Auditions

Principal Librarian

Reports to: Music Director
Takes direction from and works closely with: Vice-President & General Manager
Direct Reports (1): Librarian

The Principal Librarian is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) Library, providing and organizing all the music needed for performances and maintaining the Orchestra’s library of parts and scores. An integral member of the Artistic Operations team, the Principal Librarian reports to the Music Director, but works closely with TSO administrative staff to participate in artistic planning and concert production. This position is supported by a second Orchestral Librarian and part-time library staff. 

The chosen candidate  will ideally commence work with the TSO on January 3, 2022 to ensure overlap with the current Principal Librarian. The position of Principal Librarian is a member of the bargaining unit and covered by the terms and conditions of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra-Toronto Musicians’ Association Master Agreement. 

The Principal Librarian is contracted for a forty-five week season, and paid a weekly scale as noted below for an annual minimum of: 

Five of these weeks are paid non-service weeks. All amounts in Canadian dollars. 

Other Benefits: Long term disability insurance, sick leave, 10% CFM-Musicians’ Pension Fund of Canada contribution.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Administrative 

• In conjunction with the Vice-President & General Manager, forecast and track the annual music library budget, including costs and fees for additional library assistance, music acquisition/rentals, as well as equipment and supplies. Throughout the season planning   process, provide projected expense figures for all planned repertoire.

• With the Orchestra Operations Assistant, track and process all expenses related to the music library; advise on music acquisitions and/or updates to library equipment and supplies as necessary.

• Ensure OPAS is updated with library input for Conductor Information Sheets and instrumentation requirements. Advise artistic/operations staff of any unusual performance and/or instrumentation needs.

• With the Orchestra Operations Assistant, report to appropriate performance licensing organizations (SOCAN, ASCAP, BMI, SESAC) all music performed on TSO-presented concerts; pay annual fees as required.

• Manage the preparation of music for all auditions and assist at auditions as requested by the  Music Director and the Orchestra Personnel Manager.

• Assist artistic staff in obtaining needed perusal scores and piano reductions.

• Attend Artistic Operations and Music Department meetings to provide library perspective and information for upcoming performances and seasons.

• Establish and maintain good working relationships with members of the orchestra, Music Director, TSO staff, publishers, and orchestra industry colleagues.

• Oversee other library personnel, including a second orchestral librarian (bargaining unit member) and any additional library staff.

Music Procurement 

• Determine what musical materials (scores and parts) are to be ordered or purchased and acquire them in a timely manner. Negotiate favorable purchase and rental fees where applicable.

• Negotiate fees with copyright and license holders related to broadcasts, internet streaming and downloads, recordings, grand rights, and any other applicable copyright-related issues.

• Take delivery of and track incoming music, pack and ship outgoing music, and maintain shipping records.

• Check all incoming and outgoing performance materials for condition and completeness.

• Ensure prompt return of rented or borrowed materials and adherence to publisher agreements. 

Music Preparation 

• Determine from conductors and principal players what preparation is required prior to each  service and ensure the execution of such preparation.

• Review all music to determine if orchestra parts meet acceptable standards, i.e., that they are  legible and contain adequate rehearsal letters, numbers, and measure numbers. Take necessary steps to correct problems that could potentially disrupt rehearsals.

• Provide parts sufficiently in advance to the Concertmaster and other designated string Principals  for bowings, and to all musicians for pre-rehearsal practice.

• Ensure that bowings, rehearsal letters/numbers and measure numbers are compatible between  conductors’ scores and players' parts. 

Concert/Rehearsal Duties 

• For assigned rehearsals and concerts, arrive in advance to execute any changes in bowing,  music folder distribution, etc.

• Set conductor's scores and batons at the start of a service; collect and store all scores at conclusion of a service.

• Distribute and collect music at concerts and rehearsals; assist conductors and musicians with needs related to printed music.

• Follow up at every rehearsal with the conductor and string principals for possible bowing  changes, mistakes to be corrected in the parts, difficult page turns, etc.

Orchestra Library Maintenance

• Maintain the orchestra's collection of scores and parts in good condition; repair and maintain  music and folders as needed.

• Catalogue and file all music in the orchestra library, maintain accurate inventory, and ensure  adequate security.

• Track all items borrowed from the library (e.g., individual parts, scores, reference materials) and  ensure their timely return.

TO APPLY:

Candidates invited to participate in the semi-final round (Canadians and international candidates) will be required to complete a written examination on October 25 or 26, 2021 which can be completed remotely if the candidate is unable to travel to Toronto. Please indicate on your application the intention to write the exam in Toronto or elsewhere.

Final round (in person) auditions are scheduled to take place in Toronto between November 15-21, 2021. 

All applicants musi complete the TSO’s Online Application form by Friday, October 8, 2021 at 5 PM.  You will be prompted to upload a PDF of your resume, so please have it ready to upload.

After completing the form, you will be directed via a link to the TSO payment site where you will be required to submit a deposit in the amount of $100 CAD via credit card. In the event that you are not invited to audition, your deposit will be refunded. Deadline to withdraw from the audition and receive a full refund  is 24 hours after the examination times have been communicated. Candidates granted an audition will receive a refund of their deposit following their written exam.

Once you have submitted your audition application, a confirmation will appear and you will receive a copy of your online application form in your email inbox.

The TSO is committed to providing accommodations for persons with disabilities. If you require accommodation, the TSO will work with you to meet your needs.