Overview
For the latest and most accurate information, please visit the official audition page.
Exceptional musicians are invited to apply for the role of Concertmaster with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra.
Tenure
A three-year fixed-term contract with the possibility of renewal, subject to successful completion of a 4-week trial and interview. The contract includes a 6-month probation period. The role plays between 50% (26 weeks) and 75% (34 weeks) of QSO programs and attends meetings as required. Percentage of full-time hours and salary will be negotiated with the successful candidate.
QSO provides a comprehensive instrument insurance scheme, plus instrument upkeep, clothing allowances and statutory leave entitlements.
Eligibility
Open to Australian and New Zealand citizens and those with Australian permanent residency status.
How to apply
Submit the following by close of business on the closing date, through the official application process:
- Your CV with relevant orchestral experience, including referees and contact details
- A recorded submission as outlined below
Recording requirements
Solo (with piano or orchestral accompaniment): Mozart, Violin Concerto No. 3, 4 or 5 – exposition with cadenza
Orchestral excerpts (performed solo):
- Mendelssohn, A Midsummer Night’s Dream: Scherzo (bar 17–99)
- Tchaikovsky, Swan Lake: Black Swan
- J. S. Bach, St. Matthew Passion: Erbarme dich
- R. Strauss, Ein Heldenleben (figure [22] – [32])
The excerpts are provided as a PDF with the official listing.
Closing date: 23 March 2027 – application, CV and recording
Selection process
Interested musicians should submit an expression of interest with CV and recordings addressing the requirements above. A panel of QSO musicians will review all submissions at the end of March 2027, and shortlisted candidates will be invited to an informal interview with a small panel (interviews may be conducted online). Following the interviews, selected candidates may be invited to a pre-trial period with the orchestra.
Pre-trial process
Selected candidates complete a pre-trial of four consecutive weeks (a shorter pre-trial, or non-consecutive weeks, can be considered on request). It includes a range of projects typical of the orchestra’s schedule and an interview with a small panel. During this period candidates also perform a recital for the members of the QSO. The detailed recital requirements and the date and time will be provided well in advance of the trial.
Recital requirements may include, but are not limited to:
- An excerpt of a set concerto
- A 5–8 minute piece of the candidate’s choice
- Orchestral excerpts
- Leading and directing a QSO ensemble from the Concertmaster chair
Because the QSO will conduct multiple pre-trials throughout 2027, candidates will be told after their own pre-trial whether they remain in the process. Final results will be advised once all candidates have completed their pre-trial, which could be as late as the end of 2027.
The position description is available with the official listing.
Further enquiries: [email protected] (Orchestra Management). Unsolicited recruitment agency CVs will not be accepted.
