Section Principal Second Violin

Expressions of Interest are invited for the role of Section Principal 2nd Violin with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra.

Position: Section Principal Second Violin

Remuneration: Salary range of AUD$106,188 – $111,019 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 Australian and New Zealand citizens and those with Australian permanent residency status.

Tenure: Permanent full time, subject to successful completion of a 2 week pre-trial and 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 nine Section Musician Second Violins

How to apply: Please submit your CV with relevant orchestral experience as well as a recent recording of solo/chamber music (min 5mins) and contact details as soon as possible via Musical Chairs

Closing date: 10 August 2025

Location: ABC Building, South Brisbane

Selection Process

Interested musicians are required to submit their Expression of Interest (EOI) in the position by submitting a CV with relevant experience as well as a recent recording of you playing either solo or chamber music (5mins minimum).

Applicants will be shortlisted, and selected stand out candidates will be invited to complete a pre-trial with the orchestra.

Pre-trial process

The pre-trial will include a mainstage concert (in one week) and a secondary program (in another week). Pre-trials will be scheduled in the second half of this year (2025).

During the two-week pre-trial, candidates will be required to perform a recital to the members of the QSO. This will be scheduled well in advance.

The recital may include:

• Excerpt of a set concert
• 5-8 minute own choice piece
• Orchestral excerpts
• Chamber music where appropriate

The QSO will be conducting multiple pre-trials throughout the rest of 2025, candidates will only be informed of the results of their pre-trial once all candidates once the process has been completed by the end of 2025 Only one candidate can be chosen from the pre-trial process. The successful candidate will be invited to complete a six-month trial (which may be longer) 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

The general duties and work requirements of an 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 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 culturalcommunity, 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.