Associate Principal and Assistant Principal Second Violin

Two permanent full-time positions

Exceptional musicians are invited to apply for the role of Associate Principal 2nd Violin and/or Assistant Principal 2nd Violin with Queensland Symphony Orchestra.

These are full-time positions open to Australian and New Zealand citizens and those with Australian permanent residency status.

Position:Associate Principal 2nd Violin

Remuneration: Salary range of AUD $91,845 - $96,988 plus 11.5% superannuation. QSO also provides a comprehensive instrument insurance scheme, plus instrument upkeep and clothing allowances. The Orchestra enjoys a generous leave entitlement that include five weeks annual leave plus a paid mid-year break of a minimum of seven days.

Tenure:Permanent full time, subject to successful completion of a 6-month trial period.


Position:Assistant Principal 2nd Violin

RemunerationSalary range of AUD$89,841-$91,845 plus 11.5% superannuation. QSO also provides a comprehensive instrument insurance scheme, plus instrument upkeep and clothing allowances. The Orchestra enjoys generous leave entitlements that include five weeks annual leave plus a paid mid-year break of a minimum of seven days.

Tenure:Permanent full time, subject to successful completion of a 6-month trial period.


Structure:The 2nd Violin section will be comprised of Section Principal, Associate Principal, Assistant Principal and 9 Section Musicians.

Closing date:Tuesday 19 November 2024

Auditions:Tuesday 3 December 2024.

Both Positions will be auditioned concurrently and audition requirements will be the same for both positions.

Selection Process

Please submit your CV with relevant orchestral experience and contact details as soon as possible via Musical Chairs

Interested musicians are required to indicate whether they are applying for Associate Principal 2nd Violin, Assistant Principal 2nd Violin or both positions and encouraged to submit a CV with relevant experience and contact details.

Excerpts for the audition will be available for download on application and further details regarding the audition day will be advised after the closing date.

Applicants unable to attend the audition are encouraged to submit a recorded audition and will be provided with the requirements. An accompanist will be provided for live auditions.

Audition Requirements

Set works (to be played with piano accompaniment)

  1. 1st movement with cadenza of Mozart Violin Concerto 3,4 or 5
  2. One movement of a Romantic or 20th Century violin concerto

Excerpts – tutti (to be played solo)

Excerpts will be available for download on application.

Further enquiries or clarifications may be directed to Orchestra Management at: recruit@qso.com.au

No unsolicited recruitment agencies’ CVs will be accepted.

Position Descriptions

Associate Principal 2nd Violin

General Duties

The general duties and work requirements of an Associate Principal musician are to:

  • Work in accordance with the terms of the QSO Musicians Agreement
  • Play the instrument for which the musician was auditioned.

Additional Duties

In addition to the duties of section musicians, an Associate Principal musician will also:

  • Prepare and play relevant solos.
  • Assist the Section Principal in managing the section and preparing parts.
  • Share the musical responsibilities of the section and lead the section when required; in the absence of the Section Principal, deputise for the required.
  • Sit on the front desk or in another place as required.

Assistant Principal 2nd Violin

General Duties

The general duties and work requirements of an Assistant Principal are to:

  • Work in accordance with the terms of the QSO Musicians Agreement
  • Play the instrument for which the musician was auditioned.

Additional Duties

In addition to the duties of section musicians, an Assistant Principal musician will also:

  • Prepare and play relevant solos.
  • Assist the Section Principal and Associate Principal in managing the section and preparing parts.
  • Share the musical responsibilities of the section and lead the section when required:
  • Sit on the front or second desk or in another place as required.

You may review the conditions of employment and responsibilities of all positions in our 2023-24 Musicians' Agreement.

About QSO

As one of the largest performing arts companies in Queensland and the state’s only professional symphony orchestra, Queensland Symphony Orchestra plays a vital role in Queensland’s cultural community, educating; mentoring aspiring performers; touring regional centres; broadcasting, and performing with state, national and international ballet and opera companies.

Queensland Symphony Orchestra is passionate about commissioning innovative new programs and Australian works and continues to invest in collaborations, recordings, and digital initiatives.

Applications can be made via Musical Chairs by 19 November 2024.

Further enquiries: Orchestra Management | recruit@qso.com.au

Queensland Symphony Orchestra respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land on which the Orchestra works, plays, and creates music, and we pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.