LGSO is seeking a new Musical Director
The London Gay Symphony Orchestra (LGSO) is looking to appoint a dynamic new Musical Director in 2026. Innovative, engaging and evolving, the orchestra has almost thirty years of success to build on and seeks to appoint someone enthusiastic about the orchestra’s future.
The orchestra currently undertakes five concerts each year (October, December, February, April and June/July) with rehearsals in central London on the six Sunday evenings before each concert. The orchestra has a professional leader, a playing membership of around 70 musicians and regularly holds concerto auditions and employs high-level professional soloists to ensure that our programming is diverse and appealing to audiences. In addition to this there are occasional tours in the UK and abroad, collaborations with other groups (often LGBTQIA+) and a variety of external events from masked balls to opera and musical theatre performances.
The repertoire and dates for the orchestra’s upcoming season can be found at lgso.org.uk, and details of past programmes are available here.
Role Description
This role is pivotal to the success and reputation of our organisation and needs to balance our ambition of being one of the best amateur orchestras in the UK with us being an inclusive community group which is open to players of all abilities. We are looking for someone to challenge us in different ways and take our group to the next level.
Duties
Attend and conduct rehearsals on a weekly basis and on dates and times as fixed by Committee
Plan rehearsal schedules before the beginning of each rehearsal cycle and share with the committee. Amends as required on a weekly basis to shared in a timely manner
Ensure that the highest possible musical standards are achieved both at rehearsals and concerts
Conduct the group in 5 fixed concerts per year - and in additional concerts that are organised (with mutual agreement).
Make recommendations to the Committee for the engagement of soloists and other performers needed for concerts, and to audition them if necessary.
Create recommendations of programming for each season and work with committee to finalise in alignment to the Group’s financial budget
Liaising regularly and in a timely manner with the Committee to ensure the smooth and effective running of the organisation
Advise and assist the Committee in the artistic direction of the Group
Person Specification
Evidence of qualified musicianship and significant previous experience of conducting orchestral repertoire to a high standard
Ability to motivate and inspire non-professional players to achieve a high standard of performance and enjoyment of music-making
In-depth understanding of orchestral repertoire and its technical and musical requirements, including both symphonic and choral works
Excellent communication skills and a willingness to engage with orchestra members and audiences
An excellent ear for intonation and balance, and the ability to coach and correct players
Imaginative and creative programming that is both exciting and appropriate for our members and our audiences
Good contacts with professional musicians, including singers, that the orchestra may wish to engage as soloists
A connection to LGBTQIA+ community and understanding of our culture
Remuneration
The position is offered at a fixed fee of £1000 per concert with an annually reviewed contract. Attendance is expected at all rehearsals and concerts unless mutually agreed with the Chair/Orchestra Manager, and provided that a suitable deputy is provided. Fees for any additional performances/rehearsals outside of the main concert season will be negotiated separately.
To apply, please email your CV and a covering letter to: chair@lgso.org.uk. The deadline for applications is 30th September 2025.
Please note that the LGSO is not an employer. The person appointed will be engaged on a freelance/self-employed basis and will be responsible for including income from this role in any declarations to His Majesty's Revenue & Customs.
