 32) until Letter E (bar 87).
Successful candidates will be invited to attend a paid trial which will begin in Autumn 2026.
The appointment will be under the terms and conditions as they are defined in ENB’s House Agreement with The Musicians’ Union. Other applicants who were not successful for this position, may be considered for future work as Deputies or Extras.
About
English National Ballet has been opening up the possibilities of ballet for over seventy five years. We are a pioneering Company at the forefront of ballet’s growth and evolution: celebrating tradition whilst forging innovation and developing the artform. English National Ballet is also a UK leader in creative learning and engagement practice, building dynamic partnerships and community programmes. We strive for artistic excellence and to share ballet with as many people as possible, across the UK and around the world.We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce where staff of all backgrounds can thrive and grow. We would particularly like to hear from global majority applicants and from applicants living with a disability or a long-term health condition, both groups which are currently underrepresented in our organisation.English National Ballet is a Disability Confident Committed organisation.English National Ballet is based at the Mulryan Centre for Dance on London City Island in Canning Town, East London. We would particularly like to hear from local East London residents, and would encourage those based in the boroughs of Tower Hamlets, Newham, Waltham Forest, and Hackney to apply.Please contact us if you need to request any reasonable adjustments to attend the recruitment process or if you need an alternative application format, on [email protected].
Skills Required
- Proven track record of experience in a professional ballet, opera or symphony orchestra.
- Demonstrable ability to perform a wide range of repertoire, including new commissions.
- Ability to adapt to the requirements of the schedule of a touring orchestra.
- Experience of performing in smaller chamber ensembles.
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The Company
What We Do
We are English National Ballet. And for over 75 years, we’ve been opening doors, curtains and minds. Creating moving, meaningful experiences that take ballet to new places – creatively, emotionally, and physically. Whether we’re on stage, on screen or online, we are here to open up the possibilities of ballet for everyone, everywhere. In towns, cities, studios and schools – across England and around the world – we connect with more people, in more places, in more ways. Because the beauty of ballet is you can simply feel it. And whatever you feel, you’re free to feel it here. Feel more with English National Ballet.
