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 to applicants 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)

AND

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

STRAUSS Ein Heldenleben – 1 bar before [78] to 1 bar after [79]

STRAUSS Till Eulenspiegels lustige Streiche – 13 bars before [29] to 2 bars before [30]

STRAUSS Till Eulenspiegels lustige Streiche – fig. [35] to [38]

Requests for further information:

Direct to Orchestra Management at: [email protected]

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.