Section Principal Second Violin

Position	Section Principal Second Violin
Remuneration	Salary range of AUD$106,187 - $111,018 per annum plus 12% 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 all nationalities. (Applicants must be able to satisfy the Australian Government’s visa requirements)
Tenure	Permanent full time, subject to successful completion of a 2-week pre-trial and 6-month trial period
Section 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 Section Musician Second Violins
How to apply	Please submit your CV with relevant orchestral experience as well as a recent recording (details below) and contact details as soon as possible via Musical Chairs
Closing Date	Friday, 6 February 2026 - application and Submission of CV and Recording.
Pre-trial location	Brisbane, Queensland

Selection Process

Interested musicians are required to submit their expressions of interest (EOI) in the position by submitting a CV with relevant experience as well as a recent video recording which must contain the exposition and cadenza of a Mozart concerto in addition to 5 minutes of a contrasting example of their playing.

Applicants will be shortlisted and the selected stand out candidates will be invited to complete a pre-trial with the orchestra. Please note that applications will be assessed as they are received.

Pre-Trial Process

Pre-trials will be scheduled in 2026. During the two-week pre-trial, candidates will be required to perform a recital to the members of the QSO.

The recital will include:

• Any Mozart violin concerto, 1st movement and cadenza, with piano accompaniment.
• 5–8-minute own choice piece, contrasting work (or portion of a contrasting work).
• Orchestral excerpts (These will be provided to selected candidates)
• Chamber music (performed with QSO Musicians)

The pre-trial process may be concluded at any time . The successful candidate will be invited to complete a six-month trial with the QSO.

Further enquiries

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

Unsolicited recruitment agency CVs will not be accepted.

Position Description

General duties and work requirements of a Section leader/Principal musician are to:

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

• Monitor the performance of, and provide guidance and feedback to, musicians within their Section, and
• Provide comments on the performance of individual musicians to the Performance Review Panel as necessary.

Additional Duties

In addition to the duties of a section musician, Section leader/Principal musicians (excepting First violins) 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.

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.