Section Principal Second Violin

Exceptional musicians are invited to apply for the role of Section Principal 2nd Violin with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra.

Position:	Section Principal Second Violin
Remuneration:	Salary range of AUD$101,615 - $106,238 per annum 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 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
Structure:	The Second Violin section will be comprised of one Section Principal Second Violin, one Associate Principal Second Violin, one Assistant Principal Second Violin and 9 Tutti Second violins
How to apply:	Please submit your CV with relevant orchestral experience and contact details as soon as possible via Musical Chairs
Closing date:	29 April 2025
Audition date:	27 May 2025
Location:	ABC Building, South Brisbane

Selection Process

Interested musicians are required to submit a CV with relevant experience.

Applicants shortlisted for audition will receive details regarding the audition after the closing date. 

Please note: the panel may choose to invite candidates with relevant professional experience straight to a pre-trial. The pre-trial will include two to three weeks of orchestral performances and a short recital.

Applicants unable to attend the audition are encouraged to submit a recorded audition, to be received by 20th May 2025 at the latest. Applicants wishing to record an audition will be provided with the requirements upon application.

Audition requirements

Set Works:

1. MOZART Violin Concerto in G, D or A - First and second movements, including cadenzas; AND
2. Any contrasting concerto or major work for violin and orchestra from the 19th or 20th century - first movement including cadenzas

AND

Orchestral Excerpts:

Solo excerpts
MOZART	Serenata notturna – 4 excerpts: movement 1 b.1-45, movement 2 b.1-24, movement 3 b1-44, movement 4 b.52-85
R. STRAUSS	Also sprach Zarathustra! – 3 excerpts: 5 after fig.7 to fig.9, 8 before fig.18 to fig.18, fig.38 for 8 bars
J.S. BACH	St Matthew Passion – No.42 b.1-46
Tutti excerpts
BEETHOVEN	Symphony No.9 – movement 2 b1-84
BRUCKNER	Symphony No.9 – movement 3 fig.D to 2 bars before fig.70
DEBUSSY	La Mer – movement 2 fig.35 to 4 bars after fig.38
MENDELSSOHN	A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Scherzo b.17-93
MOZART	Symphony No.39 – movement 4 b1-41
MAHLER	Symphony No.9 – movement 1 b.6-26
BRAHMS	Piano Concerto No.1 – movement 3, b.238-263
SCHOENBERG	Verklärte Nacht (1943) – 2 excerpts: b.251-266 AND b.303-319
BRAHMS	Symphony No.4 – movement 4 b.33-64

Excerpts for the audition will be made available for download upon application.

Further enquiries

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

Unsolicited recruitment agency CVs will not be accepted.

Position Description

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, a Section Leader/Principal Musician will also:

• Prepare and play the first part of the section and relevant solos of the repertoire
• Lead and direct the section
• Take responsibility for the style, intonation, balance, ensemble, rhythm and preparation of the section
• In the case of string principals, prepare 1st desk part with bowings and other markings from concertmaster’s part
• Play other parts from time to time in an emergency or at his/her discretion
• Take responsibility in the first instance for the general discipline of the section
• Take responsibility in the first instance for rostering the section, and in string sections for seat allocation, assuring that appropriate input is received from section members and due consideration is given to artistic standards
• Prepare suitable audition material for auditions and casual assessments relevant to the section and consult with orchestra management on the engagements of casual musicians
• Participate in monitoring the musical standard of the orchestra

You may review the conditions of employment and responsibilities of all positions in our Queensland Symphony Orchestra 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.