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Established in 1906, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, MSO, is Australia’s pre-eminent orchestra. Working with a distinguished roster of titled conductors headed by Chief Conductor, Jaime MartÍn, and renowned visiting artists, the MSO reaches audiences of more than five million annually, live and online. The MSO has recently embarked on a partnership with the London Symphony Orchestra’s LSO Live label, extending its audience reach still further.

The MSO is committed to honouring Australia’s rich heritage, working closely with culturally diverse and First Nations leaders to build community and deliver music experiences to all constituencies across Melbourne, the state of Victoria and beyond. With carefully curated learning programs, a regional touring schedule, accessible concerts and free community events, the MSO provides the broadest range of opportunities for people to enjoy the Orchestra, whatever their circumstances.

Current Vacancies

Section 2nd Violin

Audition dates: Tuesday 28 & Wednesday 29 January 2025

Candidates must be available for both for both days. The audition will conclude no later than 2pm, Wednesday 29 January.

Requirements: First and Second movements of Mozart Violin Concerto No. 4 in D Major OR Mozart Violin Concerto No. 5 in A Major, including cadenzas and with piano accompaniment.

Closing date: Wednesday 11 December 2024

The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra offers an attractive salary package for the successful candidates. Please note that this position is only available to citizens of Australia or New Zealand, permanent residents of Australia or those that have the legal right to work in Australia.

Applicants wishing to send a recording should advise this upon application and as soon as possible. Recordings are not required at time of application.

Application Details

To apply, please send a CV (including mailing address, phone number and email address) to:

Orchestra Management
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
Email: auditions@mso.com.au

Section Double Bass

Audition dates: Wednesday 29 & Thursday 30 January 2025

Candidates must be available for both for both days.

Requirements: First movement of the Koussevitzky Double Bass Concerto, OR First movement from the Bottesini Double Bass Concerto No.2 (with cadenza);
PLUS First movement from Dittersdorf Double Bass Concerto in D Major (with cadenza) OR First movement from Vanhal Double Bass Concerto in C (with cadenza).

All set repertoire is to be performed in orchestral tuning with piano accompaniment.

Closing date: Wednesday 11 December 2024

The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra offers an attractive salary package for the successful candidates. Please note that this position is only available to citizens of Australia or New Zealand, permanent residents of Australia or those that have the legal right to work in Australia.

Applicants wishing to send a recording should advise this upon application and as soon as possible. Recordings are not required at time of application.

Application Details

To apply, please send a CV (including mailing address, phone number and email address) to:

Orchestra Management
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
Email: auditions@mso.com.au

Section Trumpet

Audition dates: Monday 17 & Tuesday 18 March 2025

Candidates must be available for both for both days.

Requirements: George Enescu Légende, performed with piano accompaniment.
PLUS Théo Charlier Étude No. 2 ‘Du Style’ from 36 Études Transcendentes, performed on C or B♭ trumpet in the corresponding key (transposition not required).

Closing date: Monday 10 February 2025

The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra offers an attractive salary package for the successful candidates. Please note that this position is only available to citizens of Australia or New Zealand, permanent residents of Australia or those that have the legal right to work in Australia.

Applicants wishing to send a recording should advise this upon application and as soon as possible. Recordings are not required at time of application.

Application Details

To apply, please send a CV (including mailing address, phone number and email address) to:

Orchestra Management
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
Email: auditions@mso.com.au

MSO is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MSO is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace, all applicants will be considered for employment regardless of race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability status. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.

Your privacy is important to MSO. It is the policy of MSO to respect the confidentiality of information and privacy of individuals. Personal information provided by you as part of your application (whether oral, electronic, or written) will be collected and processed for the purpose of evaluating your application for employment. In order to carry out this purpose, your information may be disclosed to appropriate persons in our offices. Any information we hold will be governed by the most current version of the MSO Privacy Policy and relevant legislation.

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