Head of Concerts & Artistic Planning
Starting salary
Commensurate with experience
Reporting to
Chief Executive
Based
Cambridge, but with frequent time spent in London for concerts and other
meetings
Hours of work
9am–5.30pm Monday–Friday. This post also involves attendance at some
concerts and meetings in the evening and at weekends. There is no paid
overtime but time in lieu is given for days worked at weekends.
Holiday
28 days per year, taken in co-ordination with other members of staff
and including public holidays and three days between Christmas
and New Year
Notice period
Three months after an initial six-month probationary period during which
the notice period is one month on either side
Introducing the Academy of Ancient Music
“The finest period-instrument orchestra in the world” (Classic FM, 2012)
“Blazing a trail followed by baroque ensembles everywhere” (The Independent, 2013)
The Academy of Ancient Music exists to enrich people’s lives with historically-informed baroque
and classical music at the highest international standard in live performance, on record and through
educational work.
It specialises in performing baroque and classical music in an “historically-informed” manner, on
instruments and in styles appropriate to the period when the pieces were composed. Since its
establishment by Christopher Hogwood in 1973 it has given concerts on every continent except
Antarctica, has broadcast on major radio stations worldwide, and has won countless awards for over
300 recordings.
Richard Egarr — a leading light in the new generation of early music exponents — succeeded
Hogwood as Music Director in 2006. Under his leadership the orchestra has given hundreds of
concerts across five continents, has recorded twelve new CDs which have won Edison, Gramophone
and MIDEM awards, and has launched the AAMplify new generation programme to develop the
audiences, musicians and arts managers of the future. The orchestra is currently on a roll: in 2011 it
secured regular funding from Arts Council England for the first time in its history, worth over half a
million pounds between 2012 and 2015; in January 2012 it was appointed Associate Ensemble at the
Barbican Centre, where it is now giving all of its London concerts; in June 2012 it played a leading
role in the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations; and throughout the summer of 2013 it was
Resident Ensemble at the National Gallery, accompanying the Gallery’s “Vermeer and Music”
exhibition for over 40,000 visitors.
In autumn 2013 the Academy of Ancient Music established its own record label, AAM Records,
building on a 300-strong discography with EMI, Decca and Harmonia Mundi. The new record label
will allow the AAM full control of its recording output and – at the heart of the orchestra’s digital
development plan – to communicate directly with a global audience.
About the role
The AAM is managed by a team of eleven permanent staff at its beautiful offices overlooking King’s
College Chapel in the heart of Cambridge. The Head of Concerts and Artistic Planning role is a
senior management position working closely with the Music Director and Chief Executive to curate
the AAM’s artistic programme, devising innovative and attractive programmes, identifying soloists
and guest directors to work with the Orchestra and seeking, at all times, to keep the orchestra’s
artistic quality as high as it can be. The Head of Concerts and Artistic Planning also oversees the
logistics of the AAM’s diary and touring schedule. The position is supported by a Concerts
Administrator.
About the person
The type of person most suited to this position is someone with an excellent knowledge of classical
music, particularly the baroque and classical periods, most probably a music graduate and perhaps
with experience as a professional musician – certainly someone who has a deep understanding of
and empathy with the needs of freelance musicians.
It is vital in this role to be able to communicate clearly with a wide range of musicians and to
engender their trust and respect.
The post-holder will have a strong organisational ability and an excellent eye for detail. He or she
should be able to work with initiative and tact, both independently and as part of a team, with a
particular ability to manage their own time well, knowing which tasks are urgent and which should
be done in less busy periods.
The successful post-holder will have a high level of computer literacy and a willingness to work with
databases, the AAM uses OPAS – experience of this software would be an advantage.
This is a busy role which frequently requires the post-holder to work outside of normal office hours,
away from the office and often in foreign countries. To make this role a success you will have to be
able to not only focus on the immediate issues, but will also have to be able to look long-term and
plan for activity well in advance to ensure the most efficient and economical means of delivery.
This role requires a high level of trust and is afforded significant responsibility. The successful
applicant will have the opportunity to shape this role and help drive the Academy of Ancient Music
to ever greater heights of quality and artistic achievement.
Specific responsibilities
Concerts Management
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Oversee the logistical and technical preparation for all concerts, rehearsals and recording
sessions both in the UK and abroad, with the Concerts Administrator (CA).
Develop detailed plans for projects in consultation with Music Director, Leaders and Guest
Directors as appropriate.
Act as first port of call for any orchestra/choir musician with queries regarding their booking
(detailed logistical queries to CA).
Accompany the orchestra when rehearsing, recording and performing, acting as tour manager
(shared with and assisted by CA).
Administer the venue booking process for Barbican & Cambridge seasons, working with Senior
Management Team to ensure an appropriate season is presented and excellent relations with
key partners (Barbican, University of Cambridge) are maintained.
Ensure excellent communication within the concerts team to deliver seamless logistical
support thereby enabling the Head of Concert & Artistic Planning to focus on their specific role.
Line manage the Concerts Administrator.
Artistic Planning
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With the Music Director & Senior Management Team, work to plan, programme and deliver
the overall artistic programme.
Develop ideas, themes, repertoire and strands for season and programme planning.
Assist Music Director in selection of soloists and guest directors as necessary.
With Chief Executive and Head of Finance, ensure that budgets for all artistic activity are
prepared, approved and kept up-to-date.
On occasion, assist the Chief Executive with discussions with promoters to ‘sell’ concerts and
projects.
With Chief Executive, negotiate and book Directors and soloists fees and contract terms.
How to apply
Please send a covering letter/email and CV by email to the Chief Executive, Jonathan Manners.
The email, addressed to j.manners@aam.co.uk, should arrive by Friday 31st January.
Please include your current salary, notice period, and the names of two referees who may be
contacted between the first and final rounds of interviews. Best practice is for the CV not to exceed
two sides of A4.
First interviews will take place in early February. There may be a second and final round in which we
will offer applicants the opportunity to meet musicians and members of the AAM office team.
The Academy of Ancient Music strives to be an equal opportunities employer.