Principal Third Horn

Exceptional musicians are invited to apply for the role of Principal 3rd Horn with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra.

Position	Principal 3rd Horn
Remuneration	Salary range of $95,978 - $101,352 plus 12% superannuation. In addition, you will receive instrument and clothing allowances of $1,816.55 per annum. QSO also provides a comprehensive instrument insurance scheme, health and wellbeing programs and the Orchestra enjoy generous leave entitlements that include five weeks annual leave plus a paid mid-year break of a minimum of nine days.
Eligibility	This position is open to Australian and New Zealand citizens and those with Australian permanent residency status.
Tenure	Permanent full time, subject to successful completion of a 6-month trial period.
Section Structure	One section principal, one associate principal, one principal third horn and two section horn musicians.
How to apply	Please submit your current CV with relevant orchestral experience and contact details as soon as possible via Musical Chairs.
Audition date and times	Thursday 20 and Friday 21 August, 2026.
Application closing date	Thursday 5 August, 2026
Location	ABC Southbank, 114 Grey St Brisbane, Queensland.

Selection Process

Interested musicians are required to submit a current CV with relevant experience and contact details. Excerpts will be made available after application.

An accompanist will be provided for live auditions.

Applicants unable to attend a live audition are encouraged to submit a recorded audition and will be provided with the requirements upon application. The deadline for submitting recorded auditions is Thursday 5 August, 2026.

Audition Requirements

Set works (to be played with piano accompaniment)

1.    MOZART Horn Concerto No.2 or No.4 1st movement – with piano accompaniment and cadenza where appropriate

AND

2.    R. STRAUSS Horn Concerto No.1 1st movement – with piano accompaniment.

Excerpts (all 3rd horn unless otherwise stated)

BRAHMS	Piano Concerto No. 1, op. 15 - 1st movement: bar 199 to 215
BRAHMS	Piano Concerto No. 2, op. 83 - 1st movement: bar 188 to 198
BRAHMS	Piano Concerto No. 2, op. 83 - 2nd movement: bar 163 to 215
MAHLER	Symphony No. 3 - 1st movement: 1 before [29] to 6 before [33]
MENDELSSOHN	1st horn Part: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, op. 61: Nocturne - Beginning to bar 34
MENDELSSOHN	Symphony No. 3, op. 56 - 2nd movement: bar 48 to 67
MENDELSSOHN	Symphony No. 3, op. 56 - 3rd movement: bar 74 to 95
SAINT-SÄENS	Symphony No. 3, op. 78 - 1st movement: bar 239 to 269 AND bar 366 to 377
SCHUMANN	Symphony No. 3, op. 97 - 2nd movement: pickup to bar 108 to 119
R. STRAUSS	Ein Heldenleben - 1 bar before [78] to 1 bar after [79]
R. STRAUSS	Till Eulenspiegels lustige Streiche - 13 bars before [29] to 2 bars before [30]
R. STRAUSS	Till Eulenspiegels lustige Streiche – fig. [35] to [38]

Requests for further information

Direct to Orchestra Management at: recruit@qso.com.au

Unsolicited recruitment agency CVs will not be accepted.

Position Description

The general duties and work requirements of a Section Musician are to:

• work in accordance with the terms of this agreement
• play the instrument(s) for which the musician was auditioned

In addition to the duties of section musicians, the Principal 3rd Horn will also:

• play 1st Horn as required.
• play tutti Horn if not otherwise playing 3rd horn in order to contribute to a balanced workload across the section.

You may review the responsibilities of musicians in our current 2025 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 new Australian works and continues to invest in collaborations, recordings, and digital initiatives.