The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra is Australia’s preeminent orchestra, dedicated to creating meaningful experiences that transcend borders and connect communities. Through the shared language of music, the MSO delivers performances of the highest standard, enriching lives and inspiring audiences across the globe.
With a history spanning more than a century, the MSO reaches five million people annually through performances, TV, radio, online broadcasts, and recordings.
Led by Chief Conductor and Artistic Advisor, Jaime Martín, the MSO brings music to all corners of the community, ensuring that everyone, regardless of background or location, can share in the transformative power of music.
Current Vacancies
Associate Principal Double Bass
Audition date: Tuesday 17 February & Wednesday 18 February 2026
Requirements: First and second movement of Classical concerto - either Vanhal Concerto in D major or Dittersdorf Concerto in E major,
PLUS First movement (with cadenza if applicable) of Romantic/20th Century Concerto – either Koussevitzky Concerto in F# minor, Bottesini Concerto No.1 in F# minor or Bottesini Concerto No.2 in B minor
PLUS Orchestral Excerpts
Closing date: Tuesday 20 January 2026
The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra offers an attractive salary package for the successful candidates. Please note that this position is open 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 to be submitted 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
2026 Auditions
The following permanent, full-time positions will be auditioned by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra in 2026. Should you not be able to attend these dates in person, the MSO accepts recorded auditions.
Associate Principal Oboe: Monday 15 and Tuesday 16 June 2026
Associate Principal Trombone: Monday 26 and Tuesday 27 October 2026
Section Clarinet: Tuesday 8 and Wednesday 9 December 2026
Further details, including audition requirements, will be posted to this page in due course.
These positions are full time positions and are only open to Citizens of Australia or New Zealand, and Australian Permanent Residents.
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.
