Artistic Planner

The Artistic Planner supports and delivers key projects which fulfill the artistic strategy of the UAENO, overseeing the creation of musical material and concert projects which will be performed by the orchestra during each season. Working at the heart of the Artistic Planning team they will advise and deliver the Orchestra’s engagement with Emirati composers and performers, identify and select projects for performance and deliver music of the highest standard for the UAE National Orchestra to perform. This position will manage the UAENO’s Chorus, its activities and choral projects throughout the year, along with the personnel required to establish the Chorus as a choir of national standing. From time to time this position will lead the delivery of particular special projects as mutually agreed from conception to performance, working closely with the Director of Artistic Planning and other artistic personnel. 1. Repertoire Program Development Work closely with the Arabic Programme Manager to develop a diverse and compelling season of performances that reflect both traditional and contemporary works from a variety of cultures, especially in line with the cultural vision of the UAENO.Advise on the selection and engagement of composers, performers and repertoire which reflect the mission of the UAENO as a national cultural entity. 2. Artist and Composer CollaborationFoster strong relationships with composers, guest artists, and musicians, ensuring that commissions are delivered timely and up to the UAENO’s artistic standards. Collaborate with music arrangers to ensure selected repertoire matches the orchestra’s mission and fits the available instrumentation and technical parameters. Explore opportunities for collaborative compositions that reflect the UAE’s cultural heritage and its place in the global arts community.3. UAENO ChorusManage the recruitment, membership and maintenance of the UAENO Chorus and ensure its successful participation in its planned concert performances and activities throughout each season. Work with the Chorus’ musical leadership to elevate the standard of the Chorus to be an entity of national standing for the UAE. Ensure that the logistical needs of the Chorus are supplied for successful attendance, rehearsal and performance of its projects. 4. Cross-Departmental Collaboration & CommunicationCollaborate with the Marketing and Learning & Engagement departments to ensure that promotional strategies, community engagement activities, and educational outreach align with the orchestra’s programming.Coordinate with the Production and Stage Management teams to ensure smooth logistics for performances of commissioned and arranged music, ensuring that the technical aspects of the music selection are handled efficiently.5. Performance and Audience EngagementDeliver agreed special projects as required. Act as a spokesperson for the UAENO’s activities, participate in interviews and public relations activities, pre-concert talks, panel discussions, and outreach programs that connect audiences with the repertoire and artists. Promote and support the inclusion of local composers, musicians, and innovative collaborations within the orchestra’s programming.ACCOUNTABILITIES Financial: -Limited direct financial responsibilities responsible for ensuring their programming stays within a defined budget for each season or project.-Cost-effective ways of bringing artistic ideas to life, such as minimizing rehearsal costs or collaborating with other institutions for joint performances.Non-Financial: -Artistic and musical vision alignment and execution-Program Development -Repertoire Research and CurationMinimum Job SpecificationsEducation: -A degree in Music, Musicology, or a related fieldExperience:-At least 5 years of experience in a similar role, with a strong background in orchestral programming or music direction, preferably in an international or cultural institution. (or same experience in a production company)-Proven knowledge and understanding of Arabic, classical and contemporary orchestral repertoire, with an emphasis on the cultural and artistic nuances of both Eastern and Western musical traditions.-Familiarity with Arabic classical music and its integration with Western classical traditions is a plus, reflecting the orchestra’s unique position in the UAE.Skills & Abilities: -Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to manage complex and diverse projects simultaneously.-Creative vision for programming, with the ability to balance traditional, classical, and innovative musical expressions.-Ability to think strategically, ensuring that the programming aligns with UAENO’s long-term goals of artistic excellence, cultural engagement, and financial sustainability.-Experience in developing outreach and educational initiatives that reflect the cultural diversity and artistic vision of the orchestra.