Principal Conductor

The Principal Conductor provides artistic leadership across all Northern Ballet productions, ensuring the highest standard of musical excellence for rehearsals and performances. The role combines conducting, creative collaboration, and broader advocacy for the company, contributing to Northern Ballet’s strategic vision and values.

• Salary: An annual retainer of £10,000 and fee as negotiated per performance
• Closing date for applications: Monday 16 November.

Time Commitment

Calculated at approximately one day per week for administrative duties, with additional commitment to conduct an agreed number of performances per year. The preparation and co-ordination of new productions will require the Principal Conductor to be present for at least three weeks prior to opening night and two weeks prior to the first performances of a revival. Administrative and management duties can be delivered on a hybrid basis.

2026 Principal Conductor Candidate Brief

Key Responsibilities

Musical Leadership & Conducting

• Conduct an agreed number of performances each year, providing artistic and musical leadership.
• Conduct studio and orchestral rehearsals.
• Support the Artistic Director and choreographers in musical choices, selection of composers/arrangers, and the review of creative processes.
• Support the Head of Music Administration in the engagement of guest conductors and musicians.
• Provide strong and inclusive leadership of freelance musicians and music staff.
• Support the development of conductors, pianists, and composers for Northern Ballet and the wider sector.
• Support planning and production of recorded music when required ensuring highest possible quality.

Organisational Contribution

• Serve as a member of the senior management team, attending directors’ meetings, strategy sessions, and contributing to organisational planning.
• Act as an advocate for Northern Ballet, engaging with stakeholders, funders, and external partners.
• Play a proactive role in seeking additional opportunities for the music department, including tours, recordings, and educational projects.

Person Specification

• Demonstrable experience working with and conducting professional orchestras at the highest level.
• Proven experience conducting ballet at a company of national profile.
• A passion for the synergy between music and dance and a strong commitment to the role live music plays in world-class dance performance.
• Understanding of professional ballet studio rehearsals and ability to build productive relationships with ballet staff and dancers.
• Experience in commissioning processes and working collaboratively with composers and choreographers.
• Strong leadership, mentoring, and people management skills.
• Well-networked in the industry, with knowledge of and interest in developing emerging musicians.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Understanding of the UK arts funding landscape and Arts Council England priorities.
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion as a senior leader.

Application

Please submit a copy of your CV, along with a covering letter stating why you would like to be considered for this role, to recruitment@northernballet.com before Monday 16 November.

Please also complete the Equal Opportunities form.

Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

Northern Ballet strives to understand, respect and champion diversity in all its forms and believes in embracing diversity within our workforce, repertoire and practices. Therefore, we support and encourage people from a variety of backgrounds and experiences to apply. As part of our commitment to the disability confident employer scheme, we guarantee to interview disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for our vacancies.

If you require any adjustment during any stages of our recruitment process, please contact recruitment@northernballet.com and we will be in touch with you to make the necessary arrangements. Some examples of adjustments could include sending documentation in alternative formats such as large print, braille or audio. Adapting the environment for the interview or allowing additional time for you to answer questions.

Header photo Amy Kelly.

About Northern Ballet

One of the world's leading ballet companies. Based in Leeds, UK, we tour the UK with our unique brand of dance storytelling, on a mission to make ballet accessible to everyone.

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The dancers, directors and staff who help to produce our ballets.

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Northern Ballet is the UK’s widest-touring ballet company, bringing the joy of the arts to hundreds of thousands of people every year who otherwise would have limited opportunities

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