Job Description – Concertmaster
The Pittsburgh Philharmonic is Southwestern Pennsylvania’s premier volunteer orchestra.
Approximately 70 musicians from throughout the tristate area, ranging in age from 15 to
80, perform great works of classical music at venues around the Pittsburgh region.
Members of the orchestra include business executives, retirees, students, teachers, and
other professionals, some who have been performing with Philharmonic for over 20 years.
Many teach or play music professionally, and some have advanced music degrees. Our
annual seasons feature 4 concert programs, each performed twice- currently, once at
Succop Theater at Butler County Community College (BC3) and once at Scotus Hall at Mt.
Alvernia in Millvale. Additionally, we promote youth and local talent through our annual
Young Artist Concerto Competition and Young Composer Competition. We also continue to
develop relationships with the local community through partnerships with BC3 and the
Millvale Community Library. Each year our organization aims to promote local and youth
talent, highlight artistry within our own membership, and enrich our communities through
collaboration.
Job Description
The Concertmaster, as first chair Violin I, holds the primary position of leadership for the
orchestra and is responsible for setting a good example of musicianship, preparation and
leadership.
Additionally the Concertmaster maintains a local presence in the community, working
directly with the Music Director and the Board of Directors to develop community
relationships necessary for the growth of the organization.
Responsibilities
Reports primarily to the music director with oversight of the Board of Directors.
Assists Music Director with musical/artistic decisions for example: selection of
concert repertoire, guest artists, internal soloists and artistic initiatives
The concertmaster will be called upon occasionally to solo with the orchestra in
works mutually agreed upon with the conductor, and to play solo passages in the 1st violin
part.
Provides leadership for musical issues of performance, specifically bowing and articulation,
for strings. Provide bowing two weeks prior to the first rehearsal of each concert cycle.
Lead a minimum of one string sectional per concert cycle
Maintains a local presence within the community by serving as a visible
representative for the Orchestra, serving as an advocate for the Orchestra and assisting in
the recruitment of orchestra personnel, in particular, string players.
The concertmaster will serve as good will ambassador to all members of the orchestra, but
especially to new recruits.
Participates in musician audition process; provides input to Music Director for the
ongoing evaluation process for individual musicians.
Attend all rehearsals
Available for all concerts
Assist in identifying an appropriate substitute in situations of unavailability
Qualifications:
A broad range of musical experience and proven ability to provide a performance
experience of the highest caliber.
• Ability to perform at the guest artist level in solo appearances with the Pittsburgh
Philharmonic
• Thorough knowledge of the orchestral repertoire and styles and orchestral concert music,
• Leadership skills that encourage members of the orchestra, especially strings, to play at
their highest level; interpersonal skills that help bridge the Music Director’s artistic vision
and the performers’ execution of that vision.
• Willingness to support fundraising and participate in the promotional endeavors of the
Orchestra.
Compensation and Number of Services
This is a paid position