Audition Information
Position: Principal 2nd Violin
Remuneration: A$158,262.68 – $181,709.00 per annum
plus 11.5% superannuation, and 6 weeks annual leave
Eligibility: This audition is only open to Australian citizens and permanent residents, and New Zealand citizens.
Tenure: Permanent, subject to completion of 12-month trial period
Section structure: The Second Violin section is comprised of 2 Principal positions, 1 Associate Principal, 1 Assistant Principal and 11 Tutti positions.
Set repertoire: Mozart Violin Concerto in G, D or A (1st & 2nd mvts, including cadenzas) , AND
1st mvt of a Concerto or major work for violin and orchestra from the 19th or 20th century (including cadenzas) .
Excerpts released: Mid February
Application closing date: Tuesday 08 April 11.59pm AEST
Recorded submission due date: Friday 02 May 11.59pm AEST
Live audition date: Monday 12, and Tuesday 13 May 2025
Location: Ultimo, Sydney
Apply: Click here to apply online via the Sydney Symphony Orchestra website.
Applicants unable to attend the live audition are encouraged to submit a recorded audition.
If a recorded submission proceeds to the final stage of the audition, the applicant may be required to do a live audition in Sydney (travel costs covered by SSO) at a suitable time for both the applicant and the Company.
Please note: The panel may choose to shortlist and invite applicants after sighting resumes.
Applicants will receive details regarding the audition after the closing date.
If you are interested in finding out more about the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, please click here.
Please direct any enquiries to Orchestra Management at
Position Description
Role: Principal String Musician
Reports to: Concertmaster, Conductor
Department: Orchestra Management
A Principal plays on the front desk of their section when leading, is responsible for the overall performance standard of their section and plays any solo part as required by the repertoire.
Where there are 2 Principals, the solo parts and the leading roles in the major repertoire will be shared as evenly as possible.
A Principal(s) also shares the responsibility of the overall performance standards of the strings.
A Principal(s) will consult with the Chief Conductor & Artistic Director, the Concertmaster(s) and Principal(s) to provide feedback to their section on a regular basis.
A Principal(s) will oversee the bowings and interpretive directions for their section.
The Principal(s) and the Concertmaster(s) are responsible for the seating of their section and ensure Tutti Musicians are rotated on a fair and equitable basis.
A Principal(s) will oversee the distribution of parts and rostering for their section in consultation with the section rosterer.
Principals are generally required to play together in programmes of 16.14.12.10.8 or more.
Principal String Musicians share the leading of their section in all concerts as much as reasonably possible.
A Principal Musician's instrument(s) must be of a professional quality standard.
A Musician provided with instrument(s) by the Company is required to use the instrument(s) in all performances.
Key Functions & Responsibilities:
Undertake duties in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra Musicians' Agreement 2024.
Uphold a professional standard and approach in preparation for rehearsals and performances.
Engender a positive section culture and model high standards of workplace behaviour through adherence to SSO workplace policies and procedures.
Provide leadership support to Section members in the resolution of issues in accordance with SSO Policies, including informing and working with Orchestra Management, People & Culture and Management Committee members to resolve complex issues and complaints as required.
Participate in the following activities as rostered:
Rehearsals, performances and sectionals, covering the diversity of work undertaken by the Orchestra.
Be available to tour within Australia and internationally.
Learning & Engagement performances.
Musicians meetings.
Audition, trial and Orchestra meetings.
Publicity and promotional activities.
Training & professional development sessions.
Participate in the following activities as agreed:
Committee meetings with Musician representatives.
Ensemble and chamber music activities.
Sponsor, philanthropy and promotional events.
Learning & Engagement activities.
Masterclasses.
Public speaking and pre-concert talks.
Undertake higher duties.
Other duties.
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