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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 Concertmaster
Associate Concertmaster
Expressions of Interest
We are seeking expressions of interest for the permanent position of Associate Concertmaster for the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.
How to apply
To apply, interested musicians must email a CV, including relevant contact details and experience, to auditions@mso.com.au. Selected candidates may be asked to provide a recording to support their expression of interest.
Process
Following an initial shortlisting process, a small number of musicians will be invited to Melbourne for a “pre-trial”, including three to four of weeks of orchestral performance and presentation of set audition repertoire live for the audition panel. Following the conclusion of all pre-trials, a full trial will be offered to the preferred candidate.
Interested musicians are encouraged to submit applications as soon as possible. The panel will begin assessing applications immediately upon receipt.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform all duties of Associate Concertmaster in rehearsals, concerts, recordings, tours, and outreach performances.
- Lead the orchestra and assume the performing duties of Concertmaster in his/her absence or as required.
- Prepare and play relevant repertoire solos in consultation with the Concertmaster
- Be available to cover for the Concertmaster in an emergency for all programs when rostered on
- Discuss any performance and administrative concerns of any string musician with the Concertmaster
- Assist with bowings and section leadership as directed by the Concertmaster.
Essential
- Significant professional orchestral experience, preferably in a leadership role.
- Strong communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively within a professional orchestra environment.
- Very high standard of technical instrumental skill, musicality and performance
The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra offers an attractive salary package for the successful candidates. Please note that this position is open to all nationalities.
Associate Principal Trombone
Associate Principal Trombone
Audition date: Monday 26 & Tuesday 27 October 2026
Requirements: First movement of Tomasi Trombone Concerto with piano accompaniment,
PLUS
Orchestra Excerpts
Closing date: Monday 28 September 2026
The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra offers an attractive salary package for the successful candidate. 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.
Associate Principal Trombone is required to play any tenor trombone position within the section.
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
Section Clarinet
Section Clarinet
Audition date: Tuesday 8 & Wednesday 9 December 2026
Requirements: 1st and 2nd movements of Mozart Clarinet Concerto K.622 with piano accompaniment, with the traditional 2nd movement cadenza from the Quintet K.581,
PLUS
Orchestral Excerpts, including excerpts for E flat Clarinet
Closing date: Sunday 8 November 2026
The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra offers an attractive salary package for the successful candidate. 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
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.
