Audition Cafe

Overview

For the latest and most accurate information, please visit the official audition page.

2027 Program Summary

Beginning in Semester 1 of 2027, Queensland Symphony Orchestra will accept up to four (4) musicians into the Academy Program on the instruments listed below. For the avoidance of doubt, QSO considers Semester 1 to run from 1 February to 31 July 2027. A strict minimum playing standard applies and there is no minimum intake. Only those applicants of suitable playing standard will be considered for a place in the program.

1. Violin (2 positions)
2. Viola
3. Trombone

Remaining string positions, together with the Flute, Horn and Trumpet positions for the 2027 program, have been filled by Queensland Conservatorium / University of Queensland tertiary students.

What Academy Participants Receive

1. A guaranteed minimum of 40 calls of professional rehearsal and performance experience. Where possible this will be scheduled across a variety of activities, including one ballet production, one opera production, one regional tour activity, one mainstage Maestro concert performance and one chamber music project (or chamber orchestra project) with permanent members of QSO, though this will also depend on the QSO season schedule.
2. Work experience with the QSO’s Management Team.
3. 2 x mock auditions, with two different programs typical of standard orchestral auditions.
4. 2–3 x workshops on audition repertoire with a group of QSO musicians and mentors.
5. 6 x lessons on orchestral excerpts and audition preparation (a minimum of two with the relevant section leader, and the remainder with any QSO musicians or titled conductors of the participant’s choice).
6. Presentations on topics such as the transition from study to work, audition preparation, managing nerves, and health and well-being.
7. Possible masterclasses with guest international soloists and conductors.

Academy participants will need to be fully available for QSO scheduled activities for the period of the Academy. All rehearsal and performance calls attached to the list of activities above will be the base commitment of each participant. Any rehearsal and performance calls over and above the lessons, sessions, rehearsal and performance calls (40) listed here will be paid at the QSO casual musician rate.

Auditions

• Date: Tuesday 10 November 2026
• Location: ABC Studio (QSO), 114 Grey Street, Brisbane
• Time: To be confirmed one week prior to the audition
• Excerpts: 2–3 standard excerpts and 1 free-choice performance piece. Excerpts will be provided upon receipt of application.

Recorded auditions will be accepted. Please contact the orchestra at [email protected] as soon as possible for further details on recorded audition requirements. All live auditions will be filmed for future reference.

Financial Arrangements

An amount of $15,000 will be paid by QSO to Academy participants. Payments are made fortnightly.

Eligibility and Requirements

1. The QSO Academy Program is a 6-month commitment.
2. Participants will need to plan any other commitments or further study around the Academy schedule.
3. Applications to audition will be accepted from the following instruments: Violin, Viola and Trombone.
4. Applicants must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should apply before 9am on Monday 26 October 2026. Any queries regarding the program or the auditions may be directed to [email protected].